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Check these first
- Measure the depth of the water above the crown of the plant.
- Check for nearby plants that might be blocking the sun.
- Assess if the plant has been in the same spot all season.
Likely causes
Low Light Levels
Most likelyHow to tell: The stems are unusually long and weak as the plant stretches toward the surface. This happens when the plant is placed in a spot with too much shade.
What to do: Relocate the container to a spot that receives full, direct sun. If the plant is in a pond, ensure it is not being crowded by taller marginal plants.
Excessive Depth
PossibleHow to tell: The stems grow very long to reach the surface, making them prone to snapping. This occurs if the pot is placed deeper than the plant prefers.
What to do: Raise the pot by placing it on bricks or a stand so the leaves sit comfortably at the surface. Aim for a depth of 6 to 18 inches above the crown.
Find out what's wrong with your american white waterlily
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
It is normal for stems to be long if the water is deep. Worry if the stems are so weak they cannot support the leaves on the surface.
Stopping it coming back
Place the plant at the correct depth from the start and ensure it gets plenty of direct sun.
American white waterlily: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your american white waterlily and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
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Questions people ask
- Does this plant flower?
- Yes, it produces beautiful white flowers. It needs full sun and plenty of nutrients to bloom well.
- Can I prune the long stems?
- You can trim back overly long stems, but it is better to fix the light or depth issue first.
More problems with American white waterlily
- Why are there holes in my American white waterlily leaves?
- Why is my American white waterlily base decaying?
- Why is my American white waterlily not producing flowers?
- Why are my American white waterlily leaves turning yellow?
- Why are there spots on my American white waterlily leaves?
- Why are my American white waterlily leaves curling?
Back to the American white waterlily guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.