Water lilies are the crowns of any aquatic feature, beautiful, lovely, and serene. Their success, though, hinges on something more than finding a gorgeous variety. Perhaps the most critical (and most commonly neglected) element is how deep to plant a water lily. If you are new to aquatic gardening or just wish to enhance your bloom activity, this blog will guide you on how to plant a water lily.
Why Rooting Depth is Important
Planting water lilies at the proper depth guarantees:
●
Successful
root development
●
Optimal
sunlight exposure
●
Normal
blooming
●
Avoidance
of rot or stagnation
Water lilies get too shallow, if planted shallowly, and
dry out, get burnt, or topple over on the water. They can also not bloom or
even perish if planted too deeply.
General
Depth Guidelines
The ideal planting depth will vary with the type and age
of the lily:
For Hardy
Water Lilies:
●
Initial Depth (young plant): 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) of water over the soil surface
●
Mature Depth: 12–24
inches (30–60 cm)
Hardy varieties can withstand cold temperatures and can be
slowly sunk deeper as they mature. Begin them shallow to develop leaves and
flowers at an early stage in the season.
For
Tropical Water Lilies:
●
Initial Depth: 6–10
inches (15–25 cm)
●
Mature Depth: 12–18
inches (30–45 cm)
Tropical lilies like warm, shallow water to establish, but
avoid planting close to the surface so heat and evaporation will stress the
plants.
Container
Planting Tips
Pot planting gives you greater depth control:
●
Select a
shallow, broad pot (drainage holes aside).
●
Fill 3/4
with heavy clay or aquatic soil.
●
Plant
rhizomes on a 45-degree angle with growing tips higher than the soil level.
●
Cover
lightly with gravel to keep it from floating.
●
Submerge
the pot slowly into the pond from a shallower shelf or by using bricks for
height regulation.
As your lily matures, you can lower it gradually to its
final depth. It is an essential step on how to plant water lily.
Natural
Pond Planting
If planting directly into the pond substrate:
●
Choose a
planting location with solid loamy soil, not loose muck.
●
Remove
debris from the area.
●
Anchor
the rhizome firmly and bury it under a thin layer of soil or gravel.
●
Make sure
that the crown is at or near surface level.
●
Do not
bury the rhizome deeply in the soil; it will rot.
Best Time
to Plant
Water lilies are set out when the water is a minimum of
70°F (21°C), usually late spring or early summer. This allows them time to get
the heat that they require to root and have heavy, long-lasting flowers
successfully.
Final
Thoughts
Understanding how to plant water lily at its most profound
depth can be the secret to a thriving aquatic centerpiece instead of a
pot-bound centerpiece. From pots to natural pond berths, paying attention to
planting depth guarantees your lilies will be lush, full, and blooming with
health.
For more planting videos and expert advice, look for SAIWC, where
you'll find everything you need to begin and thrive in your water gardening
experience.
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