Troubleshooting
White Water Lily problems — and how to fix them
White Water Lily (Nymphaea alba) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Waterlily aphid (Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae)
Dense colonies of grey-green aphids colonise flower buds and leaf undersides from June to August, causing distorted buds and sticky honeydew. A strong jet of water dislodges them (fish will eat them). Do not use insecticides in pond water. Remove and dispose of heavily infested flower buds.
Waterlily beetle (Galerucella nymphaeae)
Small brown beetles and their grubs skeletonise leaf surfaces from early summer, leaving characteristic brown scratched patches. Hose adults and larvae into the water for fish to eat. Cut off severely damaged leaves at the stalk and remove from the pond. No chemical control is appropriate in a wildlife pond.
Leaves raised above water surface (overcrowded rhizome)
When the basket becomes congested, leaves are pushed upright rather than floating flat, and flowering declines. Lift the basket in late spring every 3-5 years, divide the rhizome, retaining the healthiest growing tips, repot in fresh loam, and return to the pond at the correct depth.
Prevent white water lily problems before they start
Most white water lily issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- Common white water lily problems — the species this cultivar belongs to
- Common white water lily problems — our other guide for the same plant
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- White Water Lily watering schedule
- White Water Lily light requirements
- Best soil mix for white water lily
- White Water Lily temperature & humidity
- Full white water lily care guide
Looking for white water lily in general rather than its problems? Read the full white water lily care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
White Water Lily problems — FAQ
Why is my white water lily waterlily aphid (rhopalosiphum nymphaeae)?
Dense colonies of grey-green aphids colonise flower buds and leaf undersides from June to August, causing distorted buds and sticky honeydew. A strong jet of water dislodges them (fish will eat them). Do not use insecticides in pond water. Remove and dispose of heavily infested flower buds.
Why is my white water lily waterlily beetle (galerucella nymphaeae)?
Small brown beetles and their grubs skeletonise leaf surfaces from early summer, leaving characteristic brown scratched patches. Hose adults and larvae into the water for fish to eat. Cut off severely damaged leaves at the stalk and remove from the pond. No chemical control is appropriate in a wildlife pond.
Why is my white water lily leaves raised above water surface (overcrowded rhizome)?
When the basket becomes congested, leaves are pushed upright rather than floating flat, and flowering declines. Lift the basket in late spring every 3-5 years, divide the rhizome, retaining the healthiest growing tips, repot in fresh loam, and return to the pond at the correct depth.