How to prune yellow water lily

Throughout the growing season (spring through autumn) as flowers fade. Cut spent flower stems and yellowed leaves back cleanly to the crown below the waterline; if rhizomes are spreading too aggressively, divide and remove excess growth in spring.

As needed; divide every 2–3 years if overcrowding. Nymphaea mexicana needs minimal pruning — no cutting back of the whole plant is required. Remove spent blooms and yellowing or damaged leaves as they appear throughout the growing season to keep the water clean and redirect energy into new flowers. The rhizomes spread actively, so thin plants if they overcrowd a small pond.

Cut spent flower stems and yellowed leaves back cleanly to the crown below the waterline; if rhizomes are spreading too aggressively, divide and remove excess growth in spring.