Hints and Tips

How to re-pot a Water Lily

This must be done between April and September whilst the plant is in a growing season.

1. Choose a strong growing crown with both good leaf and root growth. Remove old or dying root system. Remove most of the old starchy rhizome as this is of no further use to the plant.




2. Cut off all the roots to within 1.5cm of the remaining rhizome.




3. Remove all surface leaves and flowers leaving only emerging leaves and flower shoots.
   




4. Fill two thirds of a large plant basket with pond plant compost and place the trimmed plant in the middle of the pot with the new growth facing upwards. Fill the remainder of the pot with pond plant compost to within 2cm to 3cm of the top, firming in the plant as you go.




5. 'Top dress' the pot with washed pea gravel. This will prevent larger fish from uprooting the plant.




6. The plant should then be well watered to expel the air within the compost. The plant can then be placed in its growing position on the base of the pond. New leaves and roots will soon be produced. If planted before mid summer, new flowers will also be produced.




7. Repeat the task every few seasons to maintain a healthy plant.

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