Seeds of white water lilies germinate under water in 10 to 14 days. Small, floating leaves emerge, that slowly grow larger and develop a dense canopy on the water surface. Concurrently, a rhizome system for energy storage emerges.
In the summer, vibrant, white blooms appear, attracting pollinators. Each flower typically blooms for 3 to 5 days before sinking and decomposing. The plant then produces seed pods that eventually open and release seeds to the bottom of the water. In the winter, white water lilies develop rhizomes that are dormant. They spring to life in the spring, when the water temperature rises.
The entire reproductive cycle spans roughly 1 to 2 years, and seeds can remain viable for centuries.