How to grow potted water lilies: plenty of light and suitable temperatures

Water lilies are probably familiar to everyone. They are aquatic plants, and because they are highly ornamental, they are often kept at home by flower lovers. However, unlike other flowers, water-cultured water lilies are grown quite differently. As for how to grow water lilies, the two most important factors are: first, light, and second, temperature. Below is the method for growing potted water lilies. Friends who want to grow them should definitely take a look~

1. How to grow water lilies: light is key

According to the editor, water lilies are flowers that do not need much management. Even if caterpillars or aphids occasionally invade, the damage to them will not be too serious. So as for how to grow water lilies, flower lovers who just want to grow them casually only need to give them plenty of light; those who want good results need to further understand the method for growing potted water lilies. Let's continue reading.

2. Method for growing potted water lilies

1. Flowerpot, opening facing outward

Since they are potted water lilies, a flowerpot is naturally needed, and water lilies have requirements for this. Flower lovers should choose flowerpots with the opening facing outward, because the wider the pot opening, the larger the flowers will be. In addition, the depth of the flowerpot affects the flowering interval: the deeper it is, the longer the interval. Flower lovers can choose according to their own needs.

2. Potting soil, fertile river mud

Although they are grown in water, in the method for growing potted water lilies, soil is also very important. Before planting water lilies, put decomposed bean cake or bone meal at the bottom of the chosen flowerpot, then place more than 30 cm of fertile river mud on top, and then plant the water lilies in.

3. Water

As for how to grow water lilies, water is the most critical. In summer, flower lovers should maintain a water depth of about 25 cm and always pay attention to the cleanliness of the water in the pot. Once the water in the pot is polluted, everyone should promptly remove the dirt and replace it with fresh water.

4. Light, must be sufficient

In the method for growing potted water lilies, flower lovers should focus on light. Water lilies like sunlight and need 7-8 hours of sufficient light every day. Only in this way can the number of flower buds increase and the flowering period be relatively long. Once light is insufficient, the flowering period of water lilies will be delayed, and in serious cases it may even lead to failure to bloom.

5. Temperature, 25-30°C

Besides light, in the method for growing potted water lilies, the most important thing is temperature. The more sufficient the light and the warmer the climate, the more beautiful the water lily flowers will be. It is understood that only when the external temperature reaches 25-30°C will water lilies grow quickly. So if you want to grow water lilies well, it is best to place them in a warm environment of 25-30°C.

6. Fertilize in time

Water lilies like fertilizer, so in the process of growing potted water lilies, proper fertilization is also very important. One month after potting, apply decomposed cake fertilizer water and human manure and urine at a concentration of about 10%; after entering the flowering period, apply phosphorus fertilizer once every seven days, so that water lilies can produce large flowers.

7. Pest and disease control

In the method for growing potted water lilies, pests and diseases also need the attention of flower lovers. It is understood that water lily leaves are easily attacked by leaf-eating pests such as owlet moths, causing damage to the leaf surface, thereby reducing photosynthesis and affecting flowering. Flower lovers should control them in time. As for exactly what to do, there is a detailed introduction in the complete guide to water lily diseases and prevention, so I will not say more here.

How to grow potted water lilies and water lily propagation methods

Water lily, also known as ziwulian, dwarf water lily, pygmy water lily, etc., is a perennial aquatic herbaceous plant of the genus Nymphaea in the family Nymphaeaceae. Its oval leaves float on the water surface, and its flowers are large and beautiful, floating on or rising above the water surface. They usually bloom during the day and close at night. Many park water bodies now cultivate them as ornamental plants. Let's take a look below at how to grow potted water lilies!

Growth habits of water lilies

Water lilies like sunlight and good ventilation, and have no strict requirements for soil texture. They can grow normally at pH 6-8. The most suitable water depth is 25-30 cm, and the deepest must not exceed 80 cm. They like loam rich in organic matter. They sprout and grow leaves from March to April, bloom successively from May to August, and each flower blooms for 2-5 days, then sets fruit after flowering. Stems and leaves wither from October to November, and they sprout again the following spring. In the Yangtze River basin, they sprout from late March to early April, form buds in late April or early May, are in full bloom from June to August, have a yellow-leaf period from October to November, and enter dormancy after November.

Propagation methods of water lilies

1. Division: Water lilies are mainly propagated by division. Hardy species are usually divided in early spring before sprouting, from March to April. Non-hardy species have high requirements for air and water temperature, so division can only be carried out around mid-May. When dividing, first dig out the rhizome, select rhizomes with plump new buds, cut them into root segments 8-10 cm long, with each segment carrying at least 1 bud, and then plant them. When growing a small number in pots, you can take water lilies that have been planted for 2-5 years out of the pot, cut them into 2-4 pieces, and then plant them into the pot.

2. Sowing: Water lilies are generally sown from March to April. Use fertile clay loam for the potting soil. Do not fill the pot too full with soil; it should be 5-6 cm below the pot rim. After sowing the seeds, cover with 1 cm of soil, press firmly, and immerse in water, with the water surface 3-4 cm above the potting soil. Cover the potting soil with glass and place it in a sunny, warm place to raise the temperature inside the pot. The suitable sowing temperature is 25-30°C. They germinate after about half a month and can bloom the following year.

How to grow potted water lilies?

1. Soil: Water lilies require fertile clay loam rich in humus. Soil that is too heavy affects the elongation of the lotus whip and the expansion of the lotus, while loose soil is prone to wind damage and hinders root development; neither is good for the growth of water lilies. The soil used is usually lake or pond mud, or it can be made by mixing 4 parts garden soil, 3 parts loess, and 3 parts sandy soil evenly. The best soil pH is 6.5-7.5.

2. Light: Water lilies like strong light. Receiving 7-8 hours of light per day can make their flower buds numerous and keep them blooming continuously. Avoid cultivating them in shady places, and when viewing the flowers indoors, do not keep them indoors for more than a day. Household potted water lilies must be placed on a balcony or in a courtyard, and at noon they should be moved to a cool place to avoid the scorching sun.

3. Temperature: Water lilies have strict temperature requirements. They generally begin to sprout at 8-10°C, the lotus belt begins to elongate at 14°C, and 25-30°C is the most suitable temperature for the growth and development of water lilies. Especially in weather with alternating rain and sunshine, it is more conducive to plant growth.

4. Fertilization: When potting water lilies, apply sufficient base fertilizer according to the size of the pot. One full month after planting, apply a liquid fertilizer mainly composed of decomposed bean cake water or human manure and urine once, at a concentration of 10%. After the standing leaves emerge, apply 1-2 more topdressings. During the flowering period, apply superphosphate once every 7 days.

5. Water: Summer temperatures are high, and water lilies easily lose water, so at this time potted water lilies should be watered 1-2 times daily, and the water should be roughly consistent with the water temperature in the pot. Keep the water clean, and if the water is found to be turbid, change it. In late autumn and early winter, water lilies enter dormancy and do not need frequent watering; just keep shallow water in the tank or pot.

Precautions for water lilies

1. Clay soil rich in humus is especially suitable for water lily growth, so when choosing soil, river pond silt can be used.

2. Water lilies are mostly cultivated by division. The quality of the seed stem is a key link in the final success of cultivation. It is best to select a section of underground rhizome in good growing condition.

3. If the seed stem of a water lily is buried too deep in the mud, it is not good for growth. The cultivation depth should be based on the new buds on the stem being level with the soil surface.

4. The growing environment for water lilies must have sufficient sunlight, warmth and humidity, and good ventilation. Especially for potted water lilies, the light must be sufficient.

Potted water lily growing methods and illustrated potted water lily growing methods