How deep should Nymphaea odorata be planted?
Plant the rhizome in soil at the bottom of the pond or container, with the water covering the crown by 15-30 cm. Ensure the growing tip is pointed upwards.
American White Waterlily (Nymphaea odorata)
Nymphaea odorata, the American White Waterlily, is a perennial aquatic plant native to North America, known for its large, fragrant white flowers and floating leaves.
Above information is sourced from Wikipedia
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade
Watering
Keep submerged
Soil
Heavy clay or loam, often found in pond bottoms.
Temperature
Moderate
Habitat
Aquatic, Outdoor
Fertilizer
Light feeding
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun to partial shade
At least 6 hours of direct sunlight is ideal.
Water
Keep submerged
Ensure crown is just below water surface.
Soil
Heavy clay or loam, often found in pond bottoms.
Temperature
Moderate
Prefers water temperatures between 15-25°C.
Habitat
Aquatic, Outdoor
Fertilizer
Light feeding
Use aquatic plant fertilizer during growing season.
Plant Overview
Plant Type
Aquatic
Plant Category
Ornamental
Plant Environment
Aquatic, Outdoor
Lifespan
Perennials
Plant Height
0.3-1 m
Spread
1-3 m
Growth Rate
Moderate
Dormancy
Yes, in colder climates
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Simple, peltate
Flower Size
8-20 cm
Image Gallery
Flowering & Fruiting Cycles
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Northern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Aug
FloweringFruiting
Southern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · JanPeak fruit · Jan
FloweringFruiting
Synonyms
Castalia odorata (Aiton) Wood
Leuconymphaea odorata (Aiton) MacMill.
Taxonomy
- kingdomPlantae
- divisionTracheophyta
- classMagnoliopsida
- orderNymphaeales
- familyNymphaeaceae
- genusNymphaea
- speciesNymphaea odorata
Toxicity
Toxic for humans
No
Rating: 0/5
Toxic for pets
No
Rating: 0/5
Edible
No
Additional Care Tips
Maintain consistent water levels, ensuring the plant is fully submerged. The rhizome should be planted in soil at the bottom of the pond or container, with water covering it by at least 15-30 cm.
Remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance. Trim back any excessively long or damaged foliage. Pruning is generally minimal for this aquatic species.
Propagate by division of rhizomes in spring. Each division should have at least one growing point. Seeds can be sown in warm water, but division is more common and reliable for established plants.
Repotting is typically done every 2-3 years in spring, or when the plant outgrows its container. Use a large, heavy pot filled with heavy loam or clay soil, ensuring the rhizome is planted horizontally with growing tips pointing upwards.
FAQs
Does Nymphaea odorata need fertilizer?
Yes, it benefits from light fertilization during the growing season using aquatic plant fertilizer. Apply pellets near the rhizome to avoid excessive algae growth.
Can Nymphaea odorata be grown in a pot?
Yes, it can be grown in a large, heavy pot filled with heavy loam or clay soil. Ensure the pot is submerged in water.
How do I propagate Nymphaea odorata?
Propagation is best done by dividing the rhizomes in spring. Each division should have at least one growing point and be planted in suitable soil.
What are the signs of over-fertilization in Nymphaea odorata?
Over-fertilization can lead to excessive algae blooms in the water, which can harm the water lily and other aquatic life.