Pink Water Lily Nymphaea 'Marliacea Rosea' (H)

Water

The Nymphaea 'Marliacea Rosea', commonly known as Pink Water Lily, should be planted in a pond or water garden where the water depth is between 12 to 18 inches over the crown of the plant. It's not watered in the traditional sense but needs to be submerged in water at all times. The water in the pond should be topped up as needed to maintain the appropriate level, ensuring the roots and pot remain underwater. Depending on the climate, evaporation rates will vary, so adding water every few days to a week may be necessary, which could range from a few gallons to several, depending on the size of your pond and weather conditions.

Light

Pink Water Lily thrives in full sunlight, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to bloom effectively. The ideal spot for this plant is in an open area of a pond or water garden that receives ample