From Experiment to International Phenomenon
How It Began
What started as a playful social media experiment at Denver Botanic Gardens has now blossomed into an international competition that captures the imagination of plant lovers around the world. The Waterlily Weigh-Off—our annual contest to test the buoyant strength of giant Victoria waterlily leaves wrapped up its third official year this August with record participation, viral social media engagement, and some truly astonishing results.
The seed for this contest was planted back in 2021, when our team was brainstorming ways to keep audiences engaged during the pandemic. Vanessa, one of our learning engagement specialists also known as, “The Nerdy Naturalist,” suggested a video experiment: let’s see how much weight our Victoria waterlily leaves can hold.
That summer, we stacked sandbags on the platter-like leaves and were astonished to reach 89 pounds—the most we’ve ever recorded at Denver Botanic Gardens. What began as an educational video on plant science quickly revealed itself as something bigger.
The following year, we teamed up with the New York Botanical Garden for a friendly head-to-head competition. Soon, other gardens joined in. By 2023, the weigh-off had grown into a collaborative effort with 14 participating institutions, including entries from England and Scotland. The creativity and community sparked something we hadn’t anticipated: comparisons to the Super Bowl, the Olympics, and even the beloved “Fat Bear Week” run by U.S. National Parks.
Going Global
Fast forward to 2025, and the weigh-off has become a true international spectacle. This year’s contest, held Aug. 18–24, drew 49 participants representing 47 public gardens and two U.S. zoos across nine countries. Competitors showcased their Victoria amazonica, V. cruziana, and Victoria ‘Longwood Hybrid’ leaves, which can span up to 10 feet in diameter and, thanks to their ribbed undersides and structural engineering, support remarkable weight.
The 2025 champion, Bok Tower Gardens of Florida, set a new record when their lily leaf supported 183 pounds (83 kg). Just behind them was Missouri Botanical Garden—the reigning 2024 champion—with 182 pounds, and Huntsville Botanical Garden in third with 176 pounds. Missouri proudly passed along the official trophy, which has become a cherished symbol of waterlily supremacy.
“We are beyond thrilled that our very first submission to the Waterlily Weigh-Off was crowned champion. This incredible accomplishment reflects the dedication and collaboration of our Horticulture, Education, and Communications teams, and celebrates the beauty and wonder of the Amazon Waterlilies that delight our visitors every summer,” said Brendan Huggins, Director of Horticulture at Bok Tower. “We are also very appreciative of Denver’s coordination and execution of the contest!”
More Than Just Numbers
While the competition is built on pounds and kilograms, the true heart of the Waterlily Weigh-Off lies in creativity, collaboration, and education. This year’s entries proved that storytelling is just as important as science. Instead of simple sandbags, gardens leaned into regional culture and humor: Brooklyn Botanic Garden stacked cheesecake, Florida’s Bok Tower used sacks of oranges, and others balanced pizzas, beers, or toy figurines.
Even gardens without giant Victorias joined in through our “Featherweight Bracket.” These entries featured small waterlilies with whimsical loads like Lego figurines, gummy bears, or ceramic frogs. San Diego Botanic Garden’s videos in particular delighted viewers, reminding us that participation is about fun and creativity as much as size.
Read more about the Featherweight Bracket here.
Viral Momentum
The weigh-off has also become a social media sensation. Videos of the contest have gone viral on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, drawing in audiences far beyond the horticulture world. In fact, TikTok itself created a montage this year, featuring highlights from participants and fans.
The competition has introduced millions of people—many of them young and new to plants—to the fascinating world of aquatic botany.
And that’s the real victory: sparking curiosity about plants. By demonstrating the natural engineering of waterlily leaves—their buoyant veins, air pockets, and protective spines—we sneak in a science lesson while keeping things entertaining.
Collaboration and Growth
Another benefit has been the collaboration among public gardens. Many participants are smaller institutions with limited social media reach, and the weigh-off has given them a platform to shine. The cross-promotion and sense of community have been invaluable.
While originally designed for public gardens, zoos, and museums, private growers have shown interest too. As the weigh-off grows, we may explore additional divisions to keep the spirit inclusive while honoring its roots in museum and garden collaboration.
Looking Ahead
The Waterlily Weigh-Off has grown from a quirky idea to a beloved annual tradition that unites institutions, entertains the public, and educates millions about aquatic plants. With every entry, from record-breaking leaves to featherweight spoofs, the competition continues to spread joy, spark wonder, and highlight the resilience and beauty of these extraordinary plants.
As we look to 2026, one thing is certain: the Waterlily Weigh-Off has only just begun to make waves.
