Comanche Water Lily Nymphaea 'Comanche' (H)
ABOUT
The Nymphaea 'Comanche' is a captivating water lily that exhibits a dynamic range of colors as its blossoms progress through different stages. This aquatic plant showcases its beauty with blooms that start off as a deep apricot hue and gradually transition to a rich copper color, with some flowers even developing a pink blush. The petals form a classic water lily shape, appearing rounded with a slight point at the tip, and gracefully spreading out over the water's surface. This water lily's flowers are complemented by their rounded leaves, which provide a floating platform of lush green. The leaves themselves often have a reddish-purple underside, adding to the plant's overall visual interest. The vibrant blossoms rise just above the water level, casting reflections onto the water and creating a tranquil and exotic display. The Comanche's flowers are not only a feast for the eyes but also attract pollinators, providing a service to the local ecosystem as well. The combination of its attractive foliage and the stunning color transformation of the blooms makes the Comanche water lily a sought-after variety for water gardens, offering a continuously changing palette and a touch of elegance to any pond or water feature.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Nymphaeaceae
Synonyms
Comanche Water Lily, Comanche Nymphaea
Common names
Nymphaea 'Comanche'
ToxicityTo humans
Nymphaea 'Comanche', commonly known as water lily, is not considered toxic to humans. Therefore, there are no common symptoms of poisoning associated with ingesting this plant. While it is generally safe, consuming any plant material can potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort due to the presence of unusual fibers and natural compounds, so it is advisable not to consume parts of ornamental plants without proper knowledge.
To pets
The water lily is not toxic to pets. This means that the ingestion of Nymphaea 'Comanche' typically does not result in poisoning or produce harmful symptoms for domestic animals like dogs and cats. However, similar to humans, consumption of plant material may cause minor stomach upset in some pets due to the fibrous nature of the plant. It is always best to prevent pets from ingesting non-food plants as a precaution.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Apricot
Height
0-2 feet (0-61 cm)
Spread
3-4 feet (91-122 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
4-11
Native area
Varies
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances Aesthetic Appeal: The Comanche water lily adds a vibrant pop of color with its unique, varying shades of warm orange and peach blooms that enhance the visual appeal of water gardens and ponds.
- Provides Habitat: Its floating leaves and flowers provide shelter and breeding spaces for aquatic wildlife such as fish and beneficial insects, promoting biodiversity in the garden.
- Shades Water: The large leaves shade the water which helps reduce algae growth by limiting the amount of sunlight that penetrates into the water, thus improving water quality.
- Reduces Water Evaporation: The coverage from the lily pads reduces evaporation, helping to conserve water in the pond or aquatic garden setting.
- Can Improve Mental Well-being: The serene beauty of the Comanche water lily can create a tranquil and calming environment, which may contribute to reduced stress and increased mental well-being for those who spend time near it.
- Ornamental Uses: The Comanche water lily is often used in floral arrangements and as a decorative element in ponds and water features due to its striking appearance and long-lasting flowers.
- Supports Ecosystem: By providing oxygenation to the water through its photosynthetic activities, the lily helps foster a healthier aquatic ecosystem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Nymphaea 'Comanche' can serve as a natural water filter, absorbing potentially harmful nutrients and chemicals from ponds and water gardens.
- The leaves of the water lily can provide shade and reduce algae growth by limiting sunlight penetration in water ecosystems.
- The sturdy leaves can be used as a natural surface for placing small decorative items in a pond setting.
- Water lilies are often used in art and photography for their aesthetic appeal, offering a picturesque element to compositions.
- These plants can be used in educational settings to illustrate the biology of aquatic plants and their role in the ecosystem.
- The flower can act as a natural dye source, providing colors for fabrics and crafts when processed correctly.
- Water lily blossoms can be used in floating candle arrangements or as a natural bowl for serving light snacks at garden events.
- Nymphaea 'Comanche' can be part of a habitat restoration project, reintroducing native aquatic plant species to bodies of water.
- The seeds of the water lily can be used in collage or mixed media art projects, lending an organic texture to the artwork.
- During winter, the dormant root system of the water lily can offer shelter to small aquatic creatures and fish in a frozen pond.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Water Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Water Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Transformation: The Nymphaea 'Comanche' is a type of water lily that emerges from muddy waters to bloom on the water’s surface, symbolizing personal growth and the idea of emerging from hardships with grace and beauty.
- Enlightenment: The water lily is often associated with spiritual enlightenment due to its growth towards the light, reminiscent of an individual's journey towards understanding and insight.
- Purity: Water lilies are commonly associated with purity because of their ability to remain clean and pristine even when growing in murky environments, symbolizing innocence and chastity.
- Rebirth: The cycle of the water lily, blooming in the morning and retreating at night, resembles the notion of rebirth or resurrection, a fresh start or a new beginning.
- Beauty: The delicate and captivating appearance of the water lily makes it a symbol of beauty and elegance in various cultures.
WaterThe Comanche Water Lily should be kept in water that is at least 12 to 18 inches deep, meaning they are submerged plants that require a pond or a water garden setting. These lilies do not need watering in the traditional sense since they live in water. Instead, ensure the water level is consistently maintained and topped up as needed to counteract evaporation. In hot weather, you may need to add water more frequently, potentially several gallons per week, depending on pond size and weather conditions. During winter or cooler months, less frequent top-ups are required.
LightThe Comanche Water Lily thrives best in full sunlight, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Choose a spot in your pond or water garden that is not shaded by trees or structures to ensure the lilies can soak up enough sunlight. These plants can also tolerate partial shade, but they will produce more blooms when placed in a full sun position.
TemperatureThe Comanche Water Lily does well in a range of temperatures but prefers water temperatures between 70°F and 85°F for optimal growth and flowering. The plant can survive in water as cool as 60°F and can tolerate up to about 90°F. Proximity to the surface where the temperature is more stable can be beneficial for these lilies.
PruningPrune the Comanche Water Lily to remove old or yellowing leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth and to keep the plant looking its best. Pruning can be done throughout the growing season as necessary. The best time to prune is during the active growth period, usually from late spring to early autumn.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Comanche Water Lily should be heavy loam soil, as it retains nutrients and anchors roots firmly. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingComanche Water Lilies should be repotted every 1 to 2 years to replenish nutrients and allow space for growth.
Humidity & MistingWater Lilies like the Comanche thrive outdoors in natural humidity levels present around ponds and still waters, requiring no special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Comanche Water Lilies indoors in large tubs with ample water.
Outdoor
Plant Comanche Water Lilies in ponds in full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
4-11 USDA
Life cycleThe 'Comanche' water lily starts its life as a hardy rhizome planted in aquatic soil below the water surface, typically in a pot or plant basket. After planting, it sends up shoots that break the water's surface, developing into floating leaves, or lily pads, and roots extend to stabilize the plant and absorb nutrients. As the plant matures, it produces distinctive flowers that open above the water, usually during the morning, and close in the afternoon, coming in colors that can range from yellow to coppery-red. These flowers are pollinated by insects, and after pollination, they sink below the surface to develop seeds. The seeds eventually become new rhizomes that can grow into new plants, perpetuating the life cycle. During winter, the plant enters a period of dormancy, with the rhizome remaining alive beneath the ice or cold water until temperatures rise and the cycle begins anew with the growth of fresh pads and flowers in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method to propagate the Nymphaea 'Comanche', also known as the Comanche Water Lily, is through division of its tubers. This is typically done in the spring when the water temperatures have warmed up sufficiently, often above 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). To propagate, start by gently removing the water lily from the pond or container, being careful not to damage the tuber. Look for sections of the tuber that have at least one growing point, or "eye", and a portion of the root attached. Using a sharp knife, cut the tuber into sections, ensuring each piece includes a growing point. The cut surfaces can be dusted with a fungicide to prevent rot. After that, replant each division in a container filled with aquatic planting media, submerging it at the appropriate depth in the pond or water feature.
