Water lilies, known as the "Sleeping Beauty of the Water", add endless charm to the water feature with their elegant flower posture and verdant leaves. If you're looking to grow water lilies in your own tank, here's a detailed guide to help you create a pleasant water feature with ease.
1. Water tank selection and preparation
Good size: Choose a water tank with a depth of at least 60 cm and make sure there is enough room for the water lily roots to grow. The width and length can be adjusted to suit the patio or balcony space.
Material considerationsCeramic, plastic or concrete tanks are acceptable, but they must be watertight and can withstand the weight of water and water lilies.
Location selection: Place the tank in a sunny place with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to promote the growth and flowering of water lilies.
2. Planting soil and substrate
Fertile soil: Water lilies need fertile soil rich in organic matter to grow. You can use special soil for aquatic plants, or mix it yourself, adding humus, river sand and garden soil.
Substrate laying: Spread a layer of 5-10 cm thick pebbles or gravel at the bottom of the tank to help keep the water clear. It is topped with another layer of soil with a thickness of about 15-20 cm.
3. Planting and maintenance of water lilies
Shop for healthy plants: Choose healthy water lily seedlings with green leaves and no obvious lesions or insect pests.
Planting depth: Plant water lily seedlings into the soil, making sure that their growing point is exposed. Too deep or too shallow will affect its growth.
Moisture management: Keep the water level in the tank stable, usually the water depth is based on the submerged water lily leaves. As the plant grows, the water level gradually deepens.
Fertilization points: Apply special fertilizer for aquatic plants once a month during the growth period to provide sufficient nutrients. Take care to avoid excessive fertilization to avoid polluting the water quality.
Fourth, pest control
Disease control: Water lily common diseases are black spot, leaf rot, etc., once the leaf is found to be diseased, it is necessary to cut off the diseased leaves in time, and spray fungicides.
Pest control: Aphids, snails, etc. are the main pests of water lilies. Pest populations can be controlled by changing the water regularly, catching them by hand, or using biological control methods such as stocking small fish.
5. Reproduction and division
Seed propagation: Collect mature seeds, soak them in warm water for 24 hours, sow them in fertile soil, keep the water temperature at about 25 °C, and germinate in about two weeks.
Spread the strain: Every spring is a good time for water lily to divide the plants. Dig the mother plant out of the soil, carefully separate the rhizomes, leaving enough roots and leaves for each plant, and replant.
6. Winter management
Move indoors: If it is cold in winter, it is recommended to move the water tank indoors or take insulated measures to prevent frostbite of water lilies.
Reduce watering: As the temperature drops, the amount of watering should be gradually reduced, but the soil should be kept slightly moist to prevent it from drying out completely.
Stop fertilizing: Water lilies grow slowly in winter, so fertilizer should be stopped to avoid fertilizer accumulation and damage to plants.
By following the steps and precautions above, you will be able to successfully grow beautiful water lilies in your own tank. As long as you take care of them, these water spirits will surely bring a different kind of surprise and beauty to your life.