How to Plant and Care for Water Lily Roots

Understanding Water Lily Roots

Water lily roots resemble a deformed pine cone, with visible growing points—nodules that contain buds destined to become foliage and blooms. If you have a large root, you can safely divide it as long as each piece retains at least one growing point. Smaller roots emerging from the main rhizome can also be detached and potted individually.

Cleaning and Preparing the Root

Avoid scrubbing the root; a gentle rinse with a garden hose is sufficient to remove algae and debris. Excessive cleaning can damage delicate growing points.

Potting Your Water Lily

• Container: Choose a wide pot at least 6 inches in diameter.
• Depth: Plant the root about 4 inches deep in heavy garden soil or aquatic potting mix.
• Top dressing: Cover the soil with a 1- to 2-inch layer of small pebbles or gravel to prevent the soil and root from floating out.

Acclimating and Placing in the Pond

1. Place the potted lily in a shallow area of the pond where the top of the pot is not submerged. Let it sit overnight so the soil becomes fully waterlogged.
2. The next morning, gently lower the pot to its final depth. The pebble layer will help keep everything in place.

Expectations

Within a few weeks, the plant should send up lily pads to the surface. With proper care, you may even see a bloom before the season ends. Remember, hardy water lilies can struggle in extreme heat; if your summers are very hot, consider a tropical variety that can be overwintered indoors.