Do Water Lilies Get Too Old

[seandelevan]

And stop blooming? I ask this because I’ve only had one bloom so far this season.....rewind 8years ago when for my first pond I bought one Nymphaea bulb to go into my new pond...for the next 3-4 years I got countless blooms all spring and summer. 4 years ago I moved...brought it with me put it in my new and bigger pond...more sun..more space...and it did poorly. Advice given here suggest I divide and fertilize, which I did...and again it did poorly(2-3 blooms all season)...gave it another year to recover, added fertilizer specifically for water lilies and it did poorly. And so far I can tell it’s going to do the same, again I fertilized in March. So what gives? They get 10+ hours of full sun...all my other plants are exploding. Are they done for? Thanks!

 

[addy1]

My lilies will have tubers that get old, I just keep the ones with small leaves. When I repot them I put 1/4 cup of osmocote in the bottom of the pond. Making sure the growing tip is above the soil level. I keep mine shallow when first started so they will get a good start.

 

[csdude55]

Mine are about 12 years old, and I split them and removed damaged roots for the first time last year. I've had blooms every year, and have had several this year.

Mine are 2 - 2 1/2' deep, but I have a ton of floating parrot's feather and I don't think they get enough light. There are also a lot of goldfish in there, so I think there's a nice little ecosystem going.

My only suggestion would be to test the water instead of guessing on levels... you could have TOO much nitrogen now. I also had an issue with copper in my water a long time ago that killed a lot of my plants and fish before I figured it out. Fish and floating plants like parrot's feather might help you stay on top of any water issues.

 

[seandelevan]

Mine are about 12 years old, and I split them and removed damaged roots for the first time last year. I've had blooms every year, and have had several this year.

Mine are 2 - 2 1/2' deep, but I have a ton of floating parrot's feather and I don't think they get enough light. There are also a lot of goldfish in there, so I think there's a nice little ecosystem going.

My only suggestion would be to test the water instead of guessing on levels... you could have TOO much nitrogen now. I also had an issue with copper in my water a long time ago that killed a lot of my plants and fish before I figured it out. Fish and floating plants like parrot's feather might help you stay on top of any water issues.

Ah this might explain why I’m getting a ton of pads but no blooms.

 

[csdude55]

I'm in western NC. I don't know how far that is for you to drive, but you're welcome to come and get some parrot's feather! I throw a ton of it away every year, it spreads super fast. But it works great to keep nitrogen under control.

If it's too far to drive, I found it online for $13 for 12 plants. I think it's well worth the investment.

 

[seandelevan]

I'm in western NC. I don't know how far that is for you to drive, but you're welcome to come and get some parrot's feather! I throw a ton of it away every year, it spreads super fast. But it works great to keep nitrogen under control.

If it's too far to drive, I found it online for $13 for 12 plants. I think it's well worth the investment.

im in SW VA...I actually have loads of parrot feather already along With anacharis that I’d assume also does the same thing...