How to grow water lilies so they bloom? A detailed summary of planting methods and precautions
Water lilies give people the feeling of “a sweet sleeping beauty, delicate and fresh to the eyes”, easily inspiring a desire to grow them. But growing water lilies well involves many considerations, so how do you grow water lilies so they bloom? What are the planting methods and precautions for water lilies?
1. Planting methods for water lilies: how do you grow them so they bloom?
Generally, if water lilies are grown well, they can produce beautiful blooms around the second year.
1. Choose a reasonable time to grow water lilies: The best time to grow water lilies is from March to April each year. Some tropical varieties can be sown slightly later, but it is recommended not to sow later than mid-June.
2. Pay attention to the soil requirements for water lilies: It is best to choose slightly alkaline soil rich in organic matter and humus.
3. Control the growing temperature and humidity for water lilies: The temperature is best kept between 20-28°C. If the variety being grown is not particularly cold-hardy, it is recommended to keep the temperature around the water lily above 13°C in winter.
Humidity here refers to the depth of the water used to grow water lilies. The most suitable depth is about 30 cm. Also, be sure to change the water when it becomes cloudy.
4. Water lilies need sufficient light: Light is a necessary condition for water lilies to bloom. Only water lilies with sufficient light can bloom early and well.
2. What are the precautions for growing water lilies?
1. Do not apply too much nitrogen fertilizer to water lilies
Too much nitrogen fertilizer easily causes water lilies to grow excessively, resulting in leaf growth without flowering. In fact, water lilies do not have a very high demand for fertilizer; it is enough to apply a little liquid fertilizer once after 1 month of planting.
2. Do not plant too many water lily plants in each pot
Planting too many water lilies in a pot will cause the roots to become crowded, which is not conducive to flowering. At this point, division is needed. In addition, when dividing, it is best to replace the potting soil.
3. Do not disturb water lilies during their dormant period
In late autumn and winter, water lilies gradually enter the dormant stage. At this time, do not carry out operations such as repotting or division. Simply add an appropriate amount of clean water when the water becomes shallow.
4. Prune overgrown leaves and remove spent flowers and dead leaves in time
If the water lilies being grown have excessively dense leaves, or spent flowers and dead leaves after blooming, prune and clean them up in time to avoid polluting the water quality and causing pests and diseases.
5. Change the water in the morning
If you need to change the water for water lilies, to avoid too large a temperature difference affecting growth, it is best to do it in the morning.
6. Provide shade during high summer temperatures
Although water lilies are plants that especially like light, during weather with sustained high temperatures and strong sunlight in summer, do not expose them directly to the sun. Appropriate shading is needed to prevent them from withering.
Finally, a reminder to flower lovers: if you want the water lilies you grow to have larger flowers, it is recommended to use a pot with a wide mouth (not the bottom of the pot!), and it is best if the opening faces outward.