How Much Can a Giant Waterlily Hold? See One Carry 183 Pounds Before Sinking, Winning a Social Media Contest [View all]

Now in its third year, the Waterlily Weigh-Off invites public gardens and zoos to show off the strength of their aquatic plants

Sarah Kuta - Daily Correspondent

August 29, 2025



The pads, also known as platters, of giant waterlillies can be up to ten feet in diameter. Denver Botanic Gardens

Giant waterlilies are known for their gorgeous white or pink flowers and green leaves, which float serenely atop the surface of lakes and streams.

At first glance, these aquatic plants might seem delicate. But in reality, they’re incredibly strong. Earlier this month, the leaf of a giant waterlily at Florida’s Bok Tower Gardens supported 183 pounds before it started sinking, beating out other global competitors to be crowned champion of the 2025 Waterlily Weigh-Off.

The weigh-off, which is now in its third year, is an annual social media contest organized by Denver Botanic Gardens. To enter the competition, horticulturists at public gardens and zoos across the globe film themselves stacking weighted objects atop one of their giant waterlily pads (or smaller lilies), noting the total weight the leaf was able to hold before dipping beneath the surface.

According to Denver Botanic Gardens, the contest is a “playful opportunity” to educate the public about aquatic plants, specifically Victoria amazonica, Victoria cruziana and a mash-up of those two giant waterlily species called the Victoria ‘Longwood Hybrid.’ The leaves—also known as platters or pads—of these species can measure up to ten feet across.

The pads can hold such an impressive amount of weight because of their structure. The bottom of each leaf consists of a “highly engineered network of radiating ribs and cross-veins,” per Denver Botanic Gardens. The ribs and veins form stiff compartments that trap pockets of air, which helps distribute weight across the leaf. The tops of the pads also have upturned edges, offering a barrier that can prevent water from spreading across the surface as the leaf gets weighed down.

More:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/how-much-can-a-giant-waterlily-hold-see-one-carry-183-pounds-before-sinking-winning-a-social-media-contest-180987268