Stay away from liquid fertilizer
A liquid fertilizer that makes sense for potted plants is less suitable for the water lily. Its nutrients would instantly dissolve in water and ultimately spread throughout the pond. This has several disadvantages:
- The water lily can then also absorb the nutrients through the leaves
- this leads to increased leaf growth
- especially if the fertilizer contains a lot of nitrogen
- the flower buds are covered and cannot develop
- Nutrient-rich water also promotes algae reproduction
also read
- Water lilies bloom - beginning and end
- Water lily leaf beetles and Co. - pests on water lilies
- Plant water lilies in the pond - like a pro
Fertilizer cones are more suitable
Special fertilizer cones for water lilies or in general for water plants, on the other hand, are used in the root area of the water lily placed, where they gradually release their nutrients and are promptly absorbed by the roots of the plant.
Tips
Horn shavings can also be considered organic Slow release fertilizer Find application. Mix them with water and allow the mixture to solidify into ice cubes. This makes it easier to put this fertilizer into the substrate of a water lily.
Optimal time for fertilizer application
With the beginning of the growing season in April or at the latest in May belongs to the optimal care the water lily also has a good supply of nutrients. Should be Repot If necessary, both can be combined.
The fertilizer balls available on the market can release their nutrients evenly over 9 months. One fertilization appointment per year is therefore sufficient.
Be careful with the dosage
A long-term fertilizer can also be overdosed, which will have a negative effect not only on the water lily, but also on the entire water world. How many fertilizer balls are pressed into the substrate of the water lily depends on its size. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation in this regard.
There are also heavily consuming water lilies and those that require less nutrients. The deeper a plant is, the fewer additional nutrients it needs. Finally, the nutrient saturation of the water also plays a role.
Recognize and compensate for nutritional deficiencies
If you observe your water lilies, you can easily see from visible changes whether they are well supplied with nutrients. If necessary, additional fertilization must be carried out in a targeted manner.
- yellow leaves show up when there is little sunlight or a lack of iron
- Discoloration starting from the middle of the leaf like a network indicates a magnesium deficiency
- frayed leaves occur with a lack of potassium
