pond lillies

Question
I have had my pond lillies for about 3 years and this is the first time they have ever done this.  The stems have grown so long that they look like spagetti.  The lilly pads are still on the end of the stem and in the water.  What is causing the stems to grow so long?

Answer
Sheila, lilies are very invasive. If the stems are growing overly long, it could be the plant is reaching for more sunlight. Has a tree grown larger in the past three years and possibly taken some sun from the plant?

Another reason could be that the plant needs to be divided. Lilies left undivided in an ornamental pond will become lanky, less dense, and flower less. Dividing them up, repotting them, and fertilizing them may solve your problem.

Thanks Sheila!
Brigitte
www.pondmarket.com