Pink water lily Nymphaea 'Laydekeri Lilacea' (H)
ABOUT
The water lily 'Laydekeri Lilacea' is a captivating aquatic plant notable for its ornate flowers and lush foliage. The flowers exhibit a soft pink to lilac color, often with lighter shades or white at the base of their petals which gracefully transition to the more vibrant colors at the tips. These petals symmetrically radiate around a central burst of yellow stamens, creating a classic water lily look that floats elegantly on the water's surface. The leaves of 'Laydekeri Lilacea' are nearly circular with a cleft at one side where the leaf meets the stem. They have a rich green color that may have purplish or bronzy undertones. The leaves are typically glossy with a waxy coating that helps them repel water. The foliage spreads out on the water's surface, providing shade below that can help manage the growth of algae and offer shelter for aquatic wildlife. The overall appearance of this water lily is one of serene beauty, often associated with tranquility and the art of water gardening. It creates an ambience of peacefulness and adds aesthetic value to ponds and water features with its combination of distinctive coloring and harmonious form.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Nymphaeaceae
Synonyms
Laydekeri Lilacea Waterlily, Pink Laydekeri Waterlily
Common names
Nymphaea 'Laydekeri Lilacea' (H).
ToxicityTo humans
Water lily (Nymphaea 'Laydekeri Lilacea') is generally not considered toxic to humans. There is typically no danger from ingesting this plant, and it should not cause any symptoms of poisoning. However, it is always advised to avoid eating any plant parts if you are not certain of their safety or if they have not been deemed edible by a reliable source.
To pets
Water lily (Nymphaea 'Laydekeri Lilacea') is also not known to be toxic to pets. Similar to humans, pets that ingest this plant are unlikely to experience symptoms of poisoning. Nonetheless, it is good practice to prevent pets from consuming plants, as individual animals might have sensitivities or allergic reactions to plant matter that are not commonly toxic.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Varies
Flower color
Lilac
Height
1 feet (0.30 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Adds aesthetic appeal to ponds and water features with its vibrant lilac-pink flowers and green foliage.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Provides shelter and breeding ground for aquatic life such as frogs and beneficial insects.
- Water Quality Improvement: Helps to maintain clear water by reducing algae growth through shading and nutrient competition.
- Stress Reduction: Water gardens featuring water lilies like Nymphaea 'Laydekeri Lilacea' can create a tranquil environment, reducing stress levels in viewers.
- Social Value: Can be a focal point in community ponds and parks, encouraging social interaction and community-building activities.
- Educational Interest: Offers opportunities for learning about aquatic plant care, ecosystems, and environmental stewardship.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Water gardens often feature the water lily as an ornamental plant due to its vibrant flowers and floating foliage that add beauty and elegance to any pond or water feature.
- Art inspiration: The unique appearance of the water lily has made it a frequent subject for artists, particularly those interested in botanical illustration or seeking to capture the serene quality of water landscapes.
- Photography: With their striking colors and patterns, water lilies are popular among photographers looking to capture the essence of aquatic flora or create stunning naturalistic compositions for galleries, contests, or personal portfolios.
- Wildlife habitat: Water lilies provide a microhabitat for various aquatic creatures; their floating leaves offer shelter to fish from predators and sunlight, while frogs often rest on top or underneath them.
- Natural filtration: The roots of water lilies help stabilize pond sediments and can uptake nutrients from the water, assisting in the natural filtration process and maintaining water clarity.
- Culinary garnish: Although not a common practice, the flowers of water lilies can be used as a decorative garnish for upscale culinary presentations given their unique appearance.
- Educational tool: Water lilies can be used in educational settings such as schools or nature centers to teach students about aquatic plant species, pond ecosystems, and principles of botany.
- Floral arrangements: The blooms and pads of water lilies are sometimes incorporated into floral arrangements for events like weddings, bringing a touch of natural beauty and a sense of tranquility to the decor.
- Eco-friendly cover: Floating water lily pads can reduce algae growth by shading parts of a pond, reducing sunlight penetration and thus helping to control the proliferation of unwanted algae.
- Relaxation and mindfulness: Observing and tending to water lilies in a garden pond can provide a means for relaxation and mindfulness, offering therapeutic benefits similar to gardening with terrestrial plants.
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- Rebirth and Enlightenment: As a variety of water lily, Nymphaea 'Laydekeri Lilacea', commonly known as the pink water lily, often symbolizes rebirth and enlightenment due to its nature of rising from the mud and blooming above the water's surface.
- Purity: The water lily is traditionally associated with purity, as the flower blooms cleanly atop water, seemingly untouched by the muddy depths below, reflecting the idea of rising above and remaining unsullied.
- Beauty: The exquisite beauty of the pink water lily signifies admiration and beauty, often used in various cultures to express delight in someone's beauty and grace.
- Peace: Given its gentle appearance and the calm habitat of water surfaces, the water lily is often seen as a symbol of peace, serenity, and tranquility, representing an undisturbed state of mind.
- Femininity: The color pink and the delicate nature of the plant may be linked with femininity and the universal themes of softness, motherhood, and nurture.
WaterThe Water Lily 'Laydekeri Lilacea' is an aquatic plant that requires a unique watering approach since it is grown in water. Water lilies should be planted in a pond or a container with at least 18 inches of water above the soil surface to thrive. There is no need for regular watering like terrestrial plants, but it's important to maintain the water level and quality. Refill the pond or container to compensate for evaporation and splash-out roughly every week, ensuring you maintain an adequate depth. It is advised to add about 1 to 2 gallons of water weekly, depending on weather conditions, to maintain proper water levels.
LightThe Water Lily 'Laydekeri Lilacea' thrives in full sunlight to perform optimally. It should be situated in a spot where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. If placed in too much shade, the water lily may not bloom as profusely. Ensuring adequate sunlight will lead to healthier growth and more vibrant blooms.
TemperatureWater Lilies 'Laydekeri Lilacea' prefer warm temperatures and are best suited for climates where the water temperature stays between 70°F to 85°F. They can survive a range down to about 60°F, but growth will be slowed. During the winter, if the pond or water freezes, the plant will go dormant. Protecting the plant from freezing temperatures is crucial, so for ponds that ice over, the plant's tuber should be submerged below the ice zone or moved to a frost-free location.
PruningPruning the Water Lily 'Laydekeri Lilacea' is necessary to remove spent flowers and dead leaves to encourage new growth and maintain the aesthetics of the plant. It's best to prune during the growing season when the plant is actively producing new leaves and blooms. Deadheading the spent flowers just below the water's surface as they wilt and cutting old leaves at the base should be done regularly, as needed, to keep the plant looking tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWater lilies require loamy soil and prefer a neutral to slightly acidic pH between 6.5 and 7.5. The best soil mix for a Water Lily often includes a blend of garden loam, clay, and sand to provide proper anchorage and nutrient support.
RepottingWater lilies typically require repotting every 2 to 3 years to replenish nutrients and allow for growth. Repot in the spring before the growing season begins for the Water Lily.
Humidity & MistingWater lilies thrive in high humidity conditions as they are aquatic plants. Ideal humidity is naturally provided by their growing environment, which is pond or still water for the Water Lily.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use large tubs with proper water depth and full light for indoor Water Lilies.
Outdoor
Plant in sunlit ponds with still water, ensure roots are well-anchored for outdoor Water Lilies.
Hardiness zone
4-10 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the 'Laydekeri Lilacea' Water Lily (Nymphaea 'Laydekeri Lilacea') begins with seed germination, where the seeds sprout upon finding suitable submerged conditions. The seedlings then develop into a small tuber which anchors itself into the muddy bottom of a pond or still water body, sending up shoots towards the water surface. Leaves, known as lily pads, unfurl on the surface of the water, providing photosynthesis and oxygen exchange for the growing plant. Over time, the plant matures and produces distinctive purple-pinkish flowers that bloom from spring to fall, which are pollinated by insects, often attracted by the flowers' vivid colors and alluring fragrance. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruits that sink to the bottom, releasing seeds that begin the next generation, ensuring the continuation of the species. As perennial plants, the Water Lilies enter a period of dormancy during the winter, with activity resuming in spring with warmer temperatures.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The Water Lily 'Laydekeri Lilacea', typically propagated during the warm growing season, spring through summer, is often cultivated through the division of its rhizomes. The most popular method involves carefully removing the plant from the water and cutting the rhizome with a sharp knife to ensure each section has at least one growth point, often referred to as an "eye". These cuttings are then planted in heavy clay soil in containers that are subsequently submerged in water at a depth usually between 6 to 18 inches (15 to 46 centimeters). The warm temperatures and ample sunlight of the growing season facilitate the speedy establishment and growth of new plants from these divisions, which can then be further nurtured to mature flowering specimens.
