Water lilies are enchanting aquatic plants that grace ponds and water gardens with their stunning blooms from June to August. These perennial herbs feature thick rhizomes and slender, cylindrical petioles supporting large, floating leaves. The leaves are typically elliptical with entire margins and heart-shaped bases, displaying a dark green upper surface and a contrasting dark […]
Water lilies are enchanting aquatic plants that grace ponds and water gardens with their stunning blooms from June to August. These perennial herbs feature thick rhizomes and slender, cylindrical petioles supporting large, floating leaves. The leaves are typically elliptical with entire margins and heart-shaped bases, displaying a dark green upper surface and a contrasting dark purple underside.
The flowers of water lilies are truly spectacular, floating on or slightly above the water’s surface. They open during the day and close at night, creating a mesmerizing daily display. The nearly free sepals support petals that come in a variety of colors, including white, blue, yellow, and pink. This diversity in flower color adds to their ornamental appeal.
Water lilies have a wide distribution, ranging from northeastern China to Yunnan, and westward to Xinjiang. They are also found in North Korea, Japan, India, regions of the former Soviet Union, and North America. These adaptable plants thrive in still or slow-moving water bodies such as ponds and lakes, making them popular choices for ornamental cultivation in park waters and private gardens.
Beyond their ornamental value, water lilies have several practical applications:
Water lily leaves exhibit remarkable diversity:
The flowers of water lilies are complex structures composed of several parts:
The fruit of water lilies is ovate to hemispherical, maturing underwater and splitting irregularly. Seeds are small, elliptical or spherical, often covered with a false seed coat.
These diverse species of water lilies offer a wide range of options for water gardeners and enthusiasts, each bringing its unique characteristics to aquatic landscapes.
Water Lilies thrive in full sun and well-ventilated environments. Both tropical and hardy varieties that bloom during the day close their flowers at night, reopening in the morning. While they can bloom in ponds with shaded shores, their growth is noticeably less vigorous in such conditions.
These aquatic plants are adaptable to various soil types, flourishing in pH ranges from 6 to 8. The optimal water depth for cultivation is 25-30cm, though they can tolerate depths up to 80cm. They prefer loamy soil rich in organic matter, which supports their robust growth.
The annual growth cycle of Water Lilies typically begins in March or April with the emergence of new leaves and shoots. The blooming period extends from May to August, with individual flowers lasting 2-5 days. Post-flowering, the plants produce fruit. As autumn progresses into winter, usually from October to November, the stems and leaves begin to wither, signaling the plant’s entry into dormancy until the following spring.
In the Yangtze River Basin, the growth cycle is slightly modified:
Water Lilies are commonly found growing naturally in ponds and lakes, and are frequently cultivated in park pools for their ornamental value.
Water Lilies exhibit a wide geographic distribution, with the majority of species native to tropical regions of North Africa and Southeast Asia. However, their range extends to various other parts of the world:
In China, Water Lilies are distributed from Yunnan in the south to the northeastern regions, and as far west as Xinjiang. They are cultivated in all provinces and regions across the country, demonstrating their adaptability to diverse climatic conditions.
Each of these varieties offers unique characteristics in terms of flower color, size, and leaf appearance, making them popular choices for water gardens and aquatic landscaping.
Water lilies primarily propagate through division. Cold-hardy varieties are typically divided in early spring, before budding, around March or April. Heat-sensitive varieties require higher air and water temperatures, thus division should be carried out around mid-May.
During division, rhizomes are carefully excavated, and those with plump new buds are selected. The rhizomes are cut into 8-10cm long sections, each containing at least one viable bud, and then planted. The topmost bud should be positioned at the soil surface, with the soil level even with the plant bud. Each pot should contain 5-7 sections.
After planting, the pots should be exposed to gentle sunlight before shallow water is added to maintain optimal water temperature. The water depth should be carefully controlled, as excessive depth can impede germination.
As temperatures rise and new buds sprout, the water level can be gradually increased. The plants should be placed in a well-ventilated, sunny location and cultivated in water 20-40cm deep.
During summer, the water level can be slightly increased, and it’s crucial to maintain clean pot water during high-temperature periods. When propagating a small number of potted plants, water lilies that have been established for 2-5 years can be removed from their pots, divided into 2-4 pieces, and replanted.
Water lilies can also be propagated through seeding. This process involves submerging the flower in water after it blooms.
Before the fruit ripens, the flower is carefully covered with a fine muslin bag to capture seeds when the fruit bursts. After harvesting, seeds must be stored in water, as dry storage will cause them to lose viability.
Seeding typically occurs around March or April. The potting medium should be a rich clay loam, filled to about 5-6cm below the pot rim. After sowing, cover with 1cm of soil, gently press down, and submerge in water so that the water level is 3-4cm above the potting soil.
Cover the pot with a glass lid and place in a sunny, warm location to increase temperature. The optimal seeding temperature range is 25-30℃. Germination usually occurs after about two weeks, and the plants will typically bloom in their second year.
The term “viviparous” reproduction in water lilies refers to a unique propagation method where new plantlets develop directly from the parent plant, rather than true embryogenesis as seen in mammals. This phenomenon is relatively uncommon in the plant kingdom but quite prevalent in water lilies, where new seedlings can sprout from leaves or flowers.
It’s important to note that not all water lilies exhibit viviparous reproduction. For example, the Tetragon Water Lily (Nymphaea tetragona) in the Hardy Water Lily family and the Cape Blue Water Lily (Nymphaea capensis) in the Tropical Water Lily family do not display this trait.
In cold-hardy water lilies, viviparous seedlings often develop from the flowers, while in tropical varieties, they primarily emerge from the leaves, specifically at the junction of the leaf blade and petiole (leaf umbilicus). During the early stages of leaf development, fine hair-like structures can be observed at the leaf umbilicus.
As the leaf matures, the slightly protruding leaf umbilicus develops into a complete plantlet. While the parent leaf gradually withers, the young plant continues to receive nutrients from the mother plant through the petiole.
When the petiole eventually decomposes, the seedling detaches from the parent plant and becomes free-floating. These early-stage plantlets, when collected and planted, can often bloom within the same year. Since each leaf has the potential to produce a new plant, this method of reproduction is particularly efficient.
For barrel planting, select a container with the largest possible diameter and a height of about 50cm, without drainage holes. Fill the container with a well-mixed, nutrient-rich growing medium to a depth of 30-40cm to allow for adequate water storage.
Carefully place well-developed propagules in the center of the container, ensuring that the top buds slightly protrude from the soil surface. After planting, add water to a level 2-3cm above the soil to facilitate heating and ensure a high survival rate.
As the plant develops, gradually increase the water level. This method offers easy management but presents challenges for overwintering in colder regions like the Beijing-Tianjin area, necessitating transfer to a greenhouse or submersion in a deeper pool.
Choose a container without drainage holes, approximately 30cm in height and 40cm in diameter. The planting method and growing medium are similar to barrel planting, with the soil filled to a height of about 25cm. After planting, immerse the container in a pool, ensuring the water level is just enough to submerge the pot. Gradually increase the water level as the plant grows.
This method simplifies overwintering; simply raise the water level in winter to keep the lily’s crown below the ice layer. The main drawback is that management requires entering the pool, which can be somewhat inconvenient.
Select a fertile pond with at least 30cm of nutrient-rich sediment at the bottom. Propagules can be planted directly into the substrate, initially maintaining a shallow water depth of 2-3cm to facilitate warming. As the plant develops, gradually increase the water level.
In colder regions, deepen the water level before winter to allow rhizomes to overwinter below the ice layer. This method produces excellent group effects and allows for vigorous growth, but can complicate future excavation and pest management.
In early spring, drain the pond and apply a base fertilizer (such as cake fertilizer, well-composted manure, bone meal, and calcium superphosphate) to the bottom, then cover with fertile soil. Plant water lily rhizomes into this prepared substrate, submerging them 20-30cm deep. Maintain a water depth of 40-50cm during the peak growth period in summer.
