Dwarf white water lily Nymphaea odorata var. minor (H)
ABOUT
Nymphaea odorata var. minor (H), commonly known as the dwarf water lily, is a diminutive aquatic plant featuring eye-catching floating flowers. Its appearance is characterized by a radial arrangement of delicate petals, usually displaying a soft white hue, which can sometimes have a hint of pink. These petals gracefully encircle a central, yellow, stamen-filled structure that adds a touch of vibrancy to the bloom. The flower exudes a pleasing fragrance, often noticed when in close proximity to the plant. Beneath the blooms, floating on the water's surface, are the dwarf water lily's leaves. These are nearly circular in shape, with a notch at one point of the circumference where the leaf stem, or petiole, attaches. The leaves are a rich green, sometimes with an underside that may be a reddish or purplish hue. Their surfaces are waxy, helping to repel water and keep them afloat. A network of veins is prominent on the leaf, spreading outward from the point of attachment of the stem. The overall presentation of the dwarf water lily, with its floating foliage and blooms, creates a serene and picturesque display on the surface of calm freshwater habitats, such as still ponds and slow-moving streams. This aquatic gem is admired for its peaceful aesthetics, contributing a touch of tranquility and refined natural beauty to water gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Nymphaeaceae
Synonyms
Dwarf Water Lily, Small White Water Lily, Pygmy Water Lily, Fragrant Water Lily
Common names
Nymphaea tetragona var. minor, Nymphaea odorata f. minor.
ToxicityTo humans
The Nymphaea odorata var. minor, most commonly known as the dwarf water lily, is not known to be toxic to humans. If ingested, the plant is typically considered safe and does not cause poisoning. Remember to exercise caution as individual allergic reactions or sensitivities to any plant, including the dwarf water lily, can occur.
To pets
The Nymphaea odorata var. minor, commonly referred to as the dwarf water lily, is not classified as toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Generally, consumption of this plant does not cause poisoning in pets. However, as with humans, individual animals may have varying sensitivities or allergic reactions, so it is advisable to monitor pets if they ingest any part of the plant and consult a veterinarian if any adverse effects are observed.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
8 inches (20 cm)
Spread
3 feet (90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ecosystem support: Nymphaea odorata var. minor, commonly known as the dwarf water lily, provides habitat and breeding grounds for aquatic wildlife such as fish and amphibians.
- Aesthetic value: The dwarf water lily adds beauty to water gardens and ponds with its delicate flowers and floating leaves, enhancing the visual appeal of landscaping.
- Water quality improvement: By providing shade and competing with algae for nutrients, the dwarf water lily can help maintain clear water in ponds and slow-moving bodies of water.
- Erosion control: The root systems of water lilies, including the dwarf water lily, help stabilize pond banks and shorelines, reducing erosion and sedimentation.
- Socio-cultural significance: Dwarf water lilies have cultural importance in some societies and are often used in decorative floral arrangements and symbolic celebrations.
- Recreational value: Ponds and water gardens featuring dwarf water lilies can enhance outdoor living spaces, serving as tranquil settings for relaxation and recreation.
- Wildlife attraction: The flowers of the dwarf water lily attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, increasing biodiversity within the ecosystem.
Medical Properties- Analgesic: Nymphaea odorata var. minor has been used traditionally for its pain-relieving properties.
- Anxiolytic: The plant may have compounds that help in reducing anxiety.
- Anti-inflammatory: It has been used to reduce inflammation in traditional medicine practices.
- Sedative: Native American tribes have used the plant for its sedative effects to promote relaxation and sleep.
- Astringent: The roots, in particular, have been used for their astringent properties to help tighten tissues and reduce secretions.
- Antiseptic: The plant has been used for its antiseptic properties to clean wounds and prevent infections.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The American water lily's large leaves can provide a natural habitat for small aquatic creatures, offering them shelter and a place to hide from predators.
- These plants can be used in water features and ponds to provide aesthetic value as they display beautiful flowers while creating a naturalized landscape.
- The fibrous root system of the American water lily can help to stabilize pond soil and prevent erosion along the banks of water bodies.
- The American water lily can be incorporated into educational programs about aquatic plant life and the ecology of still water environments.
- Leaves of the water lily are sometimes used as improvised "paper plates" when eating outdoors, particularly in survival situations.
- The seed pods of American water lilies can be used in dried flower arrangements and for other decorative purposes.
- During handcrafting activities, the sturdy leaves and flower stalks are sometimes employed to make natural weavings or ornaments.
- The presence of American water lilies in a pond can provide a cooling effect on the water, which might be beneficial for certain fish species during hot weather.
- Photography enthusiasts often use the American water lily as a subject due to its photogenic blooms and the opportunity to capture water wildlife attracted to it.
- In some cultural practices, the American water lily is symbolic and used in ceremonies to represent purity, beauty, or peace.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dwarf Water Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dwarf Water Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: The Water Lily, as Nymphaea odorata var. minor is commonly known, is often associated with purity due to its ability to emerge from muddy waters unsoiled and beautiful.
- Innocence: Water Lilies are symbolic of innocence because of their delicate and untouched appearance.
- Rebirth: With their daily cycle of blossoming and retracting, they symbolize rebirth and resurrection.
- Enlightenment: In many cultures, the water lily's growth from the depths to the surface, reaching towards the light, is seen as a journey from ignorance to wisdom or enlightenment.
- Peace: The serene and calming presence of Water Lilies in a pond or lake is often associated with tranquility and peace.
WaterThe Dwarf Water Lily should be grown in still water, ideally in a pond or a still body of water with a minimum depth of about 18 inches. Since it is an aquatic plant, it does not require traditional watering but should be completely submerged with water covering the leaves. It's essential to maintain the water level to ensure continued growth, adding water as needed to compensate for evaporation, typically a few gallons every week during hot summer months. In terms of rainfall, ensure that the pond or water garden does not overflow, disrupting the plant's natural habitat.
LightDwarf Water Lilies thrive best in full sunlight. They should be placed in a spot where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, which promotes blooming. If grown indoors in a water garden, a spot near a south-facing window or under grow lights that can provide a similar light spectrum is ideal.
TemperatureDwarf Water Lilies prefer warmer temperatures and thrive in a range of 65°F to 75°F. They can survive in water temperatures as low as 60°F but will go dormant in colder temperatures. These plants should not be subjected to freezing conditions as this can damage or kill them. During the growing season, maintaining the water temperature within their preferred range will promote healthy growth and blooming.
PruningPruning the Dwarf Water Lily is necessary to keep the plant healthy and to prevent it from overgrowing. Remove yellowed or dead leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth. Pruning is best done in the warmer months when the plant's growth is most active. Regularly trimming the plant every few weeks will promote a more aesthetically pleasing appearance and support the overall health of the water garden.
CleaningNot needed
SoilDwarf Water Lily thrives best in a loamy, heavy clay soil mix with an aquatic plant fertilizer incorporated into it, ensuring nutrients are available for the root system. The ideal pH range for Dwarf Water Lily is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.5 to 7.5).
RepottingDwarf Water Lilies should generally be repotted every 1 to 2 years to ensure they have enough space to grow and to refresh the nutrient content of their soil.
Humidity & MistingDwarf Water Lily, being an aquatic plant, prefers high humidity levels and should be grown in or at the edge of a pond or water garden where humidity is naturally high.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in full-spectrum light, submerged in water.
Outdoor
Plant in still water, full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
3-11 USDA
Life cycleNymphaea odorata var. minor, commonly known as Dwarf Water Lily, begins its life as a seed that germinates in wet, muddy substrates typically found at the bottom of calm freshwater bodies. As the plant grows, its roots anchor into the sediment while the stems reach toward the water's surface, ending in floating leaves called lily pads which are crucial for photosynthesis and gas exchange. The lily pads also provide a platform for the spectacular flowers, which bloom on the water's surface during warmer months and are pollinated by insects such as bees and beetles. After pollination, the flowers close and sink below the water, where the fruit matures and releases seeds, restarting the life cycle. The Dwarf Water Lily persists through vegetative reproduction as well, by expanding its rhizomatous root system to create new plants. Depending on the climate, Nymphaea odorata var. minor may enter a period of dormancy during colder months, retracting into the rhizomes which remain dormant until conditions are suitable for new growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Dwarf Water Lily (Nymphaea odorata var. minor) is by division. This is typically done in the late spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate by division, remove the water lily from the pond and carefully separate the rhizomes, ensuring that each section has at least one growing point or bud. The divisions should be planted in pots filled with aquatic soil, topped with a layer of gravel to prevent the soil from escaping. Place the pots at a shallow depth in the pond initially, and gradually lower them to the desired depth as the plant establishes. This method allows for the quick expansion of your water lily collection and ensures genetic consistency amongst the propagated plants.
