The pond lily is quite easy to care for and grows easily. It is not a water lily, but is largely related to it. Accordingly, the pond lily has different preferences and requirements than the water lily and should not be confused with it.
What is the best way to care for a water lily?
In order to properly care for the pond lily, it needs a sunny location (except yellow pond lily), sufficient nutrients through pond fertilizer, regular pruning of the rhizomes and usually no special winter care. It tolerates changing water levels and light currents.
These two plant genera differ from each other purely visually. The water lily has spherical, almost always yellow flowers and heart-shaped floating leaves, the water lily blooms in different colors and has rather round floating leaves. In contrast to the water lily, the pond lily can also tolerate a variable, changing water level and a slight current.
Planting the water lily
Depending on the type and size of the pond lily, the planting depth and preferred water level vary. Planting the water lily in a basket will make it easier to care for and move when the need arises. Choose a location that is as sunny as possible, except for the yellow pond lily, which also tolerates shade quite well.
Fertilize pond roses
Nuphar roses need a lot of nutrients. If these are not present in the soil, you can help with a special pond fertilizer. To prevent excessive algae growth, we recommend using fertilizer sticks (€3.00 on Amazon) or beads that are placed in the soil near the roots.
Propagate pond roses
Since pond lilies tend to grow, they can be easily propagated by division. They form rhizomes. These should be trimmed regularly so that the pond lilies do not become too large. Alternatively, divide your plants with sharp pruning shears every year or two. Please note that the pond lily is poisonous, the rhizomes are particularly poisonous.
The water lily in winter
The pond lily is usually winter-proof and does not actually require any special care during this time. Only potted plants and varieties that are only partially hardy, such as the Japanese pond lily, should overwinter frost-free. In a pond full of fish, pond lilies can even provide much-needed oxygen in winter.
The best care tips for pond lilies:
- Sunny location, exception: yellow pond lily
- easy care
- high nutrient requirements
- mostly hardy
- tolerates changing water levels and light currents
Tip
If your pond is not suitable for a colorful water lily, then the pond lily might be suitable. It is much more robust and tolerant of changing water levels.
