Everyone knows water lilies and their enchanting beauty, but do you know their growth journey from seed to bloom? Read this article to learn about how do water lilies grow.
Germination: Finding Roots in the Water
The flower begins its growth journey from a seed. Usually planted at the bottom of the pond, they normally remain dormant apart from the peak season. Only after the climatic conditions get better do they absorb water and nutrients to break the dormancy. Gradually, you will expect roots in radicle forms.
Early Growth: Reaching for the Surface
As the seedling grows, it creates thin, translucent shoots that extend upward to the water’s surface. These branches are critical to the newborn water lily’s survival because they contain the plant’s first leaves. Unlike mature leaves, which float on the water’s surface, these young leaves are submerged and adapted to underwater existence.
The photosynthesis of these leaves is limited since they work in low-light circumstances. This early stage of growth is primarily reliant on the seed’s energy stores until the plant reaches the light-rich water surface.
Development of Floating Leaves: Expanding Above Water
When the branches reach the surface, the plant begins to generate its distinctive floating leaves or lily pads. These leaves are spherical, with a split or notch that allows them to float and stay firm in the water. The leaves’ waxy layer repels water, keeping them dry and safe from deterioration.
These floating leaves are not only gorgeous but also an important adaption for photosynthesis. Their position on the water’s surface provides the plant with sunlight and allows for direct gas exchange with the atmosphere, resulting in efficient development and energy generation. It is a vital process for knowing how to grow waterlily.
Root System Establishment: Anchoring the Plant
While the leaves strive for light, the root system continues to develop and expand deeper into the silt. The roots take nutrients from the soil, while specialized structures known as rhizomes function as storage organs.
These rhizomes are thick, horizontal stems that enable water lilies to store nutrients, thrive, and reproduce vegetatively, provided circumstances are met.
Flower Bud Formation: Preparing for Bloom
As the water lily matures, it uses its energy to produce flower buds. These buds, encased in protective sheaths, grow on strong stalks that rise above the ground. Water lilies are day bloomers, which means their flowers emerge in the morning and close at twilight.
The timing and temperature-sensitive blooming cycle attract pollinators during the day when they are most active. Water lily flowers are generally vividly colored, ranging from white and yellow to pink and purple, and have a powerful aroma that attracts insects.
Bloom and Pollination: Completing the Cycle
When fully blossomed, the water lily’s blossoms, with their brilliant colors and distinctive structure, attract pollinators such as bees, beetles, and flies. After pollination, the flowers gradually close, and the stalks curl, lowering the fertilized flower below the water’s surface.
Seeds grow here and, when mature, are released back into the water to continue the life cycle. This is how you will know how to grow waterlily without any problems.
Conclusion
The water lily adapts cleverly to its aqueous surroundings as it grows from seed to bloom. This change not only creates attractive vistas but also benefits aquatic environments by providing shade, shelter, and oxygen to fish and other species. Ultimately, your question as to how do waterlilies grow can be summed up in this guide.
