water lilies growing but not shooting to the surface

by Linda
(Fruitvale, BC)

Hi. I have two water lily plants in my pond, I've had them both for a couple of years. This year for the first time, they seem to be growing, but the leaves are not shooting to the surface. They are just staying on the plant pot? Do they maybe need a plant food and if so what one is best. I live in BC, Canada so please recommend something that is available in Canada.

Doug says they do indeed require plant food every year (in fact, almost every month depending on what you purchase) It is not uncommon for a lily to set up a few small leaves underground in the spring if they need dividing, are underfed or have some winter damage.

Go to a garden center and ask for some pond tabs for feeding water lilies. Most will have them if they sell the water plants.

Use them as per the directions on the package. Most will last for a month or more in the soil (and do get them well buried in the pot or they'll dissolve in the water and not do the plant any good.

It's that simple. Good luck