As a water lily, my very existence is fueled by sunlight. I need a minimum of 5-6 hours of direct, unfiltered sun each day to perform photosynthesis effectively. This process creates the energy that allows me to produce my beautiful flowers and, crucially, large, healthy leaves. If I am planted in a shady spot or beneath the surface of murky, algae-filled water, I am starved of this energy. My leaves will become weak, small, yellow, and eventually die back as I literally cannot feed myself. Please ensure my pond is positioned to receive ample sunlight.
My roots (rhizomes) have very specific needs. If I am planted in the wrong type of soil, such as a lightweight potting mix that floats away or a heavy, nutrient-poor clay, I cannot anchor myself or access the nutrients I require. I need a heavy, loamy soil designed for aquatic plants. Furthermore, if I am planted too deeply or too shallowly, I will struggle. The crown of my rhizome should be right at the soil surface, not buried deeply. If planted incorrectly, my new leaves will have difficulty reaching the surface, and the energy drain will cause my existing leaves to yellow and die.
While I enjoy company, too much of it is detrimental. If my rhizome has grown too large for its container or if other plants are invading my space, I become root-bound. This intense competition for limited resources in the soil stunts my growth. My leaves will be smaller, clustered, and may start to die off as I cannot sustain them. Additionally, my leaves need to respire. If the water surface becomes completely covered by my own leaves or by invasive floating plants, it traps gases and reduces oxygen exchange. This suffocates me and can lead to rot and leaf death.
I am highly sensitive to my aquatic environment. Water that is constantly churning and splashing from a nearby fountain or waterfall will damage my leaves. My leaves are designed to float calmly; rushing water will drown them, force them underwater, and cause them to rot. Similarly, the chemical balance of the water is important. Water with a very high pH (alkaline water) can lock up nutrients in the soil, making them unavailable to me. This nutrient deficiency will manifest as yellowing leaves, especially if the newer leaves are affected first.
Even in the water, I am not immune to invaders. The water lily beetle and its larvae find my leaves to be a delicious meal, chewing holes and skeletonizing them until they die. Aphids can also infest the undersides of my leaves, sucking out my sap. Fungal diseases, like crown rot, can attack me if my conditions are poor or if my rhizome is damaged. This rot will cause my leaves to turn black, wilt, and die back rapidly. Regularly inspecting my leaves for signs of these pests and diseases is crucial for my health.
