How do I divide and repot water lilies?

Water lilies should be divided and repotted when they become overcrowded, outgrow their containers, or produce fewer flowers. Early spring, when new growth begins, is the best time to divide hardy water lilies.

When should I divide my water lilies?

Divide water lilies when:

Flower production decreases.
Roots or rhizomes become overcrowded.
Multiple growing crowns compete for space.
The plant outgrows its container.

What products should I use?

For healthy root development and flowering, Aquascape recommends:

Aquatic Lily Planter: A flexible, porous fabric planter measuring 14 in. in diameter × 7 in. high (35.6 × 17.8 cm). Allows water circulation while helping prevent planting media from escaping into the pond.
Heavy-Duty Aquatic Plant Pots: Available in 12, 16, and 20 in. diameters (30.5, 40.6, and 50.8 cm). These fabric pots provide additional growing space and feature lifting handles for easier removal from the pond.
Pond Plant Potting Media: An all-natural aquatic planting media that supports root development. It contains no peat moss or compost and is safe for pond fish.
Once-A-Year Pond Plant Fertilizer: A slow-release granular fertilizer designed for newly potted or repotted aquatic plants. It provides nutrients for up to 180 days and promotes healthy growth and flowering.

Remove the plant: Carefully lift the water lily from the pond and remove it from its planter.
Expose the rhizome: Gently remove excess planting media and trim away dead roots and leaves.
Divide the rhizome: Use a clean, sharp knife to separate healthy sections. Each division should have a growing tip and attached roots.
Select a planter: Place each division in an Aquascape Aquatic Lily Planter or appropriately sized Heavy-Duty Aquatic Plant Pot. Allow enough space for future root growth.
Add planting media and fertilizer: Add a layer of Aquascape Pond Plant Potting Media to the bottom of the planter. Spread Aquascape Once-A-Year Pond Plant Fertilizer evenly over the media according to the product instructions.
Position the rhizome: Place the rhizome at approximately a 45° angle, with the growing tip approximately 3/4 in. (1.9 cm) above the planting media surface. Fill around the roots with additional planting media.
Add gravel: Cover the planting media with approximately 1/2 in. (1.3 cm) of washed gravel to help keep it from entering the pond. Leave the growing tip exposed.
Return to the pond: Slowly lower the planter into the water at the recommended planting depth for the water lily variety.

How do I care for water lilies after repotting?

Sunlight: Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Fertilizer: Use Aquascape Once-A-Year Pond Plant Fertilizer when repotting. For established plants in subsequent seasons, use Once-A-Year Pond Plant Fertilizer Capsules according to the product instructions.
Maintenance: Remove yellowing or decaying leaves and monitor for healthy new growth.
Growing space: Check the planter periodically for overcrowded roots or rhizomes.

Important: These instructions apply primarily to hardy water lilies with rhizomes. Tropical water lilies may require different division and repotting methods.