White Water Lily Nymphaea 'Marliacea Albida' (H)
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as the Water Lily 'Marliacea Albida' is an aquatic flowering plant that showcases a picturesque and serene appearance. The plant produces elegant white flowers that float gracefully on the surface of the water. These flowers are large and showy, with multiple layers of petals that are soft to the touch and pure white in color, occasionally with a hint of pale pink at the base. At the flower's core, golden-yellow stamens protrude, providing a stunning contrast to the white petals and attracting pollinators. The leaves of the Water Lily 'Marliacea Albida' are nearly as remarkable as the flowers. They are rounded, with a smooth and waxy texture, creating a dark green, lily pad platform that floats on the water's surface. These pads are not only iconic in their shape but also provide a habitat for aquatic wildlife and help shade the water, which can reduce algae growth. The plant's overall appearance is one of tranquility and natural beauty, often evoking a sense of calm when observed in a pond setting. The white flowers coupled with the green lily pads create a classic look that is beloved in water gardens and ponds across the world.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Nymphaeaceae
Synonyms
White Water Lily, Marliac White Water Lily
Common names
Nymphaea 'Marliacea Albida' (H).
ToxicityTo humans
The Water Lily, specifically Nymphaea 'Marliacea Albida', is not known to be toxic to humans. Generally, members of the Nymphaea genus are not considered poisonous, and this variety is commonly grown in water gardens for its aesthetic value. There is no well-documented toxicity or serious consequences associated with ingesting parts of this plant for humans.
To pets
The Water Lily, specifically Nymphaea 'Marliacea Albida', is not commonly recognized as being toxic to pets. Water lilies are not usually listed among the plants that pose a risk to cats, dogs, or other household pets. There should be no significant toxicity or health issues for pets that ingest parts of this particular type of water lily. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion could potentially cause mild stomach upset due to the novelty and fiber content.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
0-1 feet [0-30 cm]
Spread
3-4 feet [90-120 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-10
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: White water lily adds visual interest to ponds and water gardens with its delicate white blossoms.
- Habitat for Wildlife: It provides a habitat and breeding ground for aquatic creatures, including fish and frogs.
- Shade and Cooling: The leaves, or lily pads, offer shade to the water, helping to regulate temperature and minimize algae growth.
- Surface Coverage: Helps control the spread of algae by reducing the amount of sunlight that penetrates the water's surface.
- Oxygenation: Contributes to the oxygen levels in the water, which is beneficial for the 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- Water garden aesthetics: The Nymphaea 'Marliacea Albida', also known as the White Water Lily, is frequently used for its ornamental value to enhance the visual appeal of ponds and water gardens.
- Shade provider: The large leaves of the White Water Lily can provide shade in water features, which helps reduce the growth of algae and creates a cooler underwater environment for fish.
- Photography: The White Water Lily is a popular subject for photographers looking to capture the beauty of aquatic plants, often symbolizing purity and peace.
- Floral arrangements: Although less common than terrestrial flowers, the White Water Lily can be used in floating floral arrangements for events and is particularly popular in settings with water features.
- Education and research: Botanical gardens and educational institutions may cultivate White Water Lilies for study and research purposes, including hybridization and propagation techniques.
- Wildlife habitat: The White Water Lily provides a natural habitat for aquatic organisms, offering a surface for frogs to sit on and a hiding place for fish and invertebrates.
- Ceremonial uses: In some cultures, the White Water Lily may be used in ceremonial practices or spiritual rituals related to water for its symbolic meanings.
- Aquaculture: The roots and submerged parts of the plant can improve the overall water quality in aquaculture systems by absorbing excess nutrients.
- Feeding fish and wildlife: Although not a primary food source, parts of the White Water Lily can occasionally be eaten by certain species of fish, turtles, and waterfowl.
- Artistic inspiration: Artists and craftspeople may use the White Water Lily as a motif or source of inspiration in paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and decorative arts.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe White Water Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe White Water Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: The 'Marliacea Albida', commonly known as the White Water Lily, often symbolizes purity due to its clean, pristine color and the way it rises above the murky water.
