How to grow water lilies in a container?

Growing water lilies in a container is a rewarding and relatively straightforward way to add beauty and tranquility to your patio, deck, or small garden space. These stunning aquatic plants thrive with proper setup and care, bringing vibrant blooms and lush foliage to any sunny spot.

Essential Supplies for Container Water Lily Success

Before you begin, gather the necessary materials to ensure your water lily flourishes:

• Container: A wide, non-draining container without holes or with drainage holes sealed with silicone. Options include large ceramic pots, half-whiskey barrels, plastic tubs, or specialized aquatic planters. Aim for at least 15-20 inches in diameter for most varieties, and 8-12 inches deep.
• Aquatic Pot/Mesh Pot: A specialized pot designed for aquatic plants, often made of mesh or solid plastic with few holes. This helps contain the soil and the plant while allowing water circulation.
• Heavy Loam Soil: Do not use lightweight potting mix, which will float. A heavy clay-based soil or specialized aquatic planting medium is ideal. You can also mix topsoil with a small amount of sand and cat litter (non-clumping, clay-based) for extra weight.
• Aquatic Plant Fertilizer Tablets: Slow-release tablets formulated specifically for pond plants.
• Mosquito Dunks: For effective mosquito control.
• Gravel or Pebbles: To cap the soil and prevent it from clouding the water.
• Bricks or Risers (Optional): To adjust the depth of the plant if needed.

Step-by-Step Guide to Potting Your Water Lily

Follow these steps carefully to give your water lily the best start in its new container home:

Choose the Right Container

Select a container that suits the mature size of your chosen water lily variety. For dwarf or pygmy lilies, a 1-3 gallon pot might suffice, while larger hardy or tropical varieties will need at least a 10-gallon capacity, ideally wider than it is deep. Ensure it has no drainage holes or that any existing holes are securely plugged to retain water.

Prepare the Soil

Fill your aquatic pot or mesh pot about two-thirds full with heavy loam soil. Avoid potting mixes containing perlite, vermiculite, or bark, as these will float and muddy the water.

Potting the Water Lily

Gently place the water lily rhizome (the tuberous root) into the prepared soil, ensuring the growing tip (where the leaves emerge) is pointing upwards and slightly exposed or just at soil level. If your lily came in a plastic nursery pot, gently remove it and place the root ball directly into your aquatic pot.

Adding Water and Initial Placement

Once the lily is securely planted in its mesh pot, fill your chosen container with water. Carefully lower the potted lily to the bottom of the container. Ensure that the lily in its mesh pot is on the bottom, so its stem is submerged and the leaves float on the surface. For new or shorter plants, you may need to raise the pot on bricks or other stable supports until the stem lengthens sufficiently to allow leaves to reach the surface naturally. The goal is to have the leaves floating on the surface while the roots are deep underwater.

Ongoing Care for Thriving Water Lilies

Consistent care will ensure your water lily produces abundant blooms and healthy foliage throughout the growing season.

Sunlight Requirements

Water lilies are sun-loving plants. They require a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to bloom prolifically. More sun generally equals more flowers. Choose a location for your container that receives ample morning or afternoon sun.

Fertilization

Water lilies are heavy feeders. For optimal growth and prolific blooms, add aquatic plant fertilizer tablets directly into the soil near the plant's roots. These slow-release tablets provide essential nutrients. Follow the product's instructions for dosage and frequency, typically every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring through fall). Gently push the tablet deep into the soil away from the rhizome to prevent direct contact with the roots.

Water Level and Quality

• Maintain Water Level: Regularly top off the container with water to compensate for evaporation. Distilled water or rainwater is ideal, but tap water is usually fine if left to sit for 24 hours to allow chlorine to dissipate.
• Algae Control: While some algae is natural, excessive growth can be unsightly. Consider adding a few submerged oxygenating plants (like Anacharis or Hornwort) to help compete with algae for nutrients and keep the water clear. Partial water changes can also help.

Pest and Disease Management

Water lilies are generally robust, but some issues can arise:

• Aphids: Small green insects that cluster on new growth. A strong spray of water can dislodge them, or you can gently wipe them off.
• Mosquito Larvae: One common concern with container water gardens is mosquito larvae. To effectively manage this, add mosquito dunks to your container. These dunks contain Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), a naturally occurring bacterium that is toxic only to mosquito larvae and completely harmless to plants, fish, pets, and humans.

Winterizing Your Water Lily

Winter care depends on whether you have a hardy or tropical water lily:

• Hardy Water Lilies: If your container is large enough and the water doesn't freeze solid, hardy lilies can often remain in place. For colder climates or smaller containers, carefully remove the potted lily, place it in a tub of water, and store it in a cool, dark, frost-free location (like a basement or garage) where temperatures remain above freezing but below 50°F (10°C).
• Tropical Water Lilies: Most tropical water lilies are treated as annuals in temperate climates and will not survive winter outdoors. You can attempt to overwinter the tubers indoors by storing them in damp sand or peat in a cool, dark place, but many choose to purchase new tropical varieties each spring.

Water Lily Varieties for Containers

Choosing the right variety for your container size is crucial for success.

Maintenance Tips for a Healthy Water Garden

• Deadhead Regularly: Remove spent blooms and yellowing leaves to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance.
• Repotting: Water lilies generally need repotting every 2-3 years, or when they outgrow their current pot. This is also a good time to divide overcrowded rhizomes.
• Cleanliness: Occasionally remove any debris or fallen leaves from the water surface to prevent decomposition and maintain water quality.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the serene beauty of water lilies flourishing in your container garden for years to come.