GENERAL QUESTIONS
Q. I have a retail water garden store. Can I purchase plants from you?
A. Yes you can! Please call us at 954-472-5120 to set up an account or e-mail us at sales@floridaaquatic.com
Q. How do I start a water garden?
A. Follow this link for more information: Getting Started: Water Gardening Basics
WATER LILY CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Q. How do I take care of a water lily?
A. Water lilies should be planted in a clay soil mix or heavy topsoil. The size of the pot should be determined by how large a water lily you would like. The larger the pot the larger your lily can grow. A good starter size pot would be around 12" in diameter. Finish the potting process with a layer of gravel on top of the soil. This will help to keep the water from clouding up. Once the plant is potted, it should be placed in the pond with a minimum of 4" of water over the crown of the plant. It can be planted up to a depth of 3 feet. Water lilies look their best with between 6" - 12" of water above the top of the pot. Fertilize the plant on a monthly basis to see the highest number of flowers and the best growth.
Q. How do I take care of my marginal plants?
A. Marginal plants should be planted in a heavy topsoil or clay mix. The size of the pot also depends on how large you want your plants to grow as most marginals are clumping plants. Ideal size would be between 6-12". Finish the pot with a layer of gravel to keep the water from clouding from the soil and place the top of the pot 1-4" below the surface level of the water. Fertilize monthly for best growth and the most flowers.
Q. Can I overwinter a tropical water lily in the Northern states?
A. The short answer is yes it is possible but does take some effort. Follow the link below for some more detailed information. Over-Wintering Tropical and Hardy Waterlilies
Q. I notice damage on the water lily leaves. What is causing this damage?
A. Many pests attack water lilies: caterpillars, grass hoppers, snails, insects of all kinds and even deer like to feed on the succulent leaves of water lilies. Insects can be controlled with common insecticides, ask you local garden center for advice and follow the directions on the package. Snails can be removed manually or copper can be used at 3 ppm. Be aware that copper can damage lily leaves and will kill most invertebrates.
Q. Do I have the China Mark Moth eating my waterlilies?
A. Actually, the China Mark Moth (Nymphuiella daeckealis) is a European moth. Although there have been reports of it here in the US, the consensus appears to be that it is not widespread. Unfortunately, the US has its own species of aquatic moths that love to eat water lilies. Florida alone has 18 species of these aquatic moths, all in the genus Parapoynx. Commonly called "The Sandwich Man” or simply “Cut Worm” moth, this moth lays its eggs on surface leaves of aquatic plants where the larva cuts two pieces of the leaf and glues them together to create a “home”. It sticks its head out of the sandwich to feed but keeps the rest of its body inside the protective sandwich. They feed voraciously on water lily leaves as well as most submerged aquatic plants such as Vallisneria or Egeria. This pest can be controlled by using DiPel or Conserve insecticide.