Growing water lilies can seem like a project for a large pond, but you can enjoy these beautiful blooms right on your patio or balcony. This simple step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to grow water lilies in a bowl.
It’s a surprisingly easy and rewarding way to add a touch of serene beauty to any small space. With the right materials and a little care, you’ll have floating leaves and gorgeous flowers in no time.
How To Grow Water Lilies In A Bowl
Before you begin, it’s important to set realistic expectations. A bowl will limit the size of the water lily plant. You won’t be growing giant varieties, but there are many stunning dwarf and miniature lilies perfect for container life. This method is ideal for small, hardy lilies that thrive in confined spaces.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Gathering your supplies first makes the process smooth. Here’s your shopping list:
* A suitable bowl. Choose a wide, shallow container without drainage holes. It should hold at least 5-10 gallons of water and be 12-18 inches deep. Dark colors are best as they algae growth.
* A dwarf or miniature water lily rhizome. Do not try to use a standard pond lily.
* Aquatic planting container. This is a small, perforated pot meant for water plants.
* Heavy clay loam or aquatic potting soil. Never use lightweight potting mix or soil with perlite/fertilizer.
* Aquarium gravel or small pebbles.
* Dechlorinated water. Tap water left out for 24 hours works fine.
* Aquatic plant fertilizer tabs.
Choosing the Perfect Water Lily Variety
This is the most critical step for success. You must select a lily bred for small containers. Here are some excellent choices:
* Nymphaea ‘Pygmaea Helvola’: A classic miniature with yellow flowers and speckled leaves.
* Nymphaea ‘Pygmaea Rubra’: Offers rich red blooms on a very compact plant.
* Nymphaea ‘Aurora’: A changeable lily whose flowers shift from yellow to orange to red.
* Nymphaea ‘Texas Dawn’: A bit larger but often does well in big bowls, known for its vibrant yellow blooms.
Always check the label or description for terms like “dwarf,” “miniature,” or suitable for “patio pots.”
Step-by-Step Planting Instructions
Now, let’s get your hands dirty and plant your lily.
Step 1: Prepare the Planting Container
Take your aquatic planting pot and line it with a piece of burlap or landscape fabric if the holes are very large. This keeps the soil from washing out.
Step 2: Add Soil and Plant the Rhizome
Fill the pot about two-thirds full with the heavy clay loam. Place the water lily rhizome in the soil. Angle it slightly so the growing tip (the “eye”) points upward and is near the center of the pot. Hardy water lily rhizomes look like a thick, knobby root.
Step 3: Cover and Secure
Gently add more soil around the rhizome, leaving the growing tip exposed. Press the soil down firmly to eliminate air pockets. Then, cover the soil surface with a one-inch layer of aquarium gravel or pebbles. This keeps the soil in place and prevents fish from disturbing it.
Step 4: Place in the Bowl
Slowly lower the planted pot into your empty bowl. You want the crown of the plant to be at the final water level, so you may need to place it on bricks or upside-down pots to raise it up. For now, just get it positioned.
Step 5: Add Water Carefully
This step prevents the water from becoming a muddy mess. Place a small plate or a piece of plastic wrap over the gravel in your pot. Slowly pour the dechlorinated water onto this barrier, filling the bowl. The plate disperses the force so the soil stays put. Remove the plate once the bowl is full.
Step 6: Add Fertilizer
Push one aquatic fertilizer tab deep into the soil near the roots, following the package instructions. This provides essential nutrients for growth and flowering.
The Right Location for Your Water Lily Bowl
Water lilies need plenty of sunlight to flower. Place your bowl in a spot that recieves at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. A sheltered location is also ideal, as strong winds can damage the leaves and cool the water too much.
If you’re keeping it on a wooden deck, consider placing a stand underneath to prevent moisture damage. Make sure the surface is level and sturdy—a full bowl is very heavy.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Your work isn’t done after planting. Consistent care keeps your lily healthy.
* Water Top-Ups: Evaporation happens. Top up the bowl with dechlorinated water as needed to keep it full. Try to match the water temperature to avoid shocking the plant.
* Feeding: Add a new fertilizer tab every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring through summer).
* Pruning: Regularly remove yellowing or damaged leaves and spent flower stalks. Cut them as close to the base as possible. This encourages new growth and keeps the bowl looking tidy.
* Algae Control: A little algae is normal. If it becomes excessive, it’s often due to too many nutrients or not enough plant coverage. You can manually remove it, add a few water snails, or ensure your lily’s leaves cover about 60% of the water surface to shade it.
Overwintering Your Water Lily
In colder climates, you can’t just leave the bowl outside if it will freeze solid. Here are your options:
1. Move it Indoors: Before the first frost, move the entire bowl to a cool, dark place like a garage or basement where temperatures stay above freezing but are below 50°F (10°C). The plant will go dormant. Top up the water once a month to prevent it from drying out completely.
2. Store the Rhizome: Remove the pot from the bowl, clean off the rhizome, and trim old roots and leaves. Store it in a plastic bag with barely damp peat moss in the refrigerator vegetable drawer. Replant in spring.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with great care, you might encounter a few issues.
* No Flowers: This is usually due to insufficient sunlight. Move the bowl to a sunnier spot. Overcrowding or lack of fertilizer can also be the culprit.
* Yellow Leaves: Some yellowing is natural. Many yellow leaves can indicate a nutrient deficiency—try fertilizing. It could also signal water quality issues.
* Pests: Aphids sometimes visit. You can spray them off with a gentle stream of water or introduce ladybugs. Snails can be picked off by hand.
* Murky Water: This often clears on its own as the plant establishes. Avoid overfeeding, and ensure you used the correct heavy soil.
Adding Companions to Your Bowl
A small bowl is primarily for the lily, but you can add a couple of companions. A single small oxygenating plant, like Anacharis or Hornwort, can help keep water clear by competing with algae. Avoid adding fish to very small bowls, as they produce waste that can foul the water quickly. In a larger, stable bowl (20+ gallons), a single small mosquito fish or guppy might be possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can any water lily grow in a bowl?
No, only dwarf or miniature varieties are suitable. Standard water lilies need much more space and depth.
How deep should the water be in the bowl?
The water should be 6-12 inches deep over the top of the planting pot. The lily will send up stems to reach the surface.
Do I need to change the water in the bowl?
No, you only need to top off evaporated water. A balanced mini-ecosystem will maintain itself.
Why are my lily leaves getting smaller?
This is often a sign that the plant is becoming pot-bound or needs fertilizer. You may need to divide and repot it after a couple of years.
Can I grow tropical water lilies in a bowl?
Some dwarf tropicals can work, but they require warmer water and are often treated as annuals in cooler climates unless brought indoors.
Starting your own water garden in a bowl is a simple project with beautiful results. By following these clear steps—choosing the right dwarf lily, planting it correctly in heavy soil, and providing ample sun—you’ll create a captivating focal point. Regular pruning and feeding will ensure you get to enjoy those iconic floating blooms all season long. There’s nothing quite like the tranquility a water lily brings to a small outdoor space.