How do waterlilies primarily reproduce?

Waterlilies primarily reproduce through sexual reproduction, which involves the production of seeds. This process typically occurs when the flowers, which bloom at the surface of the water, are pollinated. Once pollination occurs, the fertilized flowers develop into seed pods that eventually release seeds into the water. These seeds can then settle into the substrate of the aquatic environment, where they may germinate and grow into new plants.

While vegetative propagation and asexual reproduction through fragments are methods by which waterlilies can spread and establish new plants, the emphasis in this case is on their primary method, which is sexual reproduction. A diverse reproductive strategy, including both sexual and asexual means, allows waterlilies to adapt and thrive in various conditions, but seed production remains a critical method for the continuation of the species.