Growing water lollies

I would like to grow water lillies in a half barrel or large tub. As I have never done this before can somebody tell me how to proceed. How do I keep water clear and how do I feed

Re: Growing water lollies

Reply from Kathy C

Hi, David,
You can grow them in a tub. Most important is to make sure you choose one that has a suitable mature size for the size container you have. You will probably want a dwarf cultivar - and even those can get up to 60cm across. You will need a large container that will hold the water and a small container to plant the lily in. Best to choose one designed specifically for water gardens. For planting (in the smaller pot) use a heavy soil that is suitable for use in the garden, not a potting compost that is light and will float. Avoid any perlite, vermiculite or peat in the mix. Add aquatic fertiliser pellets to the soil/compost according to manufacturer's recommendations. Plant the tuber against the side of the pot with the growing tip pointing up/toward the centre of the pot. Once planted, cover the soil with a layer of rock or pea gravel to keep the soil in place. Once planted, slowly submerge it in the larger container (it should already be full of water - if you use tap/hosepipe water, let it sit 24-48 hours first to rid it of chlorine). Initially - first few weeks or so- the tip of the lily should be submerged about 10cm or so - you can prop it on bricks for this stage. Then, the ideal depth is about 40-45cm. Waterlilies need at least 4 hours of sun each day so site the container in sun. As water evaporates, replace it with tap water - the chlorine will help control algae. It will take a tub about 60 days to 'balance' (natural control of algae, etc).
Kathy C

Re: Growing water lillies

Reply from David Black

Thanks for replying with the useful information Kathy it's much appreciated