- Innocence: Reflecting its pure white petals, the Water Lily is frequently associated with innocence and the untouched beauty of nature.
- Enlightenment: As the Water Lily is rooted in mud but blooms above the surface, it is a symbol of enlightenment and spiritual awakening, transcending the murky waters of materialism.
- Peace: The Water Lily's calm and serene appearance on still waters gives it a symbolic connection to peace and tranquility.
- Rebirth: Their life cycle of sinking at night and reblooming the next day associates White Water Lilies with rebirth and renewal.
- Femininity: Often considered to embody beauty and softness, the Water Lily can symbolize femininity and grace.
WaterThe White Water Lily should be planted in a pond or aquatic garden where it is submerged in water. It does not require watering in the traditional sense, as it grows in water. Ensure that the pond has at least 1-1.5 feet of water over the planting container for optimal growth. The water level should be maintained consistently, adding more only to compensate for evaporation. Typically, this might involve adding several gallons per week during hot weather, depending on the size of your pond and local evaporation rates.
LightWhite Water Lilies thrive in full sunlight, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for these aquatic plants is in an open area of a pond away from shade-casting trees or structures. They can tolerate some partial shade, but flowering may be reduced in insufficient light.
TemperatureWhite Water Lilies do best in temperatures between 70°F to 85°F. They can survive in temperatures as low as 60°F and as high as 90°F, but extended periods outside the optimal range can affect plant health. The ideal conditions are warm days with full sun exposure to ensure proper growth and blooming.
PruningPruning White Water Lilies involves removing yellow or dead leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth and keep the plant looking its best. Pruning can be done throughout the growing season, as needed. The best time for significant pruning is in late autumn when the plant goes dormant or in early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe White Water Lily thrives in a heavy clay loam soil with a pH around 6 to 7.5. A simple mix can consist of equal parts loam and clay with some well-decomposed compost. Ensure there are no additives like perlite or vermiculite that would float when submerged. The soil should be dense enough to sink and hold the plant at the bottom of a pond or container.
RepottingWhite Water Lily should ideally be repotted every one to two years. It's best to repot in the spring as the plant comes out of dormancy and before it has started to vigorously grow. Larger containers can prolong the time between repottings.
Humidity & MistingThe White Water Lily, being an aquatic plant, does not require specific humidity levels in the air, as it thrives in water. The best "humidity" condition is its complete submersion in water in a pond or suitable container.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Plant in a deep, watertight container with no drainage. Keep fully submerged.
Outdoor
Plant in a pond or sturdy container; needs full sun and still water.
Hardiness zone
4-10 USDA
Life cycleThe water lily Nymphaea 'Marliacea Albida' begins its life as a hardy tuber that is planted in spring, just below the surface of calm, freshwater bodies in heavy clay soil or pots. The tuber grows roots that anchor it into the soil, while stems develop and reach toward the water surface. As the water temperature rises, leaves called lily pads unfurl on the water surface, providing shade and habitat within the pond ecosystem. Following leaf development, the plant produces distinctive white flowers that bloom from late spring to early autumn, closing at night and reopening with the morning sun. After pollination, possibly facilitated by insects drawn to the plant's fragrance and color, the flowers will develop into seed pods that sink to the bottom to overwinter and produce new plants. During fall, the leaves and flowers will begin to die back as the plant enters dormancy, conserving energy within the tuber for the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Water Lily 'Marliacea Albida' is often propagated by dividing the rhizomes, a task best undertaken in late winter or early spring as the plant emerges from dormancy. This preferred method involves carefully lifting the water lily's tuberous rhizome from the pond and cutting it into sections, ensuring each section has at least one growing point or "eye." These divisions can then be planted in containers filled with aquatic soil and gently placed back into the pond, making sure the growing points are just above the soil surface. The container should be placed at a shallow depth initially and then gradually lowered to its final depth as the plant establishes. This technique allows for a greater control over the propagation process and results in clones of the parent plant, ensuring the preservation of its characteristics.
