Given there's only one leaf at a time shown here, and no space for the tuber or roots, I think these are pictures of flowers (and a leaf or two) that have been cut and placed into the glasses. Pretty, as a short-lived indoor decoration, but not a "unique aquaponics technique" for growing waterlilies.
Even the small waterlilies like Dauben require enough leaves, and enough bright light on those leaves, to fuel plant growth and flowering. I've had miniature waterlilies bloom in just a couple gallons of water, but they were in outdoor light with a bunch of leaves sticking out of the water.
