How do water lilies reproduce? A detailed introduction to common propagation methods

Water lilies are mainly propagated by division. Hardy varieties are usually divided in early spring before sprouting, while tender varieties, because they require higher water and air temperatures, must wait until mid-May for division propagation. When dividing, first dig out the rhizome, select rhizomes with plump new buds, cut them into root segments 8-10 cm long with at least 1 bud, then plant them, burying the terminal bud facing upward in the surface soil, with the covering depth such that the bud eye is level with the soil surface; plant 5-7 segments per pot.

There are many varieties of water lilies, and their flower colors are also very rich, so propagating several different water lilies and growing them together makes for a beautiful sight worth looking forward to when they bloom. As for how water lilies reproduce, there are three methods: cuttings, division and sowing. Let's continue reading for the specific steps.

II. The three propagation methods for water lilies

Cutting propagation, division propagation, sowing propagation

(1) Cutting propagation of water lilies

① Cutting time

Among the propagation methods for water lilies, the choice of time is very important. For water lily cuttings, spring and autumn should be chosen, as this is the period of vigorous growth.

② Selection of cuttings

For the cutting propagation of flowers, the most important thing is the cuttings; good selection directly affects the survival rate after propagation. When choosing adventitious buds for cutting propagation, gardeners should select mature, robust leaves of the water lily.

③ Preparation before cutting

Before cutting, gardeners also need to do some preparation. First, fill the pot with field soil or clayey soil, then water it thoroughly, and then apply a small amount of organic fertilizer.

④ Starting the cuttings

Place the cuttings into the prepared pot, press the leaves upside down into the water, and press soil around them. The adventitious buds should face upward, and the leaves should be submerged in the water.

⑤ Management after cutting

After completing the above work, the cutting propagation of water lilies is basically done, and what remains is care. Water lilies love strong light, so gardeners should cultivate them in a place that receives half a day of sunlight or more, apply organic fertilizer once a year, and after two or three years the roots can be trimmed and the soil changed.

(2) Division propagation of water lilies

In addition to cuttings, water lilies are mainly propagated by division. Depending on the water lily variety, the division time is different:

① Division time

For hardy water lilies, divide in early spring before sprouting, in March-April; for tender water lilies, divide when the climate is warm, generally around mid-May.

② Division method

First, dig out the water lily rhizome and select rhizomes with plump new buds, cutting them into root segments 8-10 cm long, with each segment carrying at least 1 bud. Then, bury the terminal bud facing upward in the surface soil; the soil depth in the pot is best such that the bud eye is level with the soil surface.

③ Care management

After planting, let it sit in the sun for a while before adding shallow water, which helps maintain the water temperature, but the water should not be too deep, otherwise it will affect sprouting. When the temperature rises and the new buds begin to grow, then deepen the water level. Then place it in a well-ventilated spot with plenty of sunlight for care. Note: during high temperatures, keep the water in the pot clean.

(3) Sowing propagation of water lilies

Any flower with seeds can be propagated by sowing, and water lilies also produce fruit after flowering, so water lilies can also be propagated by sowing. Specific steps: after the water lily seeds are harvested, they must be stored in water. Sowing should be done in March-April, using fertile clay loam as the potting soil; the soil should not be filled too full, and should preferably be 5-6 cm below the pot rim.

After the water lily seeds are sown, cover with 1 cm of soil, press firmly, and immerse in water, with the water surface 3-4 cm above the potting soil. After that, cover the pot with glass and place it in a sunny, warm spot to raise the temperature inside the pot. The sowing temperature should preferably be 25-30°C; germination occurs after about half a month, and they will bloom in the second year.