Why do my pads stick up like Dish satellites?

[ThornyGardener]

Looking at minnowman's serene ponds reminds me that mine looks anything but peaceful. Few pads float. They stick up frequently blocking all but the largest blooms. Why is this? Not enough sun? Too crowded?

[frogman3]

I have always heard too crowded when that happens. Others will chime in I'm sure.

[SueSTx]

I also think too crowded.  I tend to crowd mine.

[Zoe]

Someone told me to repot when they get that way.  It is a great deal of work to be trimming the leaves and spent blooms.  And then on top of that fertilizing every two weeks.  I guess that is why we all like an easier way of getting the blooms.  Another good thread to get more ideas from.


Cindy

[Mike S.]

I've seen my do this too. And from both reasons given, so far. Too many plants crowded and competing for space in the pond, and from too much growth in a single pot. When you have both conditions at the same time, it can make a waterlily pond look more like a lotus pond.

Mike S.
Spring Hill, FL

[ThornyGardener]

Thanks, all.

I put each hardy in a 22" x 9" quarter barrel in early June so they are not pot bound.

Oh, and I really only have this problem with my hardies: Sunny Pink, Colorado, Texas Dawn & Attraction. The trops are better behaved.

My pond is between decks like a smaller version of minnowman's and all hardies and trops send pads out on the deck in a horticultural urban sprawl. I guess that's a pretty clear sign of waaay too many lilies. In addition to those hardies, I also have a lot of trops... in a 8x5 pond. I think the Sunny Pink alone would fill it.

It's a lifeboat situation. Arggghhh