Meet Viji Abi, a homemaker from Thrissur, Kerala, who turned her passion for gardening into a successful business. Today, she grows over 100 varieties of water lilies in her home garden!

“Gardening started as my hobby but soon became my passion and livelihood. I was curious about how lily plants are grown and which variety survives. Now, I earn over Rs 1 lakh by selling exotic lilies,” says Viji.

Stepping into Viji’s garden is like entering a world of colour. Her pots hold lilies of vibrant hues, with the showstopper being her hybrid variety, Nymphaea Sree — a vivid orange bloom with perfectly symmetrical petals.

This flourishing garden wasn’t always a part of Viji’s life. Once an accountant, she left her job to care for her children. But after quitting, her mind was never at ease. That is when she found solace in gardening.

She says, “I had always wanted to create and leave back something of my own in the world. But I didn’t have the direction.” She also came across like-minded people on Facebook and connected with them.

As a member of the International Waterlily and Water Gardening Society, Viji learned from experts around the world. “They guided me every step of the way. It felt as though I had discovered my people,” she adds.

Inspired by Viji’s success? Here are her essential tips for growing your own water lilies at home. With some basic know-how, you too can create a beautiful lily garden!

1. Choose the right type Choosing your lilies according to your local weather conditions is ideal. “In Kerala, tropical varieties grow best, while hardy varieties work well in cooler regions,” Viji advises.

2. Pick the right pot size Use large pots if you’re growing for personal enjoyment, as they give lilies more space to bloom. Smaller pots are better for commercial growing. Lily pots can range from six inches to 18 inches in diameter.

3. Ensure proper sunlight Lilies flourish best with ample sunlight, needing at least six hours of exposure daily. “Place pots in a sunny area to prevent dormancy and encourage blooming,” Viji says. Sunlight helps the lilies stay vibrant and healthy.

4. Use natural fertilisers “Vermicompost can do wonders for your lilies. You can also use cow dung to give more nutrients to the soil. While you might be tempted to use chemical fertilisers, there is no need. These locally sourced, natural ingredients can go a long way,” Viji says.

5. Connect with gardening friends Viji suggests joining an online gardening group for advice. “Do not hesitate to connect with people and ask for help.” Her international gardening friends gave her guidance in the early days, helping her avoid common pitfalls and keep her lilies healthy.