White Water Lily (Bulb)

Overview: Coming from the genus Nymphaea, White water lily is a beautiful perennial aquatic plant that develops very pretty and elegant flowers. It is native to some parts of Asia, North America, and regions of Europe. The white flowers blooming on clam freshwater bodies look stunning and is the reason why some professional aquarists plan to add it in their aquariums. While it is mostly grown in ponds, you can also add some plants to your tank if it is large and spacious.

Appearance: The leaves of White Water Lily are large and round. They float on the water surface while the rest of the plant grow downwards. These floating leaves are also called lily pads. Usually, they are green on the top with a slight purplish underneath. A little slit on the leaves makes them characteristic. The flowers are large and white in color, with a yellow center. Typically, there are 20 to 30 petals that are arranged in whorls. These lovely blooms float on the surface alongside leaves, creating an aesthetic look. The flowers and leaves emerge on separate stalks. Since the plants may grow large and take up lot of scape, regular trimming becomes necessary.

Hard/Soft Plant: White Water Lily is a hardy plant that can survive in temperate conditions as well. However, it goes into the dormant phase during this time. Still, providing it with suitable and controlled conditions will help it bloom more and stay healthy.

Ideal water temperature: The best temperature for growing white water lily is between 20 and 24°C. It can survive well within this temperature range, giving the best growth and blooms. Even if the temperature goes below 20 degrees, White Water Lily will be able to survive. It can tolerate upto 10 degrees during dormant period.

Lighting Conditions: Moderate to high lighting conditions are preferred by the plant for the best results. High light will show optimal blooming, while low light will reduce the number and size of flowers.

Ideal pH Level: Neutral to slightly acidic pH, preferably between 6.5 and 7, is considered best for White Water Lily. Highly alkaline and acidic conditions will hamper its growth.

Other Requirements: When you are planning to add White Water Lily, ensure that the tank size is medium to large, preferably 20 gallons or more. It is because the large leaves and flowers take up a lot of space. You can either plant it directly in the pots with aquatic soil or use nutrient-rich substrate with root tabs for the best growth. Low to moderate water flow will be suitable, and strong currents may damage the stalks. Additional carbon dioxide will help it grow. Regular pruning is a must to prevent excessive surface cover. It will block the light for other aquarium plants as well.

Propagation: White Water Lily can be propagated through rhizome division. To propagate the plant, you need to divide the rhizomes in spring or summer, wherein each piece must have healthy roots and at least one growing point, also called an eye.

Do You Know: White water lily can help prevent algae bloom in the tank by creating shade and reducing light entering the water. This plant is also used as a traditional medicine in some parts of the world, as it has calming and anti-inflammatory properties.