How to Grow Water Lilies in a Bowl?

Growing water lilies in a bowl offers a beautiful and manageable way to enjoy these aquatic plants, even in small spaces. The process involves selecting the right components and providing consistent care, with feeding being particularly important for their health and vibrant blooms.

Essential Steps for Planting a Water Lily Bowl

Successfully planting a water lily in a bowl requires careful attention to the container, planting medium, and the lily itself. As highlighted in "The Garden Gurus - Classic Water Lily Bowl" video segment (from 1:02-2:11), the presenter emphasizes, "So feeding is. So important I'm about to plant up a water lily bowl. And here's all the things I need to make it." This underscores the necessity of having the right materials and nutrients for a thriving setup.

Here's a breakdown of the key elements and steps:

1. Choosing the Right Bowl or Container

• Size: Select a bowl that is at least 15-20 inches (38-50 cm) in diameter and 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) deep for dwarf or small varieties of water lilies. Larger varieties will require bigger containers.
• Material: Opt for non-porous materials like glazed ceramic, plastic, or fiberglass. Avoid terra cotta unless it's sealed, as it can leech minerals and affect water quality.
• Drainage: Ensure the bowl has no drainage holes. This is crucial for maintaining the water level required by water lilies.

2. Selecting the Water Lily Variety

• Dwarf or Miniature: Ideal for bowls, as they won't outgrow the space too quickly. Look for varieties specified for container growing.
• Hardy vs. Tropical:
  • Hardy water lilies are perennial, returning year after year in temperate climates. They typically bloom during the day and come in a range of colors.
  • Tropical water lilies are often more fragrant, come in a wider array of vibrant colors, can bloom day or night, and some have mottled pads. They are typically grown as annuals in colder climates or overwintered indoors.

3. Preparing the Planting Medium

• Soil Type: Use a heavy, loam-based soil, often labeled as aquatic planting soil or heavy garden soil. Avoid lightweight potting mixes or those with perlite, vermiculite, or bark, as these will float.
• Nutrition: Incorporate aquatic plant fertilizer tablets into the soil during planting and as part of ongoing maintenance. As mentioned, feeding is vital for healthy growth and prolific flowering.

4. The Planting Process

1. Prepare the Plant: Gently remove the water lily from its nursery pot. If it's a bare-root rhizome, position it correctly.
2. Add Soil: Fill your chosen bowl about halfway with the heavy aquatic soil.
3. Position the Lily: For hardy lilies, plant the rhizome at a 45-degree angle with the growing tip (crown) pointed towards the center of the pot and slightly above the soil line. For tropical lilies, plant them upright with the roots spread out.
4. Cover with Soil: Gently cover the roots and most of the rhizome with soil, leaving the growing tip exposed.
5. Cap with Gravel: Add a thin layer (about 1 inch or 2.5 cm) of pea gravel or small pebbles on top of the soil. This prevents the soil from clouding the water and keeps fish (if any) from disturbing the roots.

5. Filling and Positioning the Bowl

1. Slowly Add Water: Place a plate or a piece of plastic on the gravel and slowly add water to the bowl, letting it overflow. This prevents the soil from being disturbed. Fill the bowl until the water covers the top of the gravel by at least 4-6 inches (10-15 cm).
2. Sunlight: Water lilies require ample sunlight to thrive and bloom, ideally 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Place your water lily bowl in the sunniest spot in your garden or patio.
3. Water Level: Maintain the water level by topping it off regularly, especially during hot weather, due to evaporation.

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

Consistent care ensures your water lily bowl remains a vibrant feature.

• Fertilization: This is arguably the most crucial aspect. As the "Garden Gurus" segment emphasizes, "feeding is so important." Apply aquatic fertilizer tablets every 3-4 weeks during the growing season (spring through late summer), following product instructions. Insert the tablets deep into the soil near the roots.
• Pruning: Remove yellowing leaves and spent blooms regularly by cutting their stems at the base of the plant. This redirects the plant's energy towards new growth and flowers.
• Pest and Disease Control: Water lilies are generally robust, but occasionally aphids or other pests may appear. A gentle spray of water can dislodge aphids, or introduce beneficial insects.
• Winter Care (Hardy Lilies): In colder climates, if the bowl is shallow, you may need to move it to a deeper part of a pond (if available) or indoors to a cool, dark, frost-free location (e.g., a garage or basement) once temperatures drop. Keep the soil slightly moist during dormancy.
• Repotting/Dividing: Over time, water lilies can outgrow their containers. Every 1-2 years, or when flowering diminishes, consider repotting the lily into a larger container or dividing the rhizome. This is typically done in early spring.

Summary of Water Lily Bowl Essentials

By following these guidelines, you can create a thriving and beautiful water lily display in a bowl, bringing a touch of aquatic elegance to your outdoor space.