How deep to plant a plantlet purchased at a store

by Loren
(Phonenixville, PA, USA)

I purchased a plantlet at a store. I believe it's a hardy waterlily. I followed all of the guidelines for planting. It has a few shoots and as they are growing I am wondering if I should add more water to the container they are in. I know that the leaves need to breath so should I stop increasing the water and allow the leaves to develop outside of the water? (Currently the water is at about 4-6 inches) or should I continue adding water until my container is full at about 12 inches and allow the shoots to grow to the top and then develop leaves?

Doug says that as long as the crown of the plant is slightly above the soil line, then you're doing fine with planting depth. As to water depth, the water lily will adjust to whatever depth you make the water.

In this case, the root is small (plantlet) rather than big root, and you've only got 4-6 inches of water. If the leaves are up there now, then I'd raise the water level only when the next set of leaves come along.

If the leaves aren't to the top yet, I'd leave it at that level until they got there.

My concern is for the size of the root. Big roots can be planted properly and the water level put to seasonal depths. Small roots need a bit of pampering to get the leaves up and going to make that tiny root grow big enough to throw new leaves and grow into a flower-producing plant.

Don't forget to feed it and keep the water reasonably warm - PA can still have some cold weather (it's the middle of April) and if the container is small, the water temp can drop quickly. While it won't kill the root, it will slow growth down. Simply cover the container with a blanket or sheet to help hold in the heat and moderate any cold temperatures.

Bottom line - the size of the root is the question here. Tiny roots need more care and I wouldn't raise the water level too much until it's established with strong growing leaves. Bigger roots can take more abuse and can have deeper water levels at the beginning.