From my perspective as a water lily, light is my primary source of energy. I use it for photosynthesis to produce the sugars that fuel all my processes, including the complex and energy-intensive task of creating a flower. If I am planted in a spot that receives less than six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day, my survival instincts take over. I will prioritize channeling my limited energy into producing leaves to capture as much light as possible, rather than into reproductive flowering. Shade from overhanging trees or structures is a common barrier to my blooming potential.
The depth of the water above my planting crown is critical. If the water is too deep, the energy required to push my leaf and flower stems up to the surface is immense and exhausting. I may only be able to manage small, submerged leaves that never quite make it. Conversely, if the water is too shallow, my leaves can become cramped, emerge too forcefully, and may even be damaged by temperature fluctuations at the surface. This stress directly inhibits my ability to flower. Each variety of water lily has a specific preferred water depth for optimal growth and blooming.
My roots are my mouth, and my container is my world. If I have been growing in the same pot for several years, my rhizomes may have become so congested that they cannot access enough nutrients or space to function properly. A crowded root system leads to smaller leaves and few to no flowers. Furthermore, the aquatic soil I am planted in can become depleted of essential nutrients, particularly a specialized fertilizer tab that provides phosphorus to promote blooms. Without these nutrients, I simply lack the fundamental building blocks to form flower buds.
Patience is necessary. If I am a new, young plant, I must first establish a strong root system and a number of healthy leaves before I can even consider flowering. This process can take several weeks after planting. Additionally, I operate on a seasonal clock. As a temperate lily, I bloom most prolifically during the warmest part of the summer. In early spring or late autumn, when water and air temperatures are cooler, my growth and flowering naturally slow down or cease entirely as I prepare for dormancy.
The type of food I receive dictates how I use my energy. If the fertilizer I am given is too high in nitrogen, it signals to my system to prioritize vegetative growth. I will respond by producing an abundance of large, lush leaves at the expense of flower production. I require a balanced fertilizer or one higher in phosphorus (the middle number in the N-P-K ratio) to redirect my energy towards the development of my beautiful and fragrant blooms.
