How to Divide Your Hardy Aquatic Water Lilies in 5 Easy Steps
What Are Hardy Aquatic Lilies?
Hardy water lilies, as the name suggests are a tough pond plant variety, capable of thriving in cold water and warm pond temperatures. They are also one of the easiest aquatic plants to grow. During the growing season they hardly need any maintenance apart from the occasional removal of dead flowers and dead leaves.
Hardy aquatic water lilies are day bloomers, that bloom during the day. The time of day depends upon factors such as the temperature, level of sunlight and season. Towards the end of the day they close up again. Some tropical species of water lily bloom at night which is beneficial for those of us who need to earn a crust and work during the day. At least there is the weekend to admire these beautiful water plants.
The level of sunlight needed varies according to species, but on average most hardy pond lilies need between 5 and 6 hours of sun shine per day. there are hybrid varieties that have been specifically bred to need less sunlight hours.
TIP: Read the label, as this will normally tell you how much sun the particular lily plant needs. All aquatic lilies refuse to bloom when placed in the shade; bear this in mind when locating them in your fish pond.
Hardy Water Lilies Do Not Like Splashing Water
When choosing the pond location in which to place the hardy lily, ensure that it is free from splashing water. As water splashes it covers the openings on the top surface of the leaves. These openings, known as stomata allow the plant to absorb oxygen. Splashing water blocks the pours, causing the lily to drown. Even if the plant does not drown, bacteria in the pond water enters the plant, eventually killing the leaf.
How Often Do I Need To Divide My Hardy Water Lilies?
Hardy aquatic water lilies need to be divided every 2 or 3 years, as they out grow their current home. In order to flourish and develop they need more root space. A major bonus however is that you end up with more bunches of hardy water lilies than you started out with!
A shallow and wide container of about 7 gallons is perfect for the average to large sized hardy water lily. A smaller container between 3 to 5 gallons is ideal for smaller hardy pond lilies.
Spring time is the best time of year to carry out this much needed but often unwelcome chore. Do not worry however if you have missed spring and find yourself enjoying the summer sun. The entire growing season is a perfectly fine time in which to divide your hardy water lilies.
Step 1 - Remove the hardy water lily from the existing plant container and rinse the roots with water to remove excess dirt and debris.
Step 2 - Cut the older growth from one end of the tuber, and the newer growth from the other. If there are new "eyes" along the tuber you can snip them off and pot them if you wish.
Step 3 - On small hardy lilies you can safely cut the tuber down to between 2 to 3 inches, on the growing part, with a sharp knife. This can be increased to between 5 to 6 inches on larger plants. Remember to also cut off new buds and older leaves, so that the new root system a chance to develop.
Step 4 - Gently place the tuber in a planting pot, containing a quality water gardening soil, suitable for use in aquatic garden ponds. It is best to place it against the wall of the pot rather than in the center of the pot. Feed the new tuber by placing a couple of aquatic plant fertilizer tablets, about halfway into the soil. Pack the tuber firmly into place, with some more soil. This will help to keep the tuber in place for the fifth and final stage. Cover the soil with a layer of pea gravel which will prevent fish from digging at the tuber and will also prevent the soil from floating away. Make sure that the crown of the tuber is not covered.
Step 5 - Gently lower the pot containing the tuber into your fish pond, up to a depth of no deeper than 1 foot (12 inches). You will probably notice dirt residue mixing with the pond water; this is normal and will soon settle on the pond floor. Leave water lily tuber alone until you see half a dozen or so new leaves. Once this happens you can now place it in deeper water if need be; dependant upon the species and the depth of water preferred.
Sometimes it can be difficult to find the exact plant species that you are looking for. By clicking the following link you will be able to see a comprehensive list of water garden plants showing both their English and Latin plant names to help you find exactly what you are looking for.
Click here to see an extensive list of aquatic pond lilies arranged by color ...
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