Growing water lilies in a bowl is achievable with a few key steps, particularly focusing on preventing leaf burn as mentioned in a YouTube video. Here’s how:
Choosing the Right Bowl
- Size Matters: Select a bowl large enough to accommodate the lily's root system and allow for growth. A wide and shallow bowl is generally more suitable than a deep, narrow one.
- Material: A non-porous material is best to retain water. Ceramic or plastic bowls are good options.
- Drainage: The bowl should not have drainage holes since water lilies require standing water.
Planting Your Water Lily
1. Preparing the Bowl
- Clean: Thoroughly clean the bowl to remove any residue or harmful substances.
- Substrate: Add a layer of heavy aquatic soil or a clay-based potting mix to the bottom of the bowl. Avoid using standard potting soil, as it can cloud the water.
- Water: Fill the bowl with water before adding the lily. Let it sit for a few hours to dechlorinate.
2. Positioning the Lily
- Carefully Place: Gently place the water lily's roots into the soil, ensuring that the crown (the point where the leaves emerge) is level with or slightly above the soil.
- Leaf Placement: According to the YouTube video, position the plant so that its leaves do not hang over the sides of the bowl to prevent them from getting burnt.
3. Initial Setup
- Sunlight: Place the bowl in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Water Level: Make sure the water level is high enough that the lily's roots are submerged. Top off the bowl with water as needed, especially in hot weather.
Maintaining Your Water Lily Bowl
Ongoing Care
- Water Changes: Regularly change the water to keep it fresh and prevent stagnation. A partial water change every week is ideal.
- Fertilizing: Use specialized aquatic plant fertilizer tablets sparingly during the growing season. Insert them into the soil around the plant's roots.
- Pruning: Remove yellowing or decaying leaves promptly to maintain a healthy environment and prevent issues.
Troubleshooting
- Leaf Burn: The most important instruction from the video YouTube was to make sure that the leaves are not hanging over the sides of the bowls to avoid getting burnt by the sun.
- Algae Growth: If algae become a problem, consider adding a small amount of barley straw to the bowl or introducing a few aquatic snails that will feed on the algae.
- Pests: Watch for common aquatic pests and treat with appropriate methods if necessary.
By following these steps, you can successfully grow water lilies in a bowl and enjoy their beauty.
