Water features can be a source of tranquility in a garden, but not everyone has the room or budget to install a koi pond or water fountain. That makes a water lily pot a simple and inexpensive option to achieve outdoor serenity.

All that’s needed is an oversized pot, some aquatic plants and water.

Water lilies are dependable, low-maintenance plants that love sunlight, according to Lynn Bowden, a sales associate at the Geobunga garden shop in Waimanalo. "They need at least four to six hours of sunlight a day," she said. Full sunlight throughout the day is fine.

Algae growth is the biggest problem. Bowden said algae can be removed by hand, and as the water plants grow to cover more of the water surface, they will block more of the sunlight that feeds the algae.

"The leaves are the solar panels that absorb the sunlight, which helps the plant get bigger and controls algae," she said.

Mosquitoes are another problem. Populating your lily garden with fish that eat larvae can help control the pests. Guppies are preferred because they are small and produce less waste. Goldfish and other bigger fish can result in a waste overload that provides nutrients to fuel algae growth.

No filtration or aeration system is required.

Aside from occasionally adding water due to evaporation, upkeep is minimal. It’s best not to change out the water, according to Geobunga owner Andrew Dedrick. "You are creating a balanced ecosystem where plants, mosquitos, fish, aquatic snails and healthy bacteria live in perfect harmony," Dedrick said. "When you empty the water and fill it up again you can often crash the system."

When it comes to choosing a container, Dedrick recommends glazed ceramic pots. Avoid plastic, which can become brittle from long-term exposure to the sun’s UV rays. Old wooden barrels have character but should be leakproof. Unglazed terracotta pots absorb water and are not suitable.

At Geobunga, glazed ceramic pots in appropriate sizes for water lilies range from $35 to $125, he said. The plants sell for $19.99 to $29.99 and lotuses are about $49.99.

Water lilies should be placed in the center of the container to allow the leaves to float evenly on the surface. "Just place the plant in the middle and it will do the rest," Dedrick said.

Because water lilies are potted in clay topsoil, which binds when wet, the soil does not disperse to the surrounding water. Lotuses are a little more challenging, as some years the plants provide an abundance of flowers and others they lie dormant, Dedrick explained.

"Lotuses are not for everyone. We have learned over the years that lotuses can and will teach you patience," he said.

A variety of aquatic plants, such as marginals and bog plants, can be added to a water feature for visual effect but Geobunga focuses on water lilies, specifically the tropical version. Tropical water lilies evolved in the tropics so they feel at home here.

"They are prolific bloomers so with the right amount of sunlight they will bloom nearly every day of the year," Dedrick said.