Sun, wind and appropriate water depth for water lilies.
Most of the water lily like plants and flowers grow very best in strong sun at least 6-8 hours. All can handle shade, however, and will continue to grow. In fact although they may not flower or color and much, that still will perform better in shade than most lilies would have done. As water lilies “Breathe” through the upper portions of their free float leaves. They need calm, tranquil waters away from splashes. If they are splashed from a fountain or a waterfall, they start to suffer from lack of oxygen. The leaves often turn yellow, then brown and become mushy and die. They also susceptible to leaf disease caused by water entering stomata on the surface of the leaves. The action of the waves may also be damaging, pulling away the leaves of the plant or uprooting them. Aponogeton Crispus and species Potamogeton handle moving water better. Most plants prefer water waterlily-like lower than do water lilies. Water is not higher than 24 inches is recommended. Aponogeton Crispus, Brasenia, and some species of Nymphoides they can grow into deeper water, but give the best in 24 inches or less.
