Nymphaea

PLANTS WITH FLOATING LEAVES: WATER LILIES (NYMPHAEA)

As well as being spectacular, plants with floating leaves are essential for their role in providing shade for the water, thus keeping it fresh and cool. The most well-known is the water lily or nymphaea.

Water and sun
Water lilies like calm water. Avoid placing them where they may be splashed with drops from a waterfall or fountain. At least 5 to 6 hours of sun per day is necessary for good flowering.



	Hardy water lily

Tropical water lily

Container
There should never be more than one water lily per container. For medium and large water lilies, choose the large square 30 cm basket, a tub of 40 cm or more, or a container of 20 litres or more. The bigger the container, the better the growth of the plant will be.

For miniature and small water lilies, for the aponogeton and nymphoides, use medium-sized baskets.

Soil type
Good brown earth should be used, and if you have fish, pebbles should be placed on the surface of the soil. Make sure there is no earth or stones on the growing tip or crown at all times so the stems can grow freely. This should be checked from time to time.

Important
To make sure your water lilies get off to a good start, cut off the foliage and flowers when transplanting, leaving just one or two young leaves.

Fertilization
Use fertilizer tablets once a month from May to August.

Planting
Water depth can vary between 10 cm and 30 cm; an average of 15 cm of water above the top of the container is ideal for rapid growth. Use bricks to adjust the level as required. Never use cement when installing pots in a water garden as it is toxic.

Quantity
About one small-growth water lily per m2 (10 ft'), or one medium or large water lily per 2 m² (20 ft²).