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Nymphaea Candida (Nymphaea candida)

White Water Lily (Nymphaea candida) is a perennial aquatic plant with large floating leaves and white flowers, ideal for ponds and water gardens.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Full sun to partial shade

Watering

Keep submerged, top up regularly

Soil

Heavy clay or loam, rich in nutrients, placed at the bottom of the pond.

Temperature

Prefers warm water

Habitat

Aquatic, Outdoor

Fertilizer

Feed during growing season

Care Requirements

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Needs at least 6 hours of sun for best flowering

Water

Keep submerged, top up regularly

Crown just below water surface

Soil

Heavy clay or loam, rich in nutrients, placed at the bottom of the pond.

Temperature

Prefers warm water

Avoid freezing temperatures; may go dormant

Habitat

Aquatic, Outdoor

Fertilizer

Feed during growing season

Use aquatic plant fertilizer tabs

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Aquatic

Plant Category

Ornamental

Plant Place Type

Garden, Pot

Plant Environment

Aquatic, Outdoor

Lifespan

Perennials

Plant Height

0.3-1 m

Spread

1-2 m

Growth Rate

Moderate

Dormancy

Yes

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Floating, rounded

Flower Size

10-15 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
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths87
Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JanPeak fruit · Jan
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths887
Synonyms
Castalia candida (C.Presl) Schinz & Thell.
Castalia colchica Woronow ex Grossh.
Castalia semiaperta (C.Klinggr.) Fritsch
Leuconymphaea candida (C.Presl) Kuntze
Nymphaea cachemiriana Cambess.
Nymphaea colchica (Woronow ex Grossh.) Kem.-Nath.
Nymphaea nitida Sims
Nymphaea pauciradiata Bunge
Nymphaea punctata Kar. & Kir.
Nymphaea semiaperta C.Klinggr.
Taxonomy
  • kingdomPlantae
  • divisionTracheophyta
  • classMagnoliopsida
  • orderNymphaeales
  • familyNymphaeaceae
  • genusNymphaea
  • speciesNymphaea candida
Toxicity

Toxic for humans

No

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

No

Rating: 0/5

Edible

No

Additional Care Tips

Maintain a consistent water level, ensuring the plant is submerged. Water evaporates, so top up regularly, especially in warm weather. The crown should be just below the water surface.

Remove dead or yellowing leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance. Trim any excessively long or damaged roots during repotting.

Divide established tubers in spring or collect seeds from mature seed pods. Division is the most common method for home gardeners to increase plant numbers.

Repot every 2-3 years in spring, using a large container with heavy loam or clay soil. Ensure the rhizome is just at the soil surface and the plant is placed in its pond.

FAQs

How deep should Nymphaea candida be planted?

Plant the crown just below the water surface, typically 20-50 cm deep depending on the pond size and plant maturity.

Can Nymphaea candida survive winter?

Yes, it is a perennial that goes dormant in winter. The rhizome survives underwater, and new growth will emerge in spring.

What kind of soil is best for Nymphaea candida?

Heavy clay or loam soil is ideal. Avoid potting mixes with added fertilizers, as they can cause algae blooms.

Why are my Nymphaea candida leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves can be due to insufficient light, nutrient deficiency, or the natural aging process as the plant prepares for dormancy in autumn.

How do I propagate Nymphaea candida?

Propagation is typically done by dividing the rhizomes in spring. Ensure each division has at least one growing point.