5 Simple Steps To Dividing Your Hardy Water Lilies

If you missed the springtime window of opportunity to divide your hardy water lilies, don't worry, it's not too late. Although springtime is the best time, you've actually got the entire normal growing season to get it done.

The reason for dividing your water lilies is that they eventually run out of room in their existing pots and need more room for the roots to spread out so the plant can flourish. Not only is this relatively easy to do, but you end up with more plants as a bonus!

Step 1

Remove the plant from the pot and gently rinse the dirt from the root system.

Step 2

Cut the older growth from one end of the tuber, and the newer growth from the other. If there are new "eyes" along the tuber you can snip them off and pot them if you wish.

Step 3

Take a sharp knife and cut the tuber back on the 'growing' part. On small plants you can safely cut the tuber down to 2-3 inches. Keep it at around 5-6 inches for larger plants.

You should also cut off new buds and any older leaves so the plant can stay focused on growing a new root system.

Step 4

Plant the tuber in good quality garden soil that has been poured into a pot that is suitable for water gardening. Potting soil is not the best choice so make sure that the package says 'garden soil'.

Insert the tuber into the soil placing it next to the wall of the pot rather than in the center of the pot.

Insert a couple of aquatic plant food tabs about halfway into the soil and then pack the soil around the tuber so it will stay in place when the pot is submerged.

Finally, pour a layer of pea gravel over the soil to keep it from washing away. This also discourages your fish from digging in the pot. Make sure that you do not cover the crown of the tuber with gravel.

Step 5

Slowly submerge the pot into your garden pond. Don't be alarmed if some dirt residue mixes in with the water. This is normal and it will soon settle to the bottom and the water will clear.

Keep your new plants in water that is no deeper that 12" until you notice at least five or six new leaves. Once the plant is established you can place it in deeper water if you wish.

There, you're done. Now your old plants will have more room to grow and you'll have new plants to keep or share with friends. Wasn't that easy?

**************************************************
Brett Fogle is the owner of MacArthur Water Gardens and several
other pond-related websites including MacArthurWatergardens.com
and Pond-Filters-Online.com. He also publishes a free monthly
newsletter called PondStuff! with a reader circulation of over
9,000. To sign up for the free newsletter and receive our FREE
'New Pond Owners Guide' visit MacArthur Water Gardens today!
**************************************************

---

My Spring Bulbs Wont Bloom - Why?

You can hear the wailing from here. "Why aren't my... Read More

Tuberous Begonias

If you appreciate plants that have no hesitation in boldly... Read More

Dill: Scandinavias Most Important Culinary Herb

The ancient herb, Anethum graveolens or Fernleaf dill as it... Read More

Plan Before Buying Rose Bushes

So, you have decided to plant rose bushes in your... Read More

Patios And Garden Pavers

Is your concrete or asphalt driveway an eyesore? Do you... Read More

How to Create a Zen Garden

When you hear the term "Zen Garden" the picture conjured... Read More

Catch a Leprechaun in Your Garden

There is no mention to be found of female leprechauns... Read More

Gardening and Flowers

Gardening is one of life's pleasures whether you grow flowers,... Read More

Teak Garden Furniture: A Natural Extension of the Home

In the past, the garden has traditionally been a separate... Read More

A Teak Bench: The Perfect Complement To Any Outdoor Space

Are you searching for that perfect bench to set off... Read More

Lazy Fish Worries

If your fish hang out at the bottom of the... Read More

Science Cant Explain Everything!

You will know that if you have spent at least... Read More

Rose - The Flower of Love and Romance

What is the flower that everyone visualizes and associates with... Read More

Paving Stones

Imagine a beautiful pattern of paving stones as the central... Read More

New for 2006 - Granite Flexible Preformed Rock Ponds

Traditionally, preformed ponds are large shells, which are extremely burdensome... Read More

Winter Gardening

As the end of summer approaches, unfortunately far too quickly,... Read More

Learn All About Feng Shui Money Trees

A feng shui money tree is an indoor plant used... Read More

Planting Bare Root Roses

Before planting, the plants must be prepared. The following suggestions... Read More

Imagine Your Own Orchid Garden In A Pond

Who doesn't love to hear the water rushing and flowing... Read More

February in the Garden

Often in February there is a surprisingly warm day. Everybody... Read More

Letting Nature Grow Your Garden

It is wisest to let Nature have Her way. Nature... Read More

How to for Lawns ? Mowing

How often you mow your lawn will depend on a... Read More

Backyard Ponds

Backyard ponds are a great source of fun and enjoyment.... Read More

Durable Wooden Swing - Decorate Your Outdoors with One

There is nothing better to do on a hot, lazy... Read More

Growing Great Asparagus

I went out to feed the birds this morning -... Read More

Add Value to Your Home - Landscaping

Just recently my friend had his house appraised between $800,000... Read More

Roses - Creating Beautiful Cut Roses

Many gardeners like to enjoy their roses twice - first... Read More

Pest Control Tips for Maintaining Your Greenhouse

Greenhouses provide a warm, humid atmosphere and are home to... Read More

Liner Ponds versus Folding Preformed Ponds

IntroductionSo you've decided to build your very own backyard water... Read More

The Rich History of Chrysanthemums

Did you know that those lush, colorful blooms called chrysanthemums... Read More

Gardening on a Budget

When we moved into our south Anchorage log home I... Read More

Low Maintenance Teak Furniture

In all likelihood you have heard of teak furniture and... Read More

Introduction to Aquaponics

Hydroponics and aquaponics are very similar in every way except... Read More