Growing a tropical water lily via "bonsai"

by Lorenzo Orlando Caum on April 21, 2010

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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