Avoid excessive water flow. For deeper ponds, consider constructing planting platforms or trenches using bricks, or divide a long planting trench into 1m×1m sections using plastic boards to accommodate multiple varieties without mixing. Alternatively, plants can be established in pots before placement in the pond.
During the growing season, apply supplemental fertilizer 1-2 times as needed. In July-August, prepare a mixture of 50g cake fertilizer powder with 10g urea, pack it into small paper bags, and carefully insert these into the substrate slightly away from the plant base, using 2-4 bags per plant.
After approximately 3 years, the pond should be renovated to prevent overcrowding and decline. Before winter freezing, maintain a water depth of about 1m to protect rhizomes from frost damage.
Proper water level management is crucial for the normal growth of hardy water lilies, as their requirements change throughout different growth stages.
Water temperature directly impacts the growth and flowering of water lilies. In the early growth stage, maintain a shallow water level, just enough to cover the leaves, to quickly raise water temperature, promote root growth, and improve survival rates.
As leaves develop, gradually increase the water level. During the period of vigorous growth, allow the water level to reach its maximum, promoting leaf stalk elongation and leaf expansion while facilitating nutrient storage.
In autumn, lower the water level to raise water temperature and expose leaves to sufficient light, enhancing photosynthesis. This promotes rhizome growth and lateral bud development, increasing the number of propagules for the following year.
As temperatures cool in late autumn, gradually deepen the water level, keeping most leaves submerged to control nutrient uptake. Before the water surface freezes, increase the depth significantly based on historical maximum ice thickness to ensure water lily buds remain below the ice layer for safe overwintering.
The principle of fertilization must balance the nutritional needs of water lilies while preventing water pollution. Excess fertilizer can lead to eutrophication, accelerating algae growth and compromising water quality.
One effective method involves wrapping fertilizer in resilient, absorbent paper with small perforations to allow gradual nutrient release. Apply these packages 15-20cm away from the plant center, at a depth of less than 10cm.
Alternatively, mix wet garden soil or clay with fertilizer (generally 10:1 for soil and chemical fertilizer, 4:1 for soil and organic fertilizer) to form cohesive soil balls. Apply these in a radial pattern at three points 15-20cm from the rhizome center, placing them 10-15cm deep beneath the rhizome.
Typically, fertilize 15 days before peak flowering, then every 15 days thereafter to maintain bloom quality. However, excessive fertilization can promote vegetative growth at the expense of flowering, so careful balance is essential.
Proper fertilization can extend the group flowering period of hardy water lilies and increase the number of propagules for the following year.
For aphid infestations, target affected leaves with an appropriate insecticide solution (e.g., 1000-1200-fold diluted DDVP or 2000-2500-fold diluted 50% Imidan). Always follow label instructions and consider integrated pest management strategies to minimize chemical use.
In the renowned gardens of the Jiangnan region, dedicated structures for viewing water lilies are a common feature. At Yangzhou’s Slender West Lake, the “Lotus Bridge” showcases a pavilion with varying elevations, its quaint and elegant design harmoniously complementing the water lilies, making it the premier spot for appreciation.
Yueyang’s Golden Eagle Park boasts the Lotus Fragrance Pavilion, strategically positioned near the water and connected by winding railings. This structure is a favorite among visitors, offering both the pleasant aroma of lotus and picturesque views, especially enchanting during rainy days.
Numerous gardens specialize in water lilies. The Wuhan East Lake Moshan Garden features an extensive aquatic flower area dedicated to viewing and studying lotus. Large parks like Nanjing’s Mochou Lake and Hangzhou’s new “Quyuan Fenghe” focus primarily on lotus viewing. Some scenic areas, such as Guangdong Sanshui’s Lotus World and Hunan Yueyang’s Tuan Lake Scenic Area, successfully combine folk tourism with lotus cultivation.
