Now in its third year, the Waterlily Weigh-Off competition provides a playful opportunity to educate the public about the intriguing world of aquatic plants, specifically the waterlily species (genus Victoria), known for their giant, floating leaves; V. amazonica, V. cruziana, and V. ‘Longwood Hybrid’.

The leaves (lily pads or platters) of these tropical plants, which can grow up to a diameter of around 3 metres can hold the weight of an adult. The remarkable leaves have a highly engineered network of radiating ribs and cross-veins on their underside, which as they grow and expand, create rigid compartments that both trap pockets of air and distribute weight across the entire surface. The upturned rims help keep water off the leaf, whilst its large size and sharp spines underneath prevent other plants from encroaching.

V. boliviana is the largest waterlily in the world, with leaves reaching over 3 metres wide in the wild. According to Kew Gardens, the current record for the largest species is held by La Rinconada Gardens in Bolivia where leaves grew to 3.2 metres. Kew’s Waterlily House was originally built in 1852 to house the hugely admired, natural wonder of the Victorian age, the giant V. amazonica.

The 2025 Waterlily Weigh-Off competition was held from August 18th to 24th, attracting over 40 participants from nine countries, including the United States, Canada, England, Scotland, Australia, the Netherlands, and Germany.

This year’s winner is Bok Tower Gardens from Florida, USA, with an impressive weight of 83 kg (183 lb). In a very close second place, the reigning 2024 champion, Missouri Botanical Garden, with a total weight of 82.6 kg (182 lb). Third place went to Huntsville Botanical Garden, which managed an impressive 79.8 kg (176 lb).

Other impressive entries included; Kew Gardens at 76.5 kg (168.7 lbs); University of Bonn Botanic Garden (Germany) 70 kg (154 lbs); and the University of California, Los Angeles, Mathias Botanical Garden 0.003 kg, a.k.a one gummy bear…

Congratulations to all!