Water Lily Nymphaea 'Amabilis' (H)

Water

Water lilies, including the variety Nymphaea 'Amabilis', thrive in aquatic environments and therefore do not require traditional watering methods. Instead, ensure they are planted in ponds or water gardens with at least 12 to 18 inches of water above the top of the pot. Adjust water levels as needed to maintain this depth. The amount of water added will vary based on evaporation and plant uptake; however, it's typical to top up with several gallons per week during hot weather. Monitor your water lily's environment for clarity and quality, adding fresh water to replace that which is lost to evaporation or to maintain cleanliness.

Light

Water lilies like Nymphaea 'Amabilis' perform best in full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. Ideal placement is in a spot where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunshine daily. Avoid deeply shaded areas as this will affect the blooming and overall health of the plant.

Temperature

Water lilies, such as Nymphaea 'Amabilis', prefer warm temperatures ranging from 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive in temperatures as low as 60 degrees Fahrenheit, but won't thrive or flower well. Avoid placing in conditions where water temperatures can drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods.

Pruning

Prune Nymphaea 'Amabilis' to remove yellow or decaying leaves and spent blooms to encourage new growth and to maintain the plant's appearance. Pruning is typically done during the growing season, as needed. The best time for major pruning is in the spring when the plant is emerging from dormancy.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Water Lily (Nymphaea 'Amabilis') is a heavy loam soil, specifically clay-based garden soil without any added peat or other amendments, as they require a nutrient-rich medium. They flourish in a neutral to slightly acidic pH range, generally between 6.5 and 7.5.

Repotting

Water Lilies (Nymphaea 'Amabilis') should be repotted every one to two years or when they outgrow their containers. It's best to repot them in the spring before they start their active growth period.

Humidity & Misting

Water Lilies (Nymphaea 'Amabilis') thrive in high humidity levels as they are aquatic plants, typically grown with their roots submerged in water, making ambient humidity less of a concern for their successful cultivation.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Use large containers and place in sunny area.

• Outdoor

  Plant in ponds in full sunlight.

• Hardiness zone

  4-10 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Nymphaea 'Amabilis', commonly known as the water lily, begins with seed germination, where the seeds require warm temperatures and stagnant, shallow water to sprout. Following germination, the seedlings develop roots and leaves in the form of tiny floating pads on the water's surface, obtaining nutrients from the water and sediment. As the plant matures, the leaves expand and the characteristic lily pads form, creating a canopy on the water surface that helps shade the plant and reduce algal growth. The water lily then enters a flowering stage, producing large, usually fragrant flowers that may be pollinated by insects attracted to their color and scent. After pollination, the flowers close and sink below the water, where the fruit develops and eventually releases seeds, thus completing the reproductive cycle. During winter, in colder climates, the water lily enters a dormant phase, with the plant's tuber resting at the bottom of the pond until the warm temperatures of spring trigger a new growth cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Nymphaea 'Amabilis', commonly known as water lily, is most commonly propagated through division. This process is typically carried out in the spring, just as the plants begin to show signs of new growth. To propagate by division, a gardener would carefully remove the water lily from its aquatic environment and clean off any excess soil or debris. The rhizomes of the plant, which are the horizontal stems from which the roots grow, are then cut into sections ensuring that each section has at least one growth bud. These sections are then replanted in pots filled with aquatic planting media and submerged back into a water feature at the appropriate depth, usually about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters). The pots should be placed in a sunny location as water lilies thrive with plenty of sunlight. Roots and new shoots will emerge from the cuttings, establishing new plants.