Hi

What chemicals would be the best for sterilizing (killing harmful bacteria and parasites) water lillies before adding them to a pond and how much of the chemical should one use?

Hi Chris

I am sure there are a few things one can use, but I have been using Potasium Permanganate. I make a rather strong mixture about 2 teaspoons to 40 lt water and then place them in there for about an hour. Make sure you also submerge the plants a few times to cover all areas.
I have heard some guys also do a dimmilin treatment but I suppose it depends where the lillys come from.
Best of luck

Thanks Neville, will give it a go. Wasn't sure if PP would kill the plant as well.

I have always used only PP until I found that it does not kill leeches/fish lice effectively. I am now using PP and Trichlorfon(Dipterex) or Dimmilin.

Just for good measure PP and lots of salt, let plant stand for a few hours.....plant should be submerged......

PP will not kill plants but salt will.

If you do it for an hour or two no damage...
Living proof





Have got pink and yellow too, missing dark blue and purple, on any given day up to 10-12 flowers open over pond