Botanical Garden Sparks Global Competition After Testing How Much a Giant Water Lily Can Hold (Exclusive)

In a vibrant crossover of horticulture and social media, the Waterlily Weigh-Off, launched in 2023 at the Denver Botanic Gardens, has blossomed into an annual competition that engages plant enthusiasts around the globe. This innovative event not only showcases the impressive capabilities of the majestic Victoria water lilies but also encourages creativity and fun among participants.

The competition started as a whimsical experiment to determine how much weight a Victoria water lily leaf could support. Inspired by seeing others posing on massive lily leaves in various gardens, Erin Bird, the director of marketing and communications at Denver Botanic Gardens, and her team decided to test their own plants. Continuing from self-experimentation, they invited other gardens to join in by sharing their own results on social media.

To Bird’s surprise, the challenge ignited interest, and botanical gardens beyond Denver responded positively. Initially unsure if other gardens would partake — given the risks to the plants — the event quickly evolved into a much-anticipated tradition, with participants showcasing ever more imaginative ways to document their weigh-ins.

By 2026, the Waterlily Weigh-Off had transformed into an international phenomenon, attracting over 70 participants from 13 countries. This year’s competition saw Bok Tower Gardens in Florida secure the title with an astonishing 285 pounds on their Victoria water lily leaf, surpassing previous records set by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Missouri Botanical Garden in the earlier years of the contest. Such escalating weights underline the challenge’s growing popularity and the abilities of these remarkable plants.

Rachel Small-Brooks, assistant manager of social media and communications at Denver Botanic Gardens, explained why water lilies are particularly suited for this challenge. The leaves, which may grow several feet in diameter, are anatomically designed to float and share the surface of the water to maximise sunlight and space. However, they did not develop to support heavy weights — instead, their sheer size and strategic weight distribution make them capable of holding far more than their delicate appearance would suggest.

The competition now transcends its initial aim of determining the strongest leaf as participants increasingly use their entries to express creativity and personality. One notable entry from Minnesota incorporated a tater tot casserole on the water lily, although — humorously — it did not end well. Other gardens, such as the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, featured comedian Joe Pera in their videos, showcasing their take on the quirky competition.

Given its playful spirit, the Waterlily Weigh-Off introduced new categories this year to foster creativity. The “featherweight” category celebrates smaller lily entries based on originality and fun rather than weight alone, while a home-grower category allows nurseries and individual enthusiasts to join the event. This expansion has successfully encouraged participants to embrace the unusual and bring joy to viewers worldwide.

Despite the offhand nature of the videos shared on social media platforms such as TikTok, the organisation behind the Waterlily Weigh-Off is meticulous. Small-Brooks initiates contact with potential participants long before the event, ensuring that the excitement is sustained throughout the competition. Coordination is key, as multiple participants submit their entries at staggered intervals, and the data, including weights and video links, is meticulously tracked.

The event has fostered a sense of community among botanical gardens that might not have collaborated otherwise. In watching each other’s entries, participants inspire one another, creating a dynamic exchange of ideas. This camaraderie underscores the competition’s essence, as Small-Brooks remarks, “We’re always, I think, kind of inspiring each other and uplifting each other.”

The audience has also embraced the Waterlily Weigh-Off, treating it with the same excited fervour as cultural phenomena such as Fat Bear Week. Bird noted that viewers have affectionately likened it to their version of the Olympics, further intertwining the event with broader cultural activities. This growing enthusiasm has even translated into increased footfall at the participating gardens, culminating in visitors recognising the plants from the engaging online videos.

As this novel competition continues to flourish, it has sparked not just joy but also meaningful connections to the natural world. Bird reflects on the excitement stemming from these interactions, expressing her astonishment at how far the initiative has exceeded everyone’s expectations. With plans already underway for next year’s event in 2027, the Waterlily Weigh-Off is set to keep inspiring curiosity and delight among nature lovers around the world.