They produce leaves and even a few whole plants which I have propagated, however they refuse to grow into a full plant!

In the ponds, the corms form only small subaquatic leaves either from the corm itself or with a 2cm max stalk, same with the propagated ones, whereas in the fishtank, (where there is a fluoro light but which is seldom used) they were slightly more successful, forming surface leaves and roots, but not becoming very strong..and giving up the surface leaves when moved to a pond..

All the other plants in the ponds and tanks are doing their brilliant thing, and the water quality is good...

I keep the ponds in full sun, but have tried them in semi shade, scratching my head, which makes no difference..

I thought it may be an overwintering effect as I have seen tropicals do this in the colder months, but as I live in the subtropics I can't imagine this is the reason year round..

I thought maybe it's the size of the pond???

Please help me to clear the frustration and love my lily once more!!

Cheers :)

I grow a lot of waterlily seed and if I don't start fertilizing them right after they get their surface pads,
they do what you are describing.

Corrie

I use 2/3 builders or play sand with 1/3 bagged black cow.
When I pot them up, I use plastic cups with a good tsp of
osmocote/dynamite time release in the bottom first. That gets them off to a good start. When they start slowing down, I use little pieces of waterlily fertilizer.
Skip the waterlily fertilizer if you want them to make tubers.

HTH
Corrie