How to Grow Waterlily
iNaturalist
Waterlily
Nymphaea spp.
flowerWaterlilies are aquatic flowering plants that bloom in ponds, water gardens, and artificial pools, featuring floating leaves and stunning flowers in shades of pink, red, white, yellow, and blue. These plants grow from rhizomes anchored to the bottom of water bodies and are prized for their ornamental beauty and ability to add structure and elegance to water gardens. They thrive in still or slow-moving water and come in both hardy and tropical varieties.
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Example Waterlily timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Waterlily
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Waterlily blooms
Around Apr 21≈ 4 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Waterlily dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Hardy waterlilies thrive in zones 3-11; tropical varieties require zones 9-11 or need to be treated as annuals or overwintered indoors
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Get my Waterlily timeline →Growth Stages
Dormancy/Planting
1-2 weeks before emergenceBare rhizomes or potted plants acquired in spring; rhizomes appear like bent fingers or tubers with growth buds at the crown
Plant rhizomes horizontally in containers filled with heavy soil and amendments; position crown at slight angle with growing tip pointing upward; do not bury crown too deeply
Emergence
2-3 weeksFirst leaves emerge from the crown and unfurl; initially small, they grow larger as they reach the water surface
Ensure proper water depth for variety being grown; apply aquatic fertilizer tablets near rhizome; monitor for pests; keep water clean
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksFloating leaves expand across the water surface, creating a green pad; multiple leaves emerge in succession from the rhizome
Continue fertilizing every 4-6 weeks during growing season; thin leaves if they overcrowd the surface (no more than 1/3 of water surface covered); remove any damaged or yellowing foliage
Flowering
6-12 weeks (from first bloom through season)Flower buds emerge on stems and open at or above the water surface; flowers typically last 3-4 days, closing at night and opening each morning
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms; ensure continued fertilization; maintain stable water temperature; provide excellent water quality for best color and proliferation
Seed Production & Dormancy
6-12 weeks (fall through spring, depending on zone)As season ends and temperatures drop, flowering slows; hardy varieties begin to yellow and die back; rhizomes prepare for winter dormancy
Stop fertilizing in late summer; allow plant to die back naturally (do not remove dead foliage too early); in cool climates, sink containers deeper or move to unfrozen area of pond; tropical varieties should be overwintered indoors or treated as annuals
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray foliage with water spray to dislodge; use insecticidal soap safe for water gardens; introduce beneficial aquatic insects; maintain good water circulation
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Remove and discard affected leaves; use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) if needed; maintain water quality; introduce fish that eat larvae
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Remove affected leaves entirely; spray neem oil (aquatic-safe formulation) on leaf undersides; use floating row covers early in season; introduce dragonflies or aquatic predators
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Hand-pick beetles in early morning; use pheromone traps away from water garden; apply neem oil (aquatic-safe); maintain healthy plants as stressed plants are more susceptible
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Increase water spray/misting; maintain humidity; use insecticidal soap; improve water circulation and aeration
Uses
Edible seeds and tubers
CulinaryWaterlily seeds and tubers are edible and used in Asian cuisines, particularly Southeast Asian cooking. Seeds can be roasted as a snack or ground into flour. [source]
Traditional herbal medicine
MedicinalIn traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, waterlily has been used to treat fever, insomnia, inflammation, and digestive issues. The flower and rhizome contain compounds with mild sedative and cooling properties. [source]
Fresh flower arrangements
HouseholdWaterlily flowers are stunning in floral arrangements and can float gracefully in shallow bowls of water as table centerpieces. They add elegance and a water-garden aesthetic to indoor spaces. [source]
Aquatic ecosystem support
WildlifeWaterlilies provide shade and shelter for aquatic life, reduce algae growth by limiting sunlight penetration, and create habitat for frogs, fish, and invertebrates. The leaves offer resting spots for insects and amphibians. [source]
Art, photography, and symbolism
CraftWaterlilies have inspired artists for centuries (famously depicted by Claude Monet) and hold deep cultural and spiritual significance in many traditions. They remain popular subjects for water garden design, photography, and artistic inspiration. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Waterlilies are ornamental plants, not typically harvested. However, flowers can be cut for arrangements just after opening—cut stem at water level and immediately place in clean water to maintain freshness (they last 3-4 days even after cutting). For flowers that float, simply gently pull them from the water. In some cultures, waterlily tubers and seeds are harvested for culinary use, but this requires specific knowledge and varieties.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Waterlilies exhibit a unique daily rhythm: flowers open in the morning and close at night, and many tropical varieties are night-bloomers that open in the evening and close by mid-morning.
- 🌱 Some waterlily leaves can support the weight of a small child—the giant Amazonian waterlily (Victoria amazonica) has leaves up to 6 feet in diameter with an upturned rim that traps water and supports aquatic life.
- 🌱 Waterlilies have been cultivated for thousands of years and held sacred significance in ancient Egypt, where the blue waterlily was associated with rebirth and the sun god Ra, and in Asian cultures where they symbolize purity and enlightenment.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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