Water Lily Crown Rot: Fungus, Soil pH & Leaf Removal

New pond (Apr), lilies yellow with black center rot — likely crown rot (Saprolegnia fungus) from soil pH, temp swings, or algaecide.

Immediate Action

1. Remove all rotting leaves — pull at base, discard far from pond.
2. Check soil: Acidic? Use mix: garden soil + sand + pea gravel (mostly gravel).
3. Stop algaecide — kills plants too.
4. Stabilize temp: Deep water, shade, no rapid changes.

Repotting Fix

• Lift baskets, rinse roots, trim rot (sterile knife).
• Repot in aquatic media (clay-based, neutral pH).
• Gravel top-dress.

Other Factors

• Temp swings = stress → fungus entry.
• Algaecide drift = collateral damage.
• Healthy lilies = heavy feeders — need tabs in pots.

Crown rot spreads. Remove infected tissue, fix soil, stabilize environment. Lilies recover fast if roots live.