Growing a Water Lotus in a Bowl

Sprouting

• 1

  Score dwarf waterlily seeds. Other varieties will outgrow a bowl. The outer husk of the seed is deep black. Rub them with a file until you see the creme within.

• 2

  Fill a clean, 2-liter bottle with warm water. Add the seeds.

• 3

  Place the bottle someplace you often visit, such as the bathroom or kitchen. Gently shake the bottle whenever you're in the room.

• 4

  Change the water daily. Within two weeks, the seeds will sprout. Once they're three inches long, they're ready for transplant.

Planting

• 5

  Select a wide, shallow bowl. Waterlily roots grow horizontally. They don't need deep soil, but they do need room to grow to the side.

• 6

  Line the bottom of your bowl with 2 inches of heavy gardening clay. Do not use clay with fertilizers added.

• 7

  Plant the waterlily in the soil, one waterlily per bowl.

• 8

  Layer the top of the clay with pea gravel. This will hold the soil in place.

• 9

  Check the water regularly. If it gets cloudy, replace it with fresh water.