Indiana Hardy Water Lily Nymphaea 'Indiana' (H)
ABOUT
Nymphaea 'Indiana' is a beautiful aquatic plant commonly known as a water lily. It is characterized by its stunning floating leaves and vibrant flowers. The leaves of this water lily are typically rounded with a notch at the base where the stem is attached. They have a waxy, smooth texture, and can vary in color, commonly displaying a green shade on top with a purplish hue below. The flowers of Nymphaea 'Indiana' are its most striking attribute. They tend to be star-shaped and multi-petaled, exuding a charm that adds an ornamental quality to ponds and water gardens. The petals range in color from soft pink to warm peach, transitioning to a deeper shade at the base. The flower's center is often a bright yellow or a rich golden color, due to the numerous stamens that attract pollinators. This contrast of warm tones gives the Nymphaea 'Indiana' a gentle yet lively appearance. The blooms are held above the water surface on sturdy stems, and they open up during the day to reveal their beauty and close at night. The plant also has a pleasant fragrance, making it a favored choice for those looking to enhance the sensory appeal of their water features.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Indiana Hardy Water Lily, Indiana Water Lily
Common names
Nymphaea 'Indiana' (H)
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as water lily, specifically the 'Indiana' variety, is not typically considered toxic to humans. They are generally safe when handled and do not have a reputation for causing serious harm if accidentally ingested. However, as with any plant, it is possible for individuals to have allergies or sensitivities. Ingesting parts of the plant may cause mild stomach upset in such cases, but significant toxicity is not common.
To pets
In the case of pets, water lily, including the 'Indiana' variety, is not commonly known to be toxic. They are not generally harmful to pets like dogs and cats if they come into contact with or ingest parts of the plant. Nonetheless, it's always wise to monitor pets around plants, as individual reactions can vary, and ingesting large amounts could possibly lead to gastrointestinal upset or an obstruction depending on the amount consumed and the size of the pet.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances Pond Aesthetics: The Indiana Water Lily adds a vibrant splash of color and visual interest to water features and ponds.
- Provides Shade to Aquatic Life: Large pads offer shelter and cool areas for fish and other aquatic organisms.
- Supports Ecosystem Balance: Helps maintain a balanced ecosystem by providing habitat and breeding grounds for aquatic insects and amphibians.
- Reduces Algae Growth: The shading from its leaves helps limit sunlight penetration in the water, discouraging excessive algae growth.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers of the Indiana Water Lily attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden area.
- Improves Water Quality: Its roots absorb nutrients, which can help filter and clean pond water.
- Recreational and Educational Interest: Can be used for educational purposes and adds enjoyment for pond owners and visitors.
- Symbolic and Cultural Significance: Often associated with peace and tranquility, which can add a contemplative element to garden design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses```html
- Photography Subject: The Nymphaea 'Indiana' with its vibrant colors and patterns serves as a captivating subject for photographers, particularly those specializing in macro and nature photography.
- Art Inspiration: Artists may use the water lily as a muse for paintings, drawings, and sculptures, capturing its intricate details and reflecting its beauty on various mediums.
- Biological Studies: Botanical researchers can use the plant as a case study for understanding aquatic plant life, pollination mechanisms, and the adaptation of flowers within freshwater ecosystems.
- Water Feature Accents: Landscape designers might incorporate the water lily into ornamental ponds or water features as a natural decorative element that enhances visual appeal.
- Event Decorations: Fresh or artificial water lily blooms are sometimes used in event design, adding elegance to weddings, parties, and other festive occasions.
- Culinary Decoration: While not widely known for culinary uses, the petals may sometimes be used to adorn dishes or drinks for a sophisticated presentation at high-end restaurants.
- Educational Tool: Educators may use the water lily to teach students about aquatic ecosystems, plant life cycles, or the symbolism of flowers in different cultures.
- Feng Shui Element: In the practice of Feng Shui, water lilies may be incorporated to create a sense of balance and harmony within a space, symbolizing serenity and purity.
- Handicraft Inspiration: Craft enthusiasts might use the shape and form of the water lily as inspiration for making jewelry, such as pendants and earrings, or for other handcrafted items.
- Theme Gardens: The water lily can be a thematic cornerstone in a water-themed garden, attracting wildlife such as frogs and dragonflies to create a vibrant, living ecosystem.
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- Purity: The Indiana Water Lily, like other water lilies, often represents purity because it blooms clean and fragrant above the muddy waters beneath.
- Enlightenment: The flower’s journey from the depths to the surface is symbolic of spiritual enlightenment and the ascent of the soul from the murky waters of materialism.
- Rebirth: As the Indiana Water Lily closes at night and sinks underwater, then reemerges and opens with the morning sun, it symbolizes rebirth and the idea of resurrection.
- Femininity: With its soft and gentle appearance, the Indiana Water Lily is often seen as a symbol of femininity and the grace and beauty associated with it.
- Peace: The calming effect of the water lily’s habitat on water surfaces gives it a symbol of peace and serenity.
- Creation: In many cultures, the water lily is associated with creation myths and the origin of life, due to its role in local biodiversity as a sustainer of life in aquatic environments.
WaterHardy Water Lilies, including the Indiana variety, should be submerged in at least 12-18 inches of water to ensure the rhizomes are fully underwater. They do not require traditional watering since they naturally grow in ponds and water gardens. The frequency of adding water to the pond should be based on evaporation and transpiration rates, which will vary depending on climate, but typically you would top up the pond with several gallons every few weeks to maintain the appropriate water level.
LightThe Indiana Water Lily thrives best in full sunlight, requiring at least six hours of direct light each day. Position the plant in an area of the pond that is not shaded by trees or structures to ensure it receives sufficient sunlight, which is crucial for optimal blooming.
TemperatureHardy Water Lilies, including the Indiana Water Lily, prefer a water temperature range from 70°F to 85°F but can survive in temperatures as low as around 32°F during dormancy in winter to highs of around 90°F in summer. However, consistently warmer temperatures within the range of 75°F to 85°F promote the best growth and flowering.
PruningPruning Indiana Water Lilies is necessary to remove dead or yellowing leaves and spent blooms to encourage new growth and maintain the plant's appearance. The best time for pruning is throughout the growing season as soon as flowers fade or leaves show signs of aging. Prune every few weeks by cutting the stems just above the base with pond scissors or pinch them off with your fingers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Hardy Water Lily is heavy loam soil. For ideal growth, the pH should be between 6.5 to 7.5, neutral to slightly acidic. Use a soil mixture without added fertilizer to avoid algae problems in the water.
RepottingHardy Water Lilies typically need to be repotted every 1 to 2 years. Repotting is best done in the spring or early summer when the plant shows signs of new growth.
Humidity & MistingHardy Water Lilies thrive in outdoor pond environments where the humidity is naturally high due to the water surface. Indoor humidity conditions are not a major concern since it grows fully submerged.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not suitable for indoor growth; requires pond.
Outdoor
Plant in a pond, full sun, shallow water.
Hardiness zone
4-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the 'Indiana' Hardy Water Lily (Nymphaea 'Indiana') begins with seed germination underwater, where the plant establishes its root system in the muddy substrate of ponds or calm waters. As the young plant grows, it sends up shoots towards the water surface, which eventually develop into floating leaves, or lily pads, that provide photosynthesis and gas exchange. The plant reaches maturity when it starts producing distinctive flowers that rise above the water surface, typically blossoming in the morning and closing in the afternoon, a process that repeats over several days. After pollination, possibly by insects attracted to its color and scent, the flower subsides beneath the water's surface where the fruit develops into a berry-like structure, which then releases seeds. Those seeds sink to the bottom, ready to begin the next generation if conditions are suitable, or they may enter a period of dormancy. Throughout its life, the perennial water lily will go dormant during the winter, storing energy in its rhizomes before resuming growth in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Nymphaea 'Indiana', commonly known as the Indiana Water Lily, is typically propagated by dividing the rhizomes. This is the most popular method for its propagation and is usually done during late winter or early spring, just before the growing season begins. The water lily's rhizome should be carefully lifted from the pond, and using a sharp knife, sections of the rhizome with at least one growing point, or "eye", should be cut. Each section should be approximately 2 to 4 inches (about 5 to 10 centimeters) long. These segments are then planted in containers filled with aquatic planting media and submerged about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) under water in a sunny position. New plants will typically start to grow from these sections within a few weeks, provided the water temperatures are warm enough to encourage growth.
