Mystery "Water Lily" with Cone Base, Tiny Leaves: It's a Rhizome

My Water Lily Has a Pine-Cone Base, No Stringy Roots — Is It a Lily?

Yes! Hardy water lilies grow from a rhizome — a thick, pine-cone-shaped rootstock. No stringy roots is normal.

Why Leaves Are Tiny

• Could be a dwarf variety (mislabelled).
• First leaves after planting/dormancy are small.
• Pot too small — limits growth.

Check

• Has it bloomed? Flower ID confirms variety.
• Region? Tropical vs. hardy changes care.
• Repot in larger container with clay soil + gravel top.

It's a lily — just a compact one.