How to manage water lilies during the winter?

Bowl lotus is a miniature lotus belonging to the genus Nelumbo in the family Nymphaeaceae . It is loved by people mainly for its graceful shape and bright colors. But in terms of habits, the bowl lotus is a warm-loving plant and is not cold-resistant. So how should we manage water lilies in winter? Let’s learn more about it below.

1. Temperature management

In the southern regions, if the soil is not frozen, bowl lotus can spend the winter directly outdoors. In northern regions, due to the lower temperature, the water lily needs to be moved indoors for the winter. The indoor temperature should be kept between 3-10℃.

2. Cover and keep warm

Cover the bottom and top of the flower pot with a layer of plastic film and 3 cm thick dead grass to prevent rain and snow and keep warm.

3. Water management

The soil of the water lily needs to be kept moist in winter, but avoid overwatering. Generally speaking, it is sufficient to water the plant once a week and keep the soil in the pot slightly moist to ensure that the water lily has enough water in the winter while preventing the roots from being damaged by excessive water.

4. Adequate lighting

Bowl lotus likes a warm and sunny environment. In winter, it is best to place it in a sunny location, with a south-facing location being best. Adequate light can promote the growth of branches and leaves of the water lily, preparing for next year's flowering.

5. Fertilization points

After winter, bowl lotus generally does not need top dressing. If the stems of the water lilies grown that year are relatively thin, the flowers are small, the color is light, and the plants are relatively weak, you can apply appropriate winter fertilizer. It can be diluted with potassium dihydrogen phosphate and then watered.

6. Proper pruning

Winter is the dormant period of water lilies, and all parts of the plant except the lotus roots will slowly wither and die. After it withers, you need to prune it and cut off the dead parts to avoid them remaining on the plant and wasting nutrients.

To sum up, the management of water lilies over the winter requires comprehensive consideration of watering, temperature, light, pruning and fertilization. Only by doing these things well can we ensure that the water lily can safely survive the winter and grow and bloom next year.