Care of the water lily, the star of the pond

It is one of the most demanded pond plants, to the point of being considered the queen of the pond. And is not for less. She not only has extraordinary beauty. Added, its tradition throughout history makes it even have a certain aura of mysticism. Whatever the reason, there is no pond lover who can resist knowing in detail the care of the water lily. An essential plant when we consider creating a small aquatic ecosystem in the garden.

Originally from Africa and Asia, water lilies have been with us since ancient times as a decorative plant for ponds, fountains, lakes and even swamps. It is surprising to know that there are more than 1,500 species, although it is true that in our latitudes we enjoy an infinitely smaller number. The reason is logical: we are talking about a plant from warm and even tropical climates. Hence, we can only enjoy some species, more acclimatized to our weather.

Even so, the range of water lilies that we can have in our pond continues to be extremely interesting. And, perhaps, they are even more so when we discover the care of the water lilies and realize that their apparent fragility is more myth than reality.

WATER LILY CARE GUIDE

When we consider how to make a pond in the garden, we are usually very concerned about the part that refers to the life it houses. On the one hand, it reveals to us how to keep the water in a pond clean throughout the year, even in the months when we do not pay attention to the garden. But in addition and as is logical, it generates many doubts about how to keep the plants that inhabit it alive. Something logical if we take into account that, no matter how expert we are in gardening, the aquatic environment is a real mystery for those of us who live on land.

However, it is time to park fears. Because apart from knowing in detail how to plant pond plants, it is enough to know minimally what they need. And, when it comes to caring for the water lily, we can be even calmer. Although there are specific and necessary details for the well-being of each species, in general it is not a plant that makes life very complicated for us.

In addition to this, it is important to know a couple of other aspects of this beautiful aquatic plant. The first of all: that its fragrant bloom occurs in warm months, ranging between the end of spring and summer. An ephemeral gift, since we can hardly enjoy it for a maximum of a week. Added to this and although it depends on the species, it is interesting to know that the water lily closes its flower at night. A detail that only reinforces the myth of the ancient Egyptians that it was a sacred plant of the sun.

Leaving anecdotes aside, let’s see what are the care of the water lily that we must provide. Affordable even for beginners in the world of garden ponds.

1. Planting, crucial in the care of water lilies

It is probably the most demanding task of your crop and on which your well-being will depend. It is a rhizome plant that, depending on the species, may need between 25 centimeters or a meter and a half deep to lay its roots. But just as important as being able to make them grow is that when we introduce it into our pond, we do it correctly.

To begin with, it is important that we plant it inside a small plant basket with the entire surface perforated, and in which we will have already placed substrate for aquatic plants enriched with a low-nitrogen fertilizer. To prevent the substrate from spreading through the water, the surface of the basket can be covered with aquarium gravel. In addition, it is important to carry out this task treating its roots with great care to avoid damaging them.

With the plant prepared, we will introduce the aquatic part under water and let it settle in its new home.

2. The quality of the water, another fundamental in your well-being

Vital! If it is already something decisive for the different types of pond plants that exist, in the case of the water lily we will have to be even more careful. It is extremely demanding in this aspect. Not only does it not tolerate chlorine, but it also cannot survive in water with too many microorganisms.

That is why it is essential to take extreme care of water hygiene, eliminating any decomposing organic waste that may fall into the pond and keeping the pH controlled on a regular basis.

3. Light, a decisive factor for the flowering of the water lily

Another vital detail in the care of the water lily. In order for it to live and flourish properly, it needs a good dose of daily light. Therefore, it is essential to plant it in the area of ​​the pond where you can count on it.

4. Temperature, another essential detail in the care of water lilies

Remember: many of the species are of tropical origin. A detail that marks and a lot! your heat needs. Although some and few species tolerate temperatures around five degrees, it is not usual. Its ideal range is climates with more than 20 degrees constantly. So to avoid disappointment, there is nothing like asking before buying water lilies if they are tropical or from warm climates.

Apart from this, we will have to put our water lilies to safety before the proximity of the cold. They do not tolerate frost in any case, so it is important to consider as part of the maintenance of the pond in winter to keep these plants in containers inside the house while waiting for the heat to return.

5. Plagues and fungi, some enemies to watch closely

The last of the care of the water lilies but not less important for that. Unfortunately, this precious plant is subject to fungal attacks that manifest themselves in different ways. Some as dark spots on leaf surfaces, others rotting their roots. To finish off the former, specific fungicides if we do not have fish in the pond. To deal with the latter, it is essential to use a quality substrate for our plant.

As far as pests are concerned, the water lily is attractive to aphids called the water lily aphid. Eliminating them happens by applying pressurized water on the leaves, making them fall into the water and serving as a food passage for our fish.

And ready! Contemplating these few cares, we can only enjoy this incredible plant. A brushstroke of color and aroma ideal to enjoy the pond in summer.