Spring time is the best time of year to carry out this much needed but often unwelcome chore.
- Remove the hardy water lily from the existing plant container and rinse the roots with water to remove excess dirt and debris.
- Cut the older growth from one end of the tuber, and the newer growth from the other. If there are new "eyes" along the tuber you can snip them off and pot them if you wish.
- On small hardy lilies you can safely cut the tuber down to between 2 to 3 inches, on the growing part, with a sharp knife. This can be increased to between 5 to 6 inches on larger plants. Remember to also cut off new buds and older leaves, so that the new root system a chance to develop.
- Gently place the tuber in a planting pot, containing a quality water gardening soil, suitable for use in aquatic garden ponds. It is best to place it against the wall of the pot rather than in the center of the pot. Feed the new tuber by placing a couple of aquatic plant fertilizer tablets, about halfway into the soil. Pack the tuber firmly into place, with some more soil. This will help to keep the tuber in place for the fifth and final stage. Cover the soil with a layer of pea gravel which will prevent fish from digging at the tuber and will also prevent the soil from floating away. Make sure that the crown of the tuber is not covered.
- Gently lower the pot containing the tuber into your fish pond, up to a depth of no deeper than 1 foot (12 inches). You will probably notice dirt residue mixing with the pond water; this is normal and will soon settle on the pond floor. Leave water lily tuber alone until you see half a dozen or so new leaves. Once this happens you can now place it in deeper water if need be; dependant upon the species and the depth of water preferred.
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