Learning how to transplant water lilies is a key skill for any water gardener. It keeps your pond healthy and your lilies blooming beautifully for years to come. This task might seem tricky, but with the right approach, it’s quite straightforward. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from knowing when to start to settling your lily into its new home.
Water lilies need dividing and transplanting every few years. They become overcrowded, which leads to fewer flowers and tangled roots. By transplanting, you give them fresh soil and space to grow. You also get the bonus of creating new plants for your pond or to share with friends.
How to Transplant Water Lilies
This section covers the complete, step-by-step method. Before you begin, gather all your materials. This makes the job smoother and less messy.
When is the Best Time to Transplant?
The ideal time is in late spring or early summer. The water is warming up, and the lily is entering its peak growing season. This gives the plant the best chance to establish itself quickly. You can also do it in early fall, but avoid late fall or winter when the plant is dormant.
Gathering Your Tools and Materials
You won’t need anything too specialized. Here’s what to collect:
- A sturdy water lily basket or container (without drainage holes)
- Heavy clay loam soil or aquatic planting soil (never use potting mix with perlite or fertilizer)
- Aquatic plant fertilizer tabs
- Pea gravel or small stones
- Pruners or a sharp knife
- A tarp or large bucket for workspace
- Gardening gloves
- A hose with water access
Step-by-Step Transplanting Guide
Step 1: Remove the Lily from the Pond
Carefully lift the existing container out of the pond. Place it on your tarp or in a bucket. If the lily is planted directly in pond soil, gently loosen the roots with your hands and lift it out, trying to keep the rootball intact.
Step 2: Clean and Divide the Tuber
Wash the soil off the roots and rhizome (the thick, horizontal tuber) with a gentle hose spray. Now, look for the growing points or “eyes.” Using your sharp knife, cut the rhizome into sections. Each section should be about 3-4 inches long and have at least one growing point and some healthy roots attached. Discard any old, soft, or rotten parts.
Step 3: Prepare the New Container
Fill your new basket about two-thirds full with the heavy clay soil. Do not use regular garden soil, as it will cloud your pond and is too light. Press an aquatic fertilizer tab into the soil, following the package instructions for dosage.
Step 4: Plant the Lily Division
Create a small mound in the center of the soil. Place the lily division on top, spreading the roots down the sides of the mound. The growing tip (the “eye”) should point upward and be just above the soil surface. Gently add more soil around the roots, covering them but keeping the growing tip exposed.
Step 5: Top with Gravel
Add a one-inch layer of pea gravel or small stones over the soil surface. This is crucial. It keeps the soil from washing out into your pond water and weights the container down. It also helps deter pesky fish from digging in the soil.
Step 6: Water and Settle
Before placing the basket back in the pond, slowly saturate the soil with water. You can submerge it in a bucket of water or run a hose over it gently. This helps remove air pockets and prevents the soil from bubbling up and clouding your pond later.
Step 7: Lower into the Pond
Slowly lower the planted basket into the pond. For most water lilies, the ideal depth is so the potted plant’s crown is 12 to 18 inches below the water surface initially. You can place it on stacked bricks or overturned pots to get the height right. As leaves grow, you can gradually move it to its final depth.
Aftercare Tips for Success
Your transplanted lily needs a little TLC to thrive. Place it in a sunny spot, as water lilies typically need at least 6 hours of direct sun to flower well. Watch for new leaf growth, which is a sign the plant has settled in. Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves to encourage new ones.
It may take a few weeks for the first new leaves to reach the surface. Be patient. Avoid fertilizing again for at least a month to let the roots establish without stress. Keep an eye out for common pond pests like aphids, which can sometimes hitch a ride on new leaves.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the wrong soil: Light, fluffy soils will float away and foul your pond water.
- Planting too deep: Burying the growing tip can cause the rhizome to rot. Always leave it exposed.
- Skipping the gravel top-dressing: This step is essential for clean water and stability.
- Transplanting a dormant lily: If the plant isn’t actively growing, it will struggle to recover.
- Over-fertilizing: More is not better. Stick to the recommended amount to avoid burning the roots.
FAQ Section
How often should I transplant my water lilies?
You should plan to divide and transplant hardy water lilies every 2 to 3 years. Tropical varieties may need it more often, every 1 to 2 years, as they tend to grow faster. Signs it’s time include smaller leaves, fewer flowers, and the plant literally pushing itself out of its pot.
Can I use regular garden soil for pond plants?
No, you should not. Regular soil is too light, contains organic matter that will decay in water, and often has fertilizers that can harm fish and promote algae. Always use a heavy clay loam or soil specifically labeled for aquatic use.
What depth should I plant water lilies?
This varies by variety. Dwarf lilies might do best at 6-12 inches deep, while larger hardy lilies can be placed 18-24 inches deep. Start your newly transplanted lily a bit shallower (around 12 inches) and lower it to its final depth as the stems lengthen.
Why are my transplanted lily’s leaves turning yellow?
A few yellow leaves after transplanting is normal due to shock. If it continues, check the planting depth (the crown may be buried), ensure it’s getting enough sunlight, or consider if water temperature is too cold. It might also just need a little more time to adjust.
Can I transplant lilies while they are flowering?
It’s best to avoid it. The energy spent on flowering can slow down root establishment. If you must, you can trim off the flower buds to redirect the plant’s energy towards growing new roots in its fresh container. The plant will thank you with more blooms later.
Transplanting water lilies is a simple and rewarding part of pond maintenance. By following these clear steps, you ensure your lilies remain vigorous and productive. A well-timed transplant refreshes the plant, leading to larger, more abundant blooms and healthier foliage throughout the season. With your lilies happily settled, you can sit back and enjoy the serene beauty they bring to your water garden.