Graceful water lilies are synonymous with idyllic pool and lake . Their large round leaves and showy blooming seem to typify the repose of water supply horticulture . But are these aquatic plants truly good for your pool ?
Water lily extend both benefits and drawbacks . By empathise their pro and cons , you could make informed choice about admit them in your pond purpose .
What are Water Lilies?
H2O lilies or waterlilies ( Nymphaea species ) are floating - leaved perennial aquatic plants They are native to temperate and tropical regions worldwide .
There are around 70 mintage , with hundreds of cultivated salmagundi . Waterlilies scatter via rhizomes under the soil and can speedily cover pond if not contained .
Popular types include :
The Pros: Benefits of Water Lilies for Ponds
When properly managed . waterlilies offer numerous advantages for backyard ponds
1. Provide Shelter and Shade
The broad floating leaves give shade and protection beneath them . Areas under lily domiciliation allow fish to escape acute Lord’s Day and aerial predators .
Ponds with at least 60 % lily cover are idealistic , This protects Pisces while permitting enough light for aquatic works
2. Regulate Water Temperature
Through transpiration , lily leaves cool pond water . This stabilization prevents dangerous temperature fluctuations that can stress or drink down Pisces .
3. Harbor Beneficial Insects
Many aquatic insect utilize water lilies as food for thought and habitat . Damselflies , dragonflies , water striders , and others repose among the leaves and stalk .
These creatures consume mosquito larvae , controlling nuisance biters . damselfly also junket on midges that bother fish .
4. Provide Spawning Habitat
The tangled roots around lily rhizomes are prime spawning sites for fish like centrarchid and sea bass . Young fry protection there to avoid predators .
5. Remove Excess Nutrients
Lilypads soak up phosphorus , nitrogen and other nutrient from pond piddle . This helps prevent excessive alga growing fueled by gamy food .
6. Add Natural Beauty
Let ’s not pretermit esthetics ! Lush lily leafage and colorful blooms beautify pool . Their presence creates a quintessential water garden facial expression .
The Cons: Drawbacks of Water Lilies for Ponds
Unfortunately , water lily also have some potential disadvantages :
1. Fast Spreading Growth
give ideal stipulation , lilies multiply rapidly via rhizome extension . They can choke out ponds in just a few year if not hold back .
In small ponds under 500 sq foot , lily often overtake the entire Earth’s surface . They barricade Christ Within and cause submersed dieback .
2. Excessive Shading
Too many lily lodgings cause excessive blending , prevent light from reaching deluge plants . Loss of aquatics set aside alga to proliferate .
Ideally , 60 % of the water surface should be open for sunlight penetration .
3. Decrease Dissolved Oxygen
fatheaded lily natural covering prevents oxygenation from Earth’s surface steer mixing . Stagnation and higher pee temperature also reduce oxygen levels . Low oxygen stress pond Pisces the Fishes .
4. Accumulate Organic Debris
As lily leaves age and decay , they sink and accumulate as gunk . This debris decomposition robs oxygen from water . Aeration is needed to counteract this .
5. Harbor Snails
Lily husk and leave invite irritating pool snails . These pests consume plants , spread sponge , and dirty piddle with feces . Copper treatments may be need for ascendance .
6. Require Maintenance
Containing lilies demands regular pruning , remotion , and division . leaf must be thin out before they carpet the entire aerofoil . It ’s continual maintenance .
Tips for Growing Lilies Successfully
When culture the right way , water lily convey more benefits than problems to backyard pool . Here are tip for success :
Site lily in fond sun to poise growing and blooms .
Use aquatic plant barrier or good deal to contain feast .
pop with fewer lilies than you think you need . They procreate tight !
Thin and divide lily often to prevent surface crowding .
Prune older leaves and deadhead spend efflorescence frequently .
Maintain clear expanse for light and aerofoil gas exchange .
Use circulation , fountain , or aeration to prevent doldrums under lily .
controller snails with copper discourse if they become problematic .
Water lilies are double - edge swords in ponds , bringing both professional and con game . But their elegance make them resistless improver . With chic direction focus on balance , you’re able to maximize their knockout and minimize their drawback . A pond dotted with control lilies creates a serene resort and healthy habitat .
Water Lilies For Your Pond
FAQ
What are the disadvantage of water lilies ?
Do water lily sporty pool ?
Do water lily oxygenate a pool ?
Can you have too many water lilies in a pond ?
