The water lily is an aquatic plant that has been appreciated for its decorative and symbolic qualities for centuries. These plants are native to the tropics and subtropics and are found in still or slow-moving water bodies such as ponds, lakes, and rivers.
They are not only ideal for adding visual interest to ponds and water features but they can also be used in indoor and outdoor decor as a symbol of serenity and calmness. Whether in a simple vase as a centrepiece or in a dramatic, large-scale display, water lilies can bring an air of sophistication and calm to any space, making them a popular choice for home decor. From their ability to adapt to different growing conditions to the wide range of colours and sizes available, water lilies offer endless possibilities for creative and inspired home decor.
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See also: How to grow and care for Giant Water Lily?
Water lily: Facts
| Botanical Name | Genus Nymphaea |
| Family | Nymphaeaceae |
| Type of Plant | Aquatic perennial plant |
| Bloom Time | Typically blooms from spring to fall |
| Leaf Size | Leaves can grow up to 1 metre in diameter |
| Stem Length | Stems can reach up to 2 metres in length |
| Flowers | Showy, come in various colours (white, yellow, pink, red), and bloom during the day |
| Roots | Anchored in the mud at the bottom of the water body, with short stems connecting the leaves and flowers to the roots |
know about: indoor water plants
Water lily: Physical description
The water lily is a beautiful aquatic plant that is easily recognisable by its large, round, and flat leaves that float on the water’s surface. The leaves are coated in a waxy substance that helps keep them afloat. The plant’s showy flowers come in a variety of colours, including white, yellow, pink, and red, and they bloom during the day. The roots of the water lily are anchored in the mud at the bottom of the water body, with short stems connecting the leaves and flowers to the roots.
The water lily is typically found in still or slow-moving bodies of water such as ponds, lakes, and rivers. In addition to its beauty, the water lily plays an important role in its ecosystem, providing habitat and food for aquatic animals, reducing erosion, improving water quality, and contributing to the beauty of wetlands and other aquatic landscapes.
Water lily: How to grow?
Planting a water lily is a fun and easy project that can add colour and beauty to your pond or water garden. Here are the steps to follow:
- Choose the right location: Find a spot in your pond or water garden that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
- Purchase the right size container: Look for a container that is large enough to accommodate the size of the water lily you are planting. A good rule of thumb is to choose a container that is about 2-3 times the width of the plant’s leaves.
- Add a layer of potting soil: Fill the bottom of the container with a layer of potting soil, and make sure it is even and level.
- Plant the water lily: Place the water lily into the container, making sure that the crown of the plant (where the leaves and stem meet) is slightly above the soil.
- Fill the container with water: Slowly add water to the container until it is about an inch below the rim.
- Place the container in the pond: Gently place the container in the pond, making sure that it is not too deep or too shallow.
- Fertilise regularly: Water lilies will benefit from regular fertilisation, especially during the growing season.
Water lily: Planting and maintenance
When planting water lilies, you have the option to either place them in special pots designed for aquatic plants, which have a solid bottom, or to directly bury them in a hole at the bottom of your pond. Either way, the outcome for the lily will not be impacted as the method of planting does not influence its growth. The next step is to make your choice between pots or pockets and commence the planting process.
When opting for aquatic plant pots, the first step is to dig a hole at the bottom of your pond, big enough to snugly fit the pot. Ensure that the hole is both deep and wide enough, so the pot can be properly secured. Once you’ve selected your pot and planted the lilies, carefully place it into the hole, making sure that it rests evenly on the soil at the bottom and is properly level.
If you decide to go with the direct planting approach, you’ll be tucking the water lilies directly into a hole dug at the bottom of your pond.
The dimensions of your pond will affect the size of either the pot or the hole. It’s important to note that water lilies will adapt to the size of their container or pond, so consider this when making your choice. Generally speaking, larger containers lead to bigger water lilies.
Water lilies flourish in dense garden topsoil, but make sure it hasn’t been blended with other substances, such as manure or compost. As you determine the location for your water lilies, be mindful of the fact that they do not perform well in areas with strong water flow or splashing. As a result, it’s best to avoid placing them near waterfalls, streams or any similar sources of disturbance.
Preserving the health of the water lilies is crucial for preserving the beauty of your pond. To promote growth and increased blooming, it’s important to fertilise the lilies regularly. Additionally, be sure to remove any dead or yellowing leaves from the plant’s surface, as they can sink to the bottom and decompose. To maintain the plant’s shape, you should also regularly trim the stems, cutting them as close to the rhizome as possible.
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Water lily: Benefits
- Ornamental: Water lilies are popular ornamental plants that add beauty and colour to ponds and water features.
- Oxygenators: Water lilies help to increase oxygen levels in the water, making them beneficial for aquatic wildlife.
- Ecosystem: Water lilies provide a habitat for various aquatic creatures and play an important role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.
- Erosion control: The strong root system of water lilies can help control erosion in ponds and prevent soil from washing away.
- Reduce algae: Water lilies can help reduce algae growth by providing shade and competition for nutrients.
- Air purification: Water lilies have been found to have air-purifying properties and can help to remove harmful pollutants from the air.
- Stress relief: The tranquil and serene beauty of water lilies can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
- Easy to grow: Water lilies are easy to grow and do not require extensive maintenance, making them a low-maintenance addition to any water feature or garden.
- Edible: The tubers of some species of water lilies are edible and can be cooked and consumed as a food source.
- Cultural significance: Water lilies hold cultural and religious significance in many cultures and have been used for centuries in art, literature, and religious ceremonies.
Water lily: Is it toxic?
The water lily can be toxic if ingested by humans or animals, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and skin irritation. The toxic compounds found in water lilies include glycosides, alkaloids, and other irritants. It’s important to keep the plant out of reach of children and pets and to wash your hands thoroughly after handling the plant or its leaves. If you suspect someone has ingested a toxic amount of water lily, seek medical attention immediately.
FAQs
What type of soil is best for water lilies?
Water lilies thrive in heavy garden soil that has not been mixed with compost or other substances.
How often should water lilies be fertilised?
Water lilies should be fertilised regularly to promote growth and increase blooming.
How do I care for the leaves and stems of water lilies?
Dead or yellowing leaves should be removed from the plant's surface, and stems should be trimmed regularly to maintain the plant's shape.
Where should water lilies be planted in a pond?
Water lilies should be planted in areas that are protected from strong water flow or splashing.
Can water lilies be planted in pots or directly in the pond?
Water lilies can be planted in aquatic plant pots or directly in a hole at the bottom of the pond.
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Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
