Should my tropical waterliles be big by now? Please help!

[tizzylizzy]

I have gotten a pink capensis and a southern charm tropical waterlilies this year about 3 1/2 weeks ago now...they didnt come available from my nursery till the very end of May.
They both have more leaves on them now, averaging approxiamately 4-5 inches round, maybe 6-7 leaves per plant. The nursery told me they fertilized them when I got them and probably should feed them again right about now.
I guess Im spoiled because I have a red ruby lily last year that I swear took up 3/4 of my 1200 gallon pond and I loved it! Knowing these two only are taking up about 24 round is bugging me. Maybe Im being too impatient?
Theyre both in about a 1 1/2 to 2 gallon pot I think, not sure...I figure the nursery planted them in the right pot?
Both lilies are about 6 or 7 inches below the water surface...do they need to be higher?
Please help a tropical lily lover to make her lilies get big fast....any secrets?
Thanks everyone!
tizzylizzy

[Julles]

I thought lilies had to be around for a year, before they started showing any appreciable growth.  Not to mention flowers.

[Timgod]

I don't know where you live and that is important.
Water temps need to be well over 70 for good growth.
My water temps are 90+ so mine get big quick.
How much fertilizer did they get and what type?
How much sun do they get.
There are too many variables to give any definitive answer.

A brand new waterlily from a tuber or a vivip leaf can be blooming in as little as 3 weeks with the proper conditions.

Tim

[tizzylizzy]

Timgod...well my water temp is well over 70 degrees, especially with the heat and humidity weve had here lately.
I would believe they get lily fertilizer tab, but not exactly sure.
I do believe they are in a 2 gallon or more planter.
And the get alot of sun all day, my pond gets mostly all sun except early morning probably.
I mean I counted today and they each have about 8-10 leaves.
Maybe Im just being impatient and all of a sudden they'll take off for me.
thanks...
tizzylizzy

[karen J]

Tizzy, they should be fine. Timgod is right. It's "possible" that they were fertilized with the wrong fertilizer, but that's somewhat unlikely. If they have 8-10 pads then they should be blooming soon.