Water lilies in the pond

HOW DO WATER LIPS "WORK" IN A POND?

Water shading

Their leaves float on the surface, reducing direct sunlight on the water,

preventing excessive algae growth.

Oxygenation and filtration

They produce oxygen through photosynthesis,

the root system filters the water from impurities and nutrients.

Habitat for animals

They provide shelter for fish, amphibians and insects,

reducing stress for fish in the pond.

Water temperature regulation

They shade the surface, which helps maintain a stable temperature, especially in summer.

🏠 WATER LIPS REQUIREMENTS
🌞 Light

Requires full sun or partial shade (6–8 hours of light per day)

Lack of light → poor flowering and slow growth

💧 Water

Temperature: optimal 18–28 °C

pH: neutral to slightly acidic (6.5–7.5)

Depth: from 20 cm to 1 m depending on the variety

🌱 Substrate

Rich clay substrate or special peat mixture

Minerals: added phosphorus and potassium promote flowering

🧹 Maintenance

Removal of dead leaves

Dividing root tubers every 2–3 years

🧠 WATER LIPS "NATURE"

Calm and stable plants

Robust, but sensitive to overcrowding and polluted water

Prefers balance - neither too shallow nor too deep water

Flowers are sensitive to mechanical damage

🧱 WATER LIME SPECIES

Tropical water lily (Nymphaea tropica)

Brightly colored flowers, fragrant, blooms in summer

Requirements: warm water >22 °C, regular fertilization

Local (traditional European water lily)

White, light pink flowers, less demanding

Cold-resistant

Mini water lily / floating

Leaves and flowers smaller, suitable for small ponds

Hybrids

Combination of large flowers, color and resistance

🩺 IMPACT OF WATER LIME ON POND HEALTH
POSITIVE

✔️ shading reduces algae
✔️ stabilizes temperature
✔️ provides shelter and habitat for fish
✔️ filters water through the root system

NEGATIVE

❌ too dense growth can reduce oxygen at night
❌ leaf decomposition can pollute the water if not removed

🦠 WATER LIPS "DISEASES" AND PROBLEMS

Brown or damaged leaves → lack of light or nutrients

Leaf decay → excessive algae

Snail or insect infestation

Fungal diseases in stagnant water

➡️ prevention: regular fertilization, optimal density, removal of dead parts

⚖️ ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF WATER LIPS
👍 ADVANTAGES

✅ aesthetic appearance
✅ ecological water regulation
✅ shelter and protection of fish
✅ dampens sunlight and temperature fluctuations

👎 DISADVANTAGES

❌ need for maintenance (cutting, fertilization)
❌ overcrowding can reduce oxygen
❌ susceptible to diseases if poorly cared for

🛒 HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT WATER LIPS

Pond size and water depth

Type of fish and other inhabitants

Climate conditions (tropical vs. hardy)

Number of plants – ideally 1 water lily for 1–2 m² of surface

Maintenance and fertilization plan

📌 Tip: For small ponds, choose mini or medium varieties, for large ponds, resistant hybrids with large leaves.

🧭 PRACTICAL TIPS

Remove fallen leaves and flowers

When planting, use peat and pebbles to stabilize the tubers

Avoid fertilizing directly into the water when there are fish

Monitor the ratio of water lilies to open surface - ideally 50%

📌 SUMMARY

Water lilies are not only an ornament, but also an ecological regulator of the pond.
Correctly chosen and maintained:

regulate algae,

provide shelter for fish,

stabilize the temperature and ecosystem.

Without water lilies: the pond is prone to algae, temperature fluctuations and stress for fish.