How to Grow Water Lilies in Flower Arrangements? A Guide to Practical Care Methods

Water lilies are generally grown in ponds or relatively large containers, but water lilies can also be grown as cut flowers, so how do you grow water lilies in flower arrangements?

1. Growth habits of water lilies

Water lilies are aquatic plants, often growing in ponds and lakes, and they prefer an environment with plenty of sunlight, warmth and humidity, and good ventilation.

Water lilies are relatively cold-tolerant and can withstand temperatures of -20°C. As long as the mud underwater does not freeze, water lilies will not freeze to death.

Water lilies are a day-blooming type; the petals open in the morning and close in the afternoon. They tolerate slight shade. In ponds with tree shade along the bank, they can still bloom, but their growth is weaker.

Water lilies are not strict about soil quality and grow normally at pH 6-8, but they prefer loam rich in organic matter. During the growing season, the pond water depth should preferably not exceed 80cm, and some varieties can reach 150cm.

2. How do you grow water lilies in flower arrangements?

Prepare a container with a relatively large opening, and add an appropriate amount of water for growing them or tap water that has been left in the sun. Then transplant the water lily into the container and place it in a courtyard with diffused light. Normally, change the water once a week, and add a special nutrient solution according to its growth.

To use water lilies in flower arrangements, you need to choose relatively robust water lily stems, then cut the water lilies off with sterilized scissors. The length must not be too long. Then turn the water lily upside down, pour water into the flower stem, plug it with cotton after filling it, and then insert the water lily into the growing container.

3. Main varieties of water lilies

1. Egyptian white water lily

Native to the Nile River in Egypt, the flowers are generally white, with 20-25 petals. The leaf surface is green, and the underside of the leaf is slightly red. It is a very popular water lily variety.

2. Indian red water lily

Native to India and the Bengal region, the flowers are peach red, with 20-25 petals. The leaf surface of young leaves is purplish red, mature leaves are green, and the underside of the leaves has soft hairs.

3. Blue water lily

Native to North Africa, Egypt and Mexico, with 16-20 petals. The flowers open in a star shape. The leaf surface is green, the underside of the leaf is dark red-purple with small purple spots, the leaf margin is slightly wavy, and the leaf base is deeply cleft.