How do water lilies reproduce? A detailed explanation of common propagation methods

Water lilies are mainly propagated by division, but they can also be grown from seed.

Propagation methods for water lilies: division propagation

When dividing, hardy species are usually divided in early spring before sprouting, from February to April; tender water lilies have high requirements for air and water temperature, so division can only be carried out around mid-May. When dividing, first dig out the water lily rhizome, select rhizomes with plump new buds, cut them into 8-10 cm lengths, with each segment bearing at least 1 bud, and then plant them. Bury the water lily growing tip upward in the surface soil, with the covering depth such that the plant's bud eye is level with the soil surface, planting 5-7 segments per pot.

Propagation methods for water lilies:

Division propagation

Water lilies are mainly propagated by division. Hardy species are usually divided in early spring before sprouting, in March-April; tender species have high requirements for air and water temperature, so division must wait until 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 bearing at least 1 bud, and then plant them. Bury the growing tip upward in the surface soil, with the covering depth such that the plant's bud eye is level with the soil surface, planting 5-7 segments per pot. After planting, give a little sun exposure before adding shallow water, to help maintain the water temperature, but the water should not be too deep, otherwise sprouting will be affected. Once the temperature rises and the new buds begin to sprout, deepen the water level. Place in a well-ventilated, sunny spot for care, with a growing water depth of 20-40 cm; in summer the water level can be appropriately deepened, and in the hot season keep the pot water clean. When growing only a small number of 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 replant them in the pot.

Seed propagation

Water lilies can also be propagated from seed, that is, after the flowers fade they turn into the water; before the fruit ripens, wrap the flower in a gauze bag so that when the fruit splits the seeds fall into the bag. After the seeds are harvested, they must still be stored in water; if stored dry they will lose their ability to germinate. Sow in March-April, using fertile clay loam as the potting soil; do not fill the pot too full, leaving it about 5-6 cm below the rim. After sowing the seeds, cover with 1 cm of soil, press firm and immerse in water, with the water surface 3-4 cm above the potting soil. Cover the potting soil with glass and place in a sunny, warm spot to raise the temperature inside the pot. The sowing temperature should be 25-30°C; germination occurs after about half a month, and the plants will bloom the following year.

That covers the propagation methods for water lilies. Water lilies are a prized flower among aquatic plants. They look similar to lotus flowers, except that the leaves and flowers of the lotus rise above the water surface, while the leaves and flowers of the water lily float on the water surface. Because water lilies open by day and close by night, they are known as the "sleeping beauty among flowers."

How to grow water lilies

How to propagate water lilies from seed

Pour the seeds into a container filled with water and place them in 25°C-30°C warm water to force germination, changing the water every day; they generally germinate in about 2 weeks. When the seedlings develop young roots, move them into a small pot for planting. After planting, place the small pot into a water tank, with the water depth just enough to submerge the young leaves by 1 cm. In April, when the temperature rises to 17°C, they can be moved outdoors for cultivation. As new leaves grow, repot 2-3 times, and finally plant them in a tank or pot with a diameter no greater than 35 cm.        

How to grow rhizomes in pots

For pot cultivation, choose a pot or tank with an inner diameter of 40 cm and a depth of about 60 cm, and plant from late March to early April.

When planting, first place 3-4 cm of river mud in the bottom of the pot; do not add too much soil, and usually leave 20-25 cm of space at the top for water. Then bury the cut rhizomes with the growing tip upward below the soil surface, and add a little more soil to cover, with the covering depth such that the growing tip is level with the soil surface, planting 5-7 segments per pot.

Just after planting, do not add water too deep; 2-3 cm is suitable, to help raise the water temperature. After that, place the pot in a well-ventilated, sunny spot for care. Later, gradually deepen the water level as the plant grows.

In summer, a watering depth of about 25-35 cm is suitable, and this depth should be kept constant. After flowering, promptly remove spent flowers and dead leaves to prevent nutrient consumption and keep things clean and attractive. During the growing period, apply fertilizer 2-3 times as needed.

Before Cold Dew, pour out the water in the pot to prevent overwintering in a cold room at about 3°C; just keep the potting soil moist without freezing. Around the Spring Equinox, repot and change the soil, applying an appropriate amount of fermented soybean cake liquid as a base fertilizer.

Daily management and maintenance

Water lilies are long-day plants, so the planting site must have plenty of light and good ventilation. Water lilies have different water level requirements at different growth stages.

At the initial stage, the water level should just slightly cover the rim of the pot; as the leaves grow, gradually raise the water level. In the early growth stage of potted water lilies, the base fertilizer should be sufficient, and no additional fertilizing is needed; during the flowering period, apply quick-acting potassium dihydrogen phosphate.

Precautions

Throughout the growing season, pay attention to removing weeds, dead leaves and algae from the water surface in the pot. If there is too much algae, spray a 0.3-0.5% solution once every half month; several consecutive treatments can help keep it under control.