Rachell Presnell Tropical Water Lily

The Rachell Presnell Water Lily is an award-winning tropical hybrid from master hybridizer Craig Presnell, and it has become a true customer favorite. Its large, flat, stellate blooms feature light yellow petals that appear almost white, glowing beautifully against a crown of golden-yellow stamens. This elegant coloring pairs dramatically with the heavily mottled pads in rich shades of red and purple, making Rachell Presnell one of the most striking waterlilies available.

A large to extra-large tropical waterlily, Rachell Presnell thrives in full sun and rewards consistent care with prolific summer blooming. This remarkable specimen is best suited to medium and large ponds where its bold flowers and foliage can be fully appreciated. While tropical in nature, it also grows beautifully in northern regions as an annual.

🌱 Planting & Care Instructions

• Rachell Presnell Water Lily Size: Large–extra-large tropical variety

• Rachell Presnell Water Lily Spread: 6–14 feet, depending on fertilization and container size

• Rachell Presnell Water Lily Container Size: Wide, shallow 12–15 inch fabric pond pot recommended

• Depth of Rachell Presnell Water Lily: Best blooming at 6–16 inches below the water surface; tolerates up to 24–30 inches, though blooms are reduced at greater depths

• Soil: Use only heavy loam (never use aquatic media, stones, gravel, or bagged compost-based soils). If natural loam isn’t available, use PondGro Aquatic Loam Soil with up to 40% sand (no more).

• Fertilizing the Rachell Presnell Water Lily: Apply 6–12 Waterlily World Fertilizer Tablets on the 1st and 15th of each month, May through mid-August. Tablets are safe for fish and pond life.

• Fragrance of the Rachell Presnell Water Lily: Light, sweet scent

• Winter Hardiness: USDA Zones 9–12 (annual elsewhere)

📦 Seasonal Shipping Information for Tropical Water Lilies

Tropical water lilies are often ready a few weeks later than hardy pond plants in the spring. They usually ship between May and August/September when warm weather ensures strong growth.

• If your order includes a tropical waterlily, the entire order will be held until the tropical is available.

• If you want other pond plants earlier, please place two separate orders.

• In northern regions, tropical waterlilies are generally available just when it becomes safe to ship to your area.

💡 PondMegastore Tip: To achieve maximum spread and flower size, use a larger pot (up to 15 inches) and fertilize at the higher end of the range.

✅ Do’s & ❌ Don’ts for Rachell Presnell Water Lily

Do’s
✅ Use a 12–15 inch wide, shallow container
✅ Plant in heavy loam soil (or PondGro Aquatic Soil with sand mix)
✅ Fertilize generously with 6–12 tablets twice monthly
✅ Keep crown 6–16 inches below the water surface
✅ Place in full, direct sun (6+ hours daily)

Don’ts
❌ Don’t use bagged soils with compost, aquatic media, or gravel
❌ Don’t bury the growing point—keep it exposed to sunlight
❌ Don’t plant too deep (over 24 inches) if you want abundant blooms
❌ Don’t skip fertilization—this is a heavy-feeding tropical
❌ Don’t crowd the plant in small pots—ample root space = bigger flowers