White Water Lily Nymphaea 'Caroliniana Nivea' (H)
ABOUT
Nymphaea 'Caroliniana Nivea', more commonly known as the White Water Lily, is a freshwater aquatic plant that boasts visually striking features. The most distinctive aspect of the White Water Lily is its large, star-shaped flowers which are a pristine white. These fragrant flowers typically have a multitude of delicate petals that radiate from the center, creating a layered effect as they open up flat on the water surface. At the heart of the bloom, there's a golden-yellow center which often consists of multiple stamens that add a contrasting pop of color to the white petals. The leaves of the White Water Lily are almost as notable as its flowers. They have a broad, round shape with a cleft at one side where the leaf meets the stem. The leaves float gracefully on the water's surface, providing an attractive backdrop for the flowers. They are a rich green hue and sometimes exhibit a slightly purplish underside. The leaf surface is waxy, repelling water, which allows droplets to bead and roll off. Both the flowers and leaves are attached to long, flexible stems that emerge from the plant's rhizomes anchored in the sediment of the water body's floor. The White Water Lily is also associated with a serene beauty often found in calm ponds or slow-moving areas of lakes and streams where it lends both aesthetic value and ecological benefits to its aquatic environment.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Nymphaeaceae.
Synonyms
White Water Lily, Carolina White Waterlily, Snowy Water Lily.
Common names
Nymphaea odorata var. minor, Nymphaea tetragona var. minor.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as White Water Lily is generally not considered toxic to humans. Typically, no serious symptoms are expected if parts of the plant are accidentally ingested.
To pets
Similarly, the White Water Lily is not known to be toxic to pets. If pets consume parts of the plant, they are not likely to experience significant or dangerous symptoms as a result of the ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
0-1 feet (0-0.3 meters)
Spread
3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4-10
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Water Garden Aesthetics: The Water Lily creates a visually pleasing display with its large, white flowers, adding beauty and serenity to any water garden.
- Habitat for Wildlife: It provides a natural habitat for fish and other aquatic creatures, offering shade and protection.
- Surface Coverage: Its broad leaves cover the water's surface, which can reduce algae growth by limiting the amount of sunlight penetration.
- Improves Water Quality: The plant's roots help stabilize the pond bed and can absorb unwanted nutrients from the water, helping to maintain a balanced ecosystem.
- Oxygenation: Through photosynthesis, Water Lilies release oxygen into the water, which is beneficial for fish and other aquatic organisms.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers attract and support pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the ecosystem's biodiversity.
- Recreational Value: They enhance the aesthetic value of ponds and lakes, potentially increasing the recreational and property value of surrounding areas.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Nymphaea 'Caroliniana Nivea', commonly known as the White Water Lily, can be used in natural dye production, where the petals provide varying shades of color ranging from green to brown depending on the mordant used.
- The plant's large leaves can be used as a natural canvas for eco-printing, where leaves and flowers are used to create unique prints on fabric or paper.
- Dried and pressed White Water Lily flowers can be incorporated into handmade paper, adding a decorative element and texture to the paper.
- The stems of the White Water Lily can be woven into mats or baskets, taking advantage of their flexibility and strength when harvested young.
- White Water Lily seeds, after proper treatment, can be used as a substitute for grains in gluten-free recipes, providing a nutty flavor and added texture to the dish.
- The roots of the plant can be carved into stamps for use in craft projects or traditional ink stamping, offering a unique set of patterns and designs.
- The White Water Lily has been used in perfumery, where its delicate scent is captured and used in creating aquatic-themed fragrances.
- The decomposed leaves and stems of the plant can contribute to compost, providing nutrients and organic matter to garden soil.
- As an inspiration for artists and photographers, the White Water Lily often features in paintings, photographs, and sculptures due to its aesthetic appeal.
- In large ponds, the White Water Lily can be used to shelter small fish and other aquatic animals, creating a natural habitat within a man-made environment.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Nymphaea 'Caroliniana Nivea' is commonly known as the White Water Lily. In Feng Shui, water elements like the White Water Lily can be used to introduce calmness and purity into an environment. They are best placed in the North part of a garden or room, which corresponds to career and life path in Feng Shui, to bring about a peaceful energy and mental clarity.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe White Water Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity - The white water lily, Nymphaea 'Caroliniana Nivea', often symbolizes purity due to its pristine and unblemished appearance as it blooms on the surface of the water.
- Innocence - Similar to purity, the delicacy and untouched look of the white water lily represents innocence and new beginnings.
- Peace - The soothing and tranquil setting in which the water lily grows, often in calm waters, makes it a symbol of peace and serenity.
- Enlightenment - In various cultures, the water lily is associated with enlightenment because it rises from the murky waters below and blooms into a beautiful flower, representing an individual's journey from ignorance to wisdom.
- Rebirth - Since the water lily can close at night and reopen with the morning light, it symbolizes rebirth, resurrection, and the idea of life emerging from the darkness.
- Beauty - The grace and beauty of the white water lily have made it a symbol of aesthetic charm and elegance.
WaterThe White Water Lily thrives in a unique watering environment, being an aquatic plant. It should be submerged in still or slow-moving water ranging from 6 to 18 inches deep. Ensure that the water is consistently at the proper level, topping it off as necessary to compensate for evaporation or splashing. It's not about routine watering as with terrestrial plants, but about maintaining a consistent water depth. Checking the water level once a week and adding more to maintain the recommended depth should suffice; this might translate to adding several gallons depending on the size of your pond or water garden.
LightThe White Water Lily requires full sunlight to bloom successfully. It should be planted in a spot where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. However, it can tolerate some partial shade, particularly in regions with very intense midday sun. Avoid placing it in full shade, as this will inhibit its growth and flowering potential.
TemperatureThe White Water Lily is best suited to warm conditions and can survive in temperatures ranging from 70°F to 85°F. It can withstand temporary variations outside this range but extreme cold or heat can be detrimental. The lily will go dormant if the temperature drops too low, typically below 60°F. In general, maintaining water temperatures within the ideal range will promote healthy growth and flowering.
PruningPruning the White Water Lily is necessary to maintain its health and aesthetic appeal. Remove yellowed or dead leaves and spent blossoms to encourage further blooming and prevent decay from affecting water quality. Pruning should be done as needed throughout the growing season. Late winter or early spring, just before new growth starts, is the best time for more extensive pruning and cleaning of the plant.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe White Water Lily thrives best in a heavy clay loam soil without any organic matter. The ideal soil pH for this plant ranges from 6.0 to 7.5. A good soil mix for potting would be a combination of clay and loam with a small amount of sand to ensure proper rooting and growth.
RepottingWhite Water Lily should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when the plant outgrows its container. Repotting is best done in the spring before new growth starts to ensure the plant reestablishes well.
Humidity & MistingWhite Water Lilly is an aquatic plant that prefers high humidity, typically found above ponds or other bodies of water where it grows. The natural humidity levels near water bodies are ideal for this plant's growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place White Water Lily in a deep, water-filled container with full sunlight.
Outdoor
Plant in a still or slow-moving pond, fully exposed to sunlight.
Hardiness zone
4-10 USDA
Life cycleThe White Water Lily (Nymphaea 'Caroliniana Nivea' (H)) begins its life as a seed that germinates in the mud of still freshwater bodies like ponds and lakes. Once the seed sprouts, it develops roots that anchor deeply into the mud and a rhizome that grows horizontally. As the plant matures, leaves called lily pads emerge and float on the water surface, providing photosynthesis and gas exchange. The plant reaches adulthood as it produces large white flowers that bloom on the water surface, typically opening in the morning and closing in the afternoon, and are pollinated by insects. After pollination, the flowers close and sink underwater, where the fruit matures into a capsule containing seeds. Eventually, the mature seeds are released into the water, where they sink into the mud to begin a new life cycle or to be dispersed to new locations.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the White Water Lily (Nymphaea 'Caroliniana Nivea') is by division of its tubers. This process is generally carried out in spring as the water warms and the plant begins to grow actively. To propagate, one must carefully remove the plant from the water, ensuring minimal disturbance to the root system. Using a clean and sharp knife, a section of the tuber with at least one growing point (eye) is cut away. This section should then be planted in a container filled with heavy loam soil and lowered back into the pond at a depth of approximately 12 to 18 inches (around 30 to 45 centimeters). The parent plant is then replanted in its original location. With proper care, the new section should develop roots and leaves, eventually growing into an independent plant.
