How to Grow Water Lilies Anywhere—Even Without a Pond

Few plants are as dreamy as water lilies. Floating effortlessly on a pond's surface, they do more than just add color and charm—they also provide habitat for fish and frogs, and even certain pollinators.

However, for many, growing water lilies may seem out of the question. The good news? You don't need an enormous pond to make it happen. In fact, certain varieties can thrive when grown on your front porch. Here, we spoke to experts about how to care for these elegant plants, and why it's easier than you might think.

Types of Water Lilies

There are a few things to consider when choosing a water lily for your yard. The first is size. Dwarf varieties, for example, can fit in a small bowl of water on your patio; larger, more vigorous lilies need a pool that has space for their roots to spread.

Linda Langelo, horticulture specialist at Colorado State University Extension, recommends the Perry Baby Red or Pygmaea Helvola dwarf varieties in particular.

Some are easier to grow than others, as well. "Hybrid hardy varieties are the most forgiving for beginners with large backyard water spaces," says Steve Conaway, director of horticulture at the New England Botanical Garden. "They are vigorous growers, and much less sensitive to swings in temperature."

Another important distinction is bloom time, as there are both night-blooming and day-blooming water lilies. "If you work a typical nine-to-five job and are away from your aquatic garden during the day, then night-blooming varieties provide the best display when you return home," he adds. 

Where to Plant

Where you plant a water lily depends on the specific variety. A dwarf water lily can thrive in a small container just 8 inches wide; larger lilies will need more room. A natural pond with a soil bottom works well regardless; however, "Most water lilies can be successfully grown in pots submerged in water," adds Conaway.

If you go this route, make sure you use the proper container. "The best is wide, shallow, and heavy," says Langelo. "You might also find half whiskey barrels, or even a stock tank. 12 to 18 inches of water is suitable for small or medium lilies."

The container rim should be below the water surface, notes Conaway. This will keep the roots constantly saturated. Make sure you place the lilies in a place with full sun, where the water is still. They don't do well against strong winds.

Related Stories

7 Natural Pool Ideas for Serene, Scenic Swims—Without the Chlorine

15 Koi Pond Ideas That Promise Pure Tranquility

How to Plant

Water lilies don't tolerate cold very well, so wait until temperatures are above 60 degrees Fahrenheit before planting them. Once the weather is within this range, Langelo recommends following these steps:

1. Use aquatic plant soil or heavy garden soil.
2. Fill a container 3/4 full with heavy soil.
3. Lay the water lily rhizome on the soil at a slight angle, so the tip is facing upward.
4. Tamp down the soil and add 1/2 inch of gravel on top. This will keep the rhizome contained. The gravel should be flush with the rim of the pot.
5. Place the container in a pool of water. Slowly tip one edge of the container into the water until the water reaches a shallow depth.
6. As the water lily grows, move the container deeper. "We keep the pots within 6 inches of the water surface early in the season and drop them deeper to about 12 to 18 inches towards the middle of the season as the water lily grows," says Conaway.

Care Tips

When it comes to soil, heavy clay types will work best, as they will stay put in the container and hold onto nutrients.

"Avoid using typical potting soils," warns Conaway. "They're light and fluffy and allow for air spaces—they'll wash out of the container when submerged, and not provide enough substance for water lily roots."

He recommends clean, fresh water with a neutral or slightly basic pH. However, since lilies prefer still water, keep them away from water features like fountains.

Fertilizing can be beneficial as well—but don't overdo it. "We typically fertilize monthly by pushing aquatic fertilizer tabs into the soil down to the root zone," says Conaway. "We taper off fertilizer in late summer to slow down growth and allow the plant to enter dormancy." 

Repotting

It's important to repot water lilies because the rhizomes may become overcrowded, and their leaves will mound in the center of the pot. "We repot ours annually in the spring," says Conaway. "It's messy work."

Dump the pot out onto a tarp, then locate the rhizomes. Discard any that look dead or decayed. "If we have limited rhizomes, they can be cut into smaller sections with a clean, sharp knife," he says.

Afterward, simply follow the same planting instructions listed above.