 Hardy Water Lilies
Once winter approaches and the
water temperature of the pond drops, the hardy lilies automatically go dormant.
If any new leaves appear, they will be very small and will remain under
the water, close to the soil. As the old foliage browns, simply prune
and lower the lily to the deepest part of the pond. If a sufficient
depth of water can be maintained so that freezing does not occur at the
root level, the hardy lily does not need to be removed from the pond.
If there is a possibility of
the pond freezing solid, there are several methods of protecting the
lilies. If you prefer to leave the lilies in the pond, place boards,
side by side, across the top of the pond. Cover the boards with mats or
layers of straw or leaves, weighted down with stones. In the spring, as
the ice thaws, all the covering must be removed to prevent premature
growth.
For indoor storage until
spring, a cool basement or heated garage are possible choices. The lily
tuber should be covered with moist burlap, peat moss or leaves. You
could also cover the soil with newspaper and place the entire container
in a sealed plastic bag. Check occasionally that the soil is moist.
 Tropical Water Lilies
Tropical lillies are most often treated as an annual. They continue to
grow and bloom until several freezes drive them into dormancy.
If you choose to store your
lilies through the winter, a greenhouse is the most successful way.
Provide only 10-20% of the space of your pond. A wash tub or tank is
suggested. The lily should be kept small, so don't fertilize.
Another method is to use an
aquarium. Pot the lily in a 4-6" pot, plug holes, and place in at
least a twenty gallon tank. Heat the water to 70-75 degrees F and place
a fluorescent grow light close to the top of the tank. Do not encourage
growth. Simply keep the plant alive.
Some specialists consider
starving plants in late summer, causing the formation of tubers. Once
all the leaves are dead, feel under the crown for a hard tuber. Remove
the tuber and wash it thoroughly. The smaller tubers generally make the
nicest plants the next spring. If there's any root or stem tissue still
attached to the tuber, air-dry a few days then snap it off cleanly.
Again, wash the tuber well and place it in a plastic bag or mason jar.
Fill the container with distilled water or slightly moist sand and store
it in a cool, dark place at approximately 50-65 degrees F. Be sure to
check the container regularly. If the water is foul or discolored,
replace it with fresh distilled water.
A tropical lily should only be
placed in water of 70 degrees F. Do not rush the plant outside. It could
return to dormancy or it may die. |
