Water Lilies: Spiritual Significance and Cultivation for Beautiful Blooms

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Unlike the elegant beauty of lotus flowers, water lilies possess a rustic charm that is both simple and profound. These flowers exude a gentle grace, leaving a lasting impression that is difficult to forget. In this article, we will explore the spiritual significance of water lilies and provide a detailed guide on how to cultivate them in pots for vibrant blooms.

1. Overview of Water Lilies

Water lilies (scientific name: Nymphaea) are among the oldest aquatic flowers on Earth. They belong to the Nymphaeaceae family and are native to freshwater swamps in South America, particularly the Amazon. In ancient times, water lilies were significantly larger, reaching heights of up to 1.2 meters. However, after thousands of years of evolution, they have reduced in size to approximately 7 to 15 centimeters.

Water lilies are highly adaptable, thriving in temperate and tropical regions worldwide. Most species exhibit round leaves with a diameter of 20 to 30 centimeters; the upper surface is reddish-brown, while the underside is light green.

Characteristics and Origin of Water Lilies

Water lilies are hermaphroditic flowers with cup-shaped petals arranged in a circular formation, measuring between 5 to 10 centimeters in diameter. The blooming season extends from June to August, with Thai or American varieties potentially blooming year-round.

2. Common Types of Water Lilies

Currently, there are over 70 different species of water lilies, categorized into two main types: hardy water lilies and tropical water lilies.

Hardy Water Lilies

Hardy water lilies typically bloom in the early morning and close before 6 PM. Their colors range from black, pink, white, yellow, to orange. They thrive in water temperatures between 10-27°C (50-80°F). The growing season for hardy varieties is generally shorter, starting in early spring and entering dormancy (possibly in late autumn) until the following spring.

Tropical Water Lilies

Tropical water lilies are larger and more colorful, including shades of purple, blue, and violet. Depending on the variety, they can bloom at night (from 6 PM to 10 AM) or during the day. These lilies flourish in water temperatures above 21°C (around 70°F).

In Vietnam, tropical water lilies are very common and can be found growing wild in many ponds, ditches, and canals. Dong Thap Muoi is famous for its water lily fields, where visitors can immerse themselves in stunning natural scenery.

3. The Full Meaning of Water Lilies in Life

The image of water lilies rising above the mud symbolizes overcoming challenges and difficulties to achieve success. It serves as a reminder that no matter your starting point or the harshness of your environment, you can rise and shine like the water lily, blooming beautifully.

This concept of resilience mirrors the teachings of self-improvement and moral cultivation, emphasizing the need to overcome life’s temptations, even when living in “muddy” circumstances.

Spiritual Significance by Color

• White Water Lilies: Represent purity and innocence, bringing peace and tranquility to the soul upon viewing.

• Red Water Lilies: Symbolize the fiery passion and burning desires of youth. They make a perfect gift to encourage loved ones to pursue their goals fearlessly.

• Purple Water Lilies: With their alluring and mysterious beauty, purple water lilies are associated with spiritual meanings across many cultures. Their enchanting hue signifies inner strength and a connection to a different realm.

• Pink Water Lilies: Embody gentleness and romance, symbolizing dreams and the first stirrings of love. They are often gifted to celebrate achievements, such as graduations, recognizing continuous learning and exploration.

• Yellow Water Lilies: Bright yellow symbolizes wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. Yellow water lilies are believed to attract positive energy and dispel negative influences, bringing peace to households.

Feng Shui Implications

In many East Asian cultures, water lilies are considered auspicious, symbolizing luck, wealth, and success for homeowners. Consequently, many individuals choose to plant or display vases of water lilies in their homes to attract positive outcomes. It’s essential to consider factors such as the placement of the vase and the color in relation to the homeowner’s feng shui elements.

4. Current Pricing of Water Lilies

In Vietnam, the price of water lilies ranges from 40,000 VND to 60,000 VND per bloom, depending on the location and season. For imported varieties from India or the USA, prices can start from 150,000 VND or more per plant.

5. Steps for Potting Water Lilies for Abundant Blooms

Water lilies are relatively easy to grow without requiring complicated techniques. They can be propagated either by seeds or by planting bulbs. However, bulb planting is preferred due to its faster growth. Established bulbs only need suitable conditions to thrive and bloom shortly thereafter.

Step 1: Selecting the Right Pot

Choose a wide, shallow pot with a diameter of approximately 45 cm and a depth of at least 25 cm. You can use pots with drainage holes or without. If using a pot with holes, line the bottom with canvas fabric to prevent soil from washing away.

Step 2: Choosing the Suitable Soil

Avoid using soil designed for ornamental plants, as it is too light and may float away. Instead, use muddy soil from ponds or clean soil mixed with nutrients like organic fertilizer and aquatic fertilizer pellets, allowing it to compost for 7 days.

Step 3: Pruning Old Roots and Flowers

Before planting the water lily bulb in the pot, use specialized scissors to prune thick, fleshy roots and any old leaves. This encourages the plant to focus on nurturing the bulb.

Step 4: Positioning the Bulb in the Pot

Place the water lily bulb against the pot’s edge, angling the leaves upward at approximately 45 degrees. Ensure the bulb is centered to allow for ample growth space later on. The cut end of the bulb should be buried deep in the soil, with the growing tip above the soil surface by about 2 to 3 cm.

Step 5: Adding a Layer of Gravel

Cover the bulb with a layer of gravel about 1.5 cm thick to prevent soil erosion caused by water. Choose dark-colored gravel if you prefer it to blend in.

Step 6: Placing the Pot in a Sunny Location

Fill the pot with water, ensuring the water level is close to the pot’s rim, and place it in a sunny spot. This allows the bulb to photosynthesize effectively and promotes healthy growth.

Step 7: Caring for Water Lilies During Growth

Maintain the water level near the pot’s edge. During hot weather, use a spray bottle to mist the leaves or the bulb. Ensure the bulb receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily, with temperatures ranging from 16 to 30°C. If temperatures exceed this range, blooming may be inhibited.

Regularly change the water and prune old roots and leaves (every two weeks for small pots and monthly for larger pots). Dilute NPK fertilizer with water and supplement nutrients for the plants regularly.