A must-have for even the smallest of ponds, water lilies need dividing every few years. Keep them healthy and prevent the pond from becoming overcrowded by dividing and replanting.
You can get up to 25 new plants from one large rootball of a healthy water lily. That’s enough to turn your pond into a Monet-inspired work of art! Spring is the best time to do this because the leaves haven’t fully grown yet, but there should be enough new green shoots to tell which parts of the plants can be separated.
Water lilies are one of the most iconic and beautiful plants that can be grown in ponds and water gardens. With their large, floating leaves and showy flowers in shades of white, pink, yellow, and more, water lilies transform a simple pond into an elegant backyard focal point.
However after a few years of growth water lily plants will often outgrow their space and need to be divided. Dividing water lilies may sound daunting, but it’s actually a straightforward process that will rejuvenate the plants and keep your pond looking its best. Here’s a step-by-step guide to dividing water lily plants successfully.
When to Divide Water Lilies
Water lilies are best divided in early spring before water temperatures rise and new growth begins. However division can also be done in mid to late summer after flowering has finished. Avoid dividing in the hottest part of summer as this can stress the plants.
Dividing in early spring gives the new divisions time to establish a strong root system before summer heat arrives. Dividing in late summer can work as well, but may mean less flowering the following year as the plant focuses its energy on root growth.
Signs Your Water Lilies Need Dividing
Here are some signs that your water lily has become overgrown and is a candidate for division
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The plant has spread far beyond its original planting spot, with leaves and flowers extending across a large section of the pond.
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Growth is crowded and congested, with smaller leaves and less flowering than previous years.
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The center of the plant has an open, empty appearance with most growth around the edges.
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Leaves are small and spaced far apart, giving the plant a sparse look.
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Flowers are smaller and shorter-lived than usual.
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The original root system has become very large and difficult to manage.
If your water lily shows one or more of these signs, it’s time to divide it. Dividing will rejuvenate the plant and stimulate lush new growth.
How to Divide a Water Lily
Here is a step-by-step guide to dividing water lily plants:
1. Remove the Plant from the Pond
Use a garden fork or rake to gently loosen the water lily from the pond bottom. Be careful not to damage the root system. Gently lift the entire plant and place it on a tarp or wheelbarrow.
2. Rinse Away Soil
Use a hose or water bucket to rinse all soil from the water lily’s roots. This allows you to clearly see the root structure.
3. Select Divisions
Examine the root system and look for crowns that can be divided. Crowns are the areas where leaf growth emerges. Established crowns will look like thickened stems. Juvenile crowns may just be tiny tips of new growth.
4. Cut Apart Divisions
Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the root system apart between crowns. For mature plants, divide large crowns into smaller sections, leaving at least 2 growing tips per division. Keep at least 4-6 inches of healthy rootstock attached to each crown.
5. Discard Excess Rootstock
Older rootstock that is pithy or hollow in the center will not re-sprout. Cut off this excess rootstock, leaving only healthy white roots attached to your divisions.
6. Trim Damaged Roots
Inspect each division and trim any crushed or damaged roots. Healthy, intact roots are essential for re-establishment.
7. Plant Divisions
Gently place each division back in the pond, spacing them 1-3 feet apart depending on expected mature size. Plant crowns just below the water’s surface. Stake in place if needed until established.
8. Fertilize Lightly
Apply a liquid fertilizer or water lily tabs once divisions are actively growing. This encourages root development. But go easy on fertilizer the first season after dividing.
Caring for Newly Divided Water Lilies
Proper care after dividing will give your new water lily divisions the best chance of success:
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Maintain consistent water levels. Don’t let the pond dry out.
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Control algae growth by hand removal, water changes, or UV clarifiers to allow sunlight to reach the new plants.
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Remove fallen leaves and debris around new divisions so they receive unobstructed sunlight.
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Avoid transplanting or dividing other pond plants near the new water lily divisions. This prevents disturbing their sensitive new roots.
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Hold off on fertilizing with tabs or nutrient-rich pond muck until you see signs of active growth.
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Wait about 8 weeks after planting before resuming normal fertilizing to allow roots to establish. Then use controlled-release fertilizer tabs placed near the crowns.
Troubleshooting Water Lily Division
Here are some common issues that may arise after dividing water lilies and how to address them:
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Slow growth: This is normal for newly divided plants as energy goes into root development before leaf and flower production. Be patient! Growth will accelerate in coming years.
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Sparse or distorted leaves: Poor water quality, incorrect planting depth, or buried crowns can cause leaf issues. Improve conditions and the plant will rebound.
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Failure to thrive: Divisions that languish likely have root problems. Carefully re-divide and inspect roots for rot or defects. Discard damaged divisions.
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Pond bottom disturbances: Nearby activity like transplanting other plants can uproot newly planted divisions. Allow divisions to establish undisturbed for at least 4-6 weeks.
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Sinking divisions: Use a small rock or brick under new divisions to prevent sinking into soft pond muck before roots anchor.
Key Tips for Dividing Water Lilies
Follow these tips for successful water lily division:
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Time division for early spring or late summer when water temperatures are cool.
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Rinse all soil from roots for easy visibility of crowns.
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Discard old rootstock. Select divisions with 2+ growing tips and 4-6 inches of healthy roots.
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Space divisions 1-3 feet apart based on expected mature size.
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Plant crowns at or just below the water’s surface.
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Stake divisions in place if needed until established.
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Go easy on fertilizer the first season after dividing.
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Allow divisions several weeks to establish before disturbing the pond.
The Benefits of Dividing Water Lilies
While dividing water lily plants takes a bit of time and effort, the benefits are well worth it:
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Rejuvenates overgrown plants for maximum health and flowering.
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Multiplies your water lily collection for free.
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Allows you to discard old rootstock and keep only the most vigorous divisions.
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Redistributes plantings for better coverage and aesthetics in the pond.
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Stimulates the dense, lush growth water lilies are known for.
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Maintains proper plant and root densities for the long-term health of your water lilies.
If your water lilies are crowding their space or failing to thrive, division is the solution. Follow the steps above to successfully divide your overgrown water lily plants. Soon you’ll have beautiful, revitalized water lilies gracing your pond once more.
Elsewhere on the web
A must-have for even the smallest of ponds, water lilies need dividing every few years. Keep them healthy and prevent the pond from becoming overcrowded by dividing and replanting.
Healthy water lilies grow rapidly and its possible to get as many as 25 new plants from one large rootball – thats enough to transform your pond into a Monet-inspired artwork! The best time to do this is in spring because the leaves havent fully developed, but there should be enough emerging green shoots to know which parts of the plants can be separated.
Dividing Water Lilies
FAQ
When should water lilies be split?
What do you do with overgrown water lilies?
Can you grow a water lily from a cutting?
When and how do you divide lilies?
Can water lilies grow in a pond?
Follow these tips to help your hardy water lilies spread and thrive in your backyard pond. Hardy water lilies grow quickly and spread in abundance. Divide and transplant them every 2 to 3 years. Watch for roots swarming around the pond, a split pot, or reduced blooming, signifying the water lily is root-bound.
How do you divide a water lily?
To divide, lift the water lily and its pot completely out of the pond. Then find the rhizome, the water lily’s thick horizontal root. Rinse it gently with your garden hose, on a spray setting. Next, find some crowns on the rhizome, each showing where a new lily pad group will sprout. Cut between the crowns with a sharp knife.
Should I Divide or repot my Water Lily?
If your water lily has grown over the side of the container with roots dangling in the water, or if it is becoming difficult to apply fertilizer tablets to the aquatic pot, then it’s time to divide or repot your water lily.
How do water lilies spread?
Water lilies spread by producing tuber-like rhizomes. These are generally underground stems that act as organs helping the plant to store water and nutrients. The rhizomes bear leafy shoots which can be split apart to make new plants.
How do you water a lily?
For newly divided tubers, it is best to place the lily in shallow water first, with only a few inches of water above the leaves. The leaf steams will quickly lengthen and at that time you can move the lily to deeper water. Happy water gardening! This article was written by Keith, our Contractor Sales Manager.
How do you know if a water lily is root bound?
Watch for roots swarming around the pond, a split pot, or reduced blooming, signifying the water lily is root-bound. Tropical water lilies will need dividing when blooming ceases in very warm weather. To divide, lift the water lily and its pot completely out of the pond. Then find the rhizome, the water lily’s thick horizontal root.