Xeramtheum, hi! Your post made me join the forum. I have raised fish and waterlilies for over 50 years, and hate to see someone who may be new to watergardening making a mistake. That is a beautiful bowl. I would use it for salad. I don't have a picture of Helvola, but I do have a picture of pygmaea Rubra, which is the same size. Since you planted it in a pretty glass bowl, and not in a pot, I am wondering if you plan on just using the bowl for your watergarden. It won't work. On sites like Pinterest, you can see beautiful little lilies growing in glass containers like brandy snifters and such. It makes a lovely photo op, but in reality, lilies will not grow like that. Even little ones like Helvola need space and a good growing medium. They constantly produce pads and blooms. They are heavy feeders. I personally wouldn't use kitty litter or the commercial waterlily medium that is made for growing lilies, although, I know a lot of people use it. I have also seen lilies planted in coconut husk....another not so great idea. I don't think you can improve on tried and true methods. Lilies grow best in heavy garden soil. Like you would dig up in your yard. You put a little fertilizer in the bottom third of the pot you are planting in. Place the rhizome so the growing end can grow across the pot, and the end that was cut off, up against the side. Cover it with a little of the soil and top with coarse sand....if you don't have destructive fish....or pea gravel (best). Be sure the growing point is not covered.
If you do not have a pond, I would go to the nursery center, or Walmart and buy a large flower pot that has no hole in the bottom. The larger the better. You can buy some large, glazed pots that are very attractive. Two foot across the top would be okay. Put your soil, or planting medium in there....don't forget the fertilizer. You can use something like Osmocote. They are little balls....I think they are called prills. Put in the bottom third, and mix it up. About a tablespoon or a little more. Top with the rest of your soil. Plant your lily and add something to keep the soil from being disturbed. Pea gravel is best. Don't cover the growing tip. Very carefully fill with water. You can place a newspaper over the lily while filling to keep it from getting washed out but it you do it right, and are careful, it won't. Make sure it is a sunny location. Stand back and admire your work. Helvola is a lovely little lily. It won't disappoint you, if you grow it correctly. The blooms will be about the size of a half dollar.....if anyone remembers a half dollar. I am posting a pic of pygmaea Rubra to show you the size.
I hope you don't mind me jumping in here and trying to be helpful. (By the way, the pattern of your big bowl is Wexford.)
I suspect you might still get some algae as light penetrates the glass but I think a green "lining" would be attractive, you'll still have the look of the crystal on the outside.
