How to Get Lily Pads in Minecraft

Guide Java Bedrock

Quick answer: Lily pads grow naturally on water in swamps, mangrove swamps and woodland mansion wheat farm rooms. You can also fish them (1.7% per attempt) or buy 5 from a wandering trader for 1 emerald. They only place on top of water, ice or frosted ice.

What you need

Emerald (for trading)
Fishing rod (optional)

Step by step

Look on the water surface in swamps and mangrove swamps, or in the wheat farm rooms of woodland mansions.
Break one instantly with anything. Boats also break them when they collide.
Alternatively fish for them: 1.7% chance per attempt. In Bedrock Edition you cannot fish them in jungle biomes.
Or trade 1 emerald to a wandering trader for 5 lily pads.
Place them by aiming at the top of a water, ice or frosted ice block. They can also go on waterlogged blocks, including top half slabs.
Use them as a path over water or a starting point for building on the ocean surface.

Java vs Bedrock

In Bedrock Edition, a killed wandering trader showing lily pads has a 25% chance (+1% per Looting level) to drop 5 if you hold an emerald.

Versions: Water flowing onto a lily pad breaks it into an item. Mobs cannot spawn on lily pads.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I place a lily pad?

Only directly on top of water, ice or frosted ice, including waterlogged blocks.

How fast can I break a lily pad?

Instantly with any tool or your hand.

Can lily pads be composted?

Yes, with a 65% chance to raise the compost level by 1.