To properly place planted lilies—specifically aquatic lilies like water lilies—into a pond or tub, you must carefully lower the entire pot into the water. This ensures the plant establishes itself correctly and can thrive in its new aquatic environment.
Essential Steps for Submerging Planted Lilies
Placing your planted lily pot correctly is crucial for its growth and the development of its signature floating leaves. Follow these steps to ensure a successful placement:
- Angle the Pot: Begin by lowering the planted pot into your pond or tub at an angle. This technique is vital as it allows any trapped air to escape from beneath the pot, preventing it from floating or becoming unstable.
- Establish Initial Depth:
- For most established planted lilies, the goal is to set the base of the pot so it is 12-16 inches deep below the water surface. This depth provides adequate space for root development and allows the leaves to naturally grow towards the surface.
- If your lily plant already has leaves actively developing and reaching upwards, start by placing the container at a shallower depth, ensuring the leaves are initially 6-8 inches deep. This allows the existing leaves to adjust and continue their ascent without being fully submerged too quickly.
Understanding Depth and Growth
The depth at which you place your planted lily directly impacts its growth pattern. Water lilies are known for their leaves that float on the surface, providing shade and contributing to the aesthetics of your water feature.
Over time, as the plant grows, its leaves will naturally extend and float to the surface of the water, creating a beautiful canopy. The initial depth setting is a crucial foundation for this natural progression.
Lily Depth Guidelines
| Plant Stage | Recommended Pot Base Depth | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Established Lily (no leaves developed) | 12-16 inches | Optimal for root growth; leaves grow to surface naturally. |
| Lily with Developing Leaves | 6-8 inches | Allows existing leaves to acclimate and reach the surface. |
Tips for Success
- Stability: Ensure the pot is stable on the bottom of your pond or tub. If your pond liner is uneven, you might need to place a flat stone or brick beneath the pot for a level base.
- Gradual Deepening: If you started with a shallower depth (e.g., for lilies with developing leaves), you can gradually lower the pot to the deeper 12-16 inch range as the plant matures and its leaves are well-established on the surface.
- Water Quality: Always ensure your pond or tub water is clean and has appropriate conditions for aquatic plants.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively introduce your planted lilies to their aquatic environment, setting them up for robust growth and stunning blooms.