In the rich history of Chinese lotus culture, potted lotus initially found its place in private home gardens. The integration of pot planting and pond planting techniques enhances the aesthetic value of potted lotus, which frequently appears in garden waterscapes and landscape designs.
A novel form of bonsai, water lily rockery bonsai, emerged in Hangzhou. This innovative style combines water lily pot cultivation with traditional rockery bonsai, embodying both the rugged beauty of rocks and the delicate charm of lotus blossoms.
Water lilies have demonstrated a capacity for heavy metal adsorption, though this ability is not without limitations. Experimental research reveals that the cell membranes of water lilies sustain damage when exposed to heavy metals such as Pb2+, Zn2+, and Cd2+.
Analysis of protective enzyme activity (including SOD, POD, CAT) in lotus leaves indicates structural damage to these enzymes under heavy metal stress. This suggests that while lotus plants can adsorb heavy metals to some extent, high concentrations of these elements can cause significant harm to the plant.
A study utilizing inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) examined the effects of exogenous polyamines on zinc accumulation in plant leaves under zinc stress, as well as the absorption of other nutrients. The results showed that treatment with 100μmol/L zinc led to substantial zinc accumulation in water lily leaf cells. This was accompanied by a significant increase in potassium, phosphorus, and sodium efflux, while copper, manganese, magnesium, and calcium accumulated markedly within the cells.
Interestingly, the application of 0.1 mmol/L spermine and spermidine effectively mitigated the zinc-induced stress. The study concluded that exogenous polyamines can help maintain the balance of various nutrients in plants under zinc stress conditions.
Aquatic higher plants, including water lilies, play a crucial role in lake ecosystems by acting as a switch between turbid and clear water states, and as a buffer to maintain clarity. Water lilies significantly contribute to the purification of total phosphorus and nitrogen in water bodies.
The purification capacity of water lilies varies with their growth stages, reaching its peak during full bloom. Among the lotus varieties tested, the Maitreya red lotus demonstrated particularly strong water purification abilities.
Interestingly, combining lotus and water lilies can enhance the overall purification capacity of landscape water. Thus, co-planting these species in landscape design is recommended to simultaneously improve water quality and aesthetic appeal.
Water lily extracts have shown inhibitory effects on cyanobacterial growth, exhibiting a pronounced low-promotion, high-inhibition pattern. As the concentration of water lily extract increases, the inhibition rate of cyanobacteria gradually rises. At an extract concentration of 25g/L, the maximum inhibition rates on cyanobacteria can reach an impressive 91.2% and 96.4% respectively.
Nutritional analysis of water lilies reveals a rich composition of 17 types of amino acids, with water lily protein being of particularly high quality. Water lilies are also abundant in vitamin C, flavone glycosides, and trace elements such as zinc. This combination of nutrients contributes to a strong lead-excreting function.
Safety studies, including acute toxicity tests in animals, micronucleus tests, and sperm deformity tests, have demonstrated that water lilies are safe and reliable, with no toxic side effects observed.
Water lily pollen stands out as a nutrient-dense substance. It offers a complete, balanced, and concentrated nutritional profile, positioning it as a promising natural nutrient source for potential future applications.
In the language of flowers, the water lily symbolizes cleanliness, innocence, and allure. It is designated as the birth flower for those born on August 5th.
In German floral tradition, the water lily represents glamour. Individuals associated with this flower are believed to possess an irresistible charm to the opposite sex, though they may face challenges in forging friendships with those of the same gender.
The water lily held a sacred place in ancient Egyptian mythology. According to their beliefs, the sun was born from the bloom of a lotus, leading to the reverence of water lilies as “sacred flowers.” This symbolism was so powerful that water lily motifs frequently adorned the columns of ancient Egyptian temples, representing a blessing that “only begins and never fades.”
Peggie was once a high school mathematics teacher, but she set aside her chalkboard and textbooks to follow her lifelong passion for flowers. After years of dedication and learning, she not only established a thriving flower shop but also founded this blog, “Flowers Library”. If you have any questions or wish to learn more about flowers, feel free to contact Peggie.
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