In this post we will share an example of an tropical water lily that has been grown using “bonsai” techniques.
The Guinea Pig
We selected Nymphaea ‘Foxfire’. It is our best-selling tropical water lily.
Growing Environment
- Tub holds 11 gallons and is only 7″ deep.
- Water temperature is about 80 degrees F.
- Foxfire tuber was planted in sand in a quart pot.
- Fertilized with a half a teaspoon of Osmocote Classic.
At week 1, the tuber sprouts. By week 2, there are a handful of tiny floating pads. By week 3, the pads are gaining size. By week 4, the Foxfire plant sends up its first bud.
Applications?
This technique could be particularly useful to water gardeners who have a limited space. An example could be growing a tropical water lily in a container water garden.
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Author: Lorenzo Orlando Caum
@lorenzocaum is an entrepreneur and a marketer.
Lorenzo serves as a board member for the International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society. He has over half a decade of experience with tropical water lilies.
He is the founder of Enzo12 LLC, a web engineering firm in Tampa, FL. He also has a business, marketing, and technology blog and is studying behavioral economics.
