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Planting And Propagation |
As we have seen, water-lilies can be propagated vegetatively
by means of dividing the tubers. This is best done in May
when the old plant is lifted and cleaned. Each separate portion
is severed with a sharp knife, and should be at least three
inches long, having a sturdy crown bud or 'eye'. Old and sur-
plus leaves should be removed. Sometimes however, the eyes
are quite small but they will eventually grow into good plants.
These portions are placed in small pots of clean, fine loam and
for preference kept in a temperature around sixty degrees
Fahrenheit to encourage quick rooting. As growth develops
they are moved to larger pots. Some indoor water-lilies repro-
duce new plants at the centre of the leaf blades. They eventu-
ally root and can be planted up separately.
Many aquatics send out little runners which can be easily
detached and will quickly form roots. These are plants which
are liable to spread rapidly and soon overrun the water surface.
Others, including the submerged species, can be increased by
taking cuttings. These are made about three or four inches
long and will soon root if pressed into loam placed in the
bottom of small pans filled with water.
Lastly, there is seed sowing. It is only rarely that this is
done in the case of hardy nymphaeas; in any case few flowers
set seed. Water plants in great variety do yield plenty of seed,
and this can be gathered in the usual way and sown in early
March using half-filled pans or boxes of fine loam to which
charcoal should be added. Sow thinly, barely covering the
seed, with fine silver sand. Stand the receptacles in the cool
greenhouse or a warm, sheltered corner, adding water so that
it just covers the compost without floating the seed. Subse-
quently, the seedlings should be pricked out into pots or pans.
Some of the indoor nelumbos soon grow into flowering
plants, others take a year or more before they show signs of
producing colour.
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