Growing waterlily in pot, leaves getting smaller

santiwang102WkCPo2FB · June 2021

My parent just started growing waterlilies in pot, several growing really well. But the white waterlilies start to grow fewer and smaller leaves, the algae in the pot starts to grow wildly too. We were inform by the vendor where we bought the plants that white waterlilies are harder to grow.

I would like to know, is there anyone have same issues? Or have solution to this?

Thanks in advance.

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KeenOnGreen · June 2021

They need to be divided every few years, to encourage flowering and healthier growth. It's also good to fertilise them each Spring. You can buy special aquatic fertiliser pellets that you shove into the soil in each pot.

Without knowing how long they have been in their pots, it's hard to say if they need to be divided. I think it may be a bit late to do it now, but those with more knowledge on this plant may suggest otherwise. Try the pellets, and make sure the plants get as much sun as possible.

santiwang102WkCPo2FB · June 2021

I think they're been in that pot for almost a year now.

Thanks so much for the suggestion, will pass it to my folks

Pete.8 · June 2021

With a small pot there's a risk that the water may get too warm for the lily if it's in the sun all day.
Lilies do need some extra feed.
I use this
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Osmocote-Controlled-Release-Plant-Tablets/dp/B00B5WJNLY/ref=asc_df_B00B5WJNLY/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=224088607899&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9704490135136030678&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006518&hvtargid=pla-422232291481&psc=1

Just one pellet (no more) pushed into the soil will be plenty for a whole season
The problem you may then get is more algae, but hopefully the lily will produce enough leaves to keep it down

santiwang102WkCPo2FB · June 2021

Oh I didn't know that size of the pot contribute to the warming of the water.

Thank you so much, will try your suggestion.

Hope they'll grow healthier

Growing waterlily in pot, leaves getting smaller

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