From my perspective as a water lily, my growth is dictated by my rhizome, a tuberous stem that stores energy and produces all my new growth. In a confined aquatic pot, my rhizome can only expand so far. Over seasons of vigorous growth, I become congested. My roots become a tangled mat, competing for the limited nutrients in the soil. My growth points, or "eyes," begin to crowd each other, resulting in smaller, fewer leaves that struggle to reach the water's surface for vital sunlight. This overgrown state is my signal that I need your help to divide and rejuvenate, allowing me to return to my full, flourishing potential.
Timing is crucial for my recovery. The ideal moment for this procedure is in the spring, as the water begins to warm and I am just emerging from my winter dormancy. At this time, my energy reserves in the rhizome are high, and my metabolic processes are accelerating. This surge of natural growth hormone, auxin, means I will quickly recover from the shock of being cut and repotted, rapidly sending out new roots and shoots into the fresh soil. Attempting this in the peak of summer heat or as I am preparing for dormancy in the fall places undue stress on my system.
Gently remove my entire mass from the old pot. You will likely see a dense, intertwined root system and a main rhizome with several offshoots. Using a sharp, sterile knife, carefully cut through the tuber. Each new division must have a section of healthy, firm rhizome (at least 2-3 inches long) and, most critically, at least one active growth eye or a growing tip from which new leaves will emerge. These eyes are my future; without one, the division is merely a piece of stored food with no ability to generate new growth and will simply rot. Discard any old, soft, or decaying portions of the rhizome, as they are no longer viable.
My new home is critical. Use a wide, shallow pot specifically designed for aquatic plants, as my roots prefer to grow horizontally. Do not use standard potting soil, which is too light and will foul the water. Instead, use a heavy, clay-based loam soil. Plant my divided rhizome section at a slight angle, with the growth eye pointing toward the center of the pot and positioned just above the soil surface. If buried too deeply, the new shoot may rot before it can emerge. Gently cover the roots with soil and add a layer of gravel or small stones on top to prevent the soil from clouding the pond water and to deter curious fish from disturbing my new setup.
After repotting, lower my new container gradually into the pond. Do not place me immediately at my final depth. Start by positioning the pot so the crown of my plant is just 6-8 inches below the water surface. This allows sunlight to easily reach my young, developing leaves and provides warmth to stimulate root establishment. As my new leaves grow and reach for the surface, you can gradually lower the pot to its permanent depth of 12-18 inches over the next few weeks. This careful acclimatization ensures I can photosynthesize efficiently from the start, fueling my own successful re-establishment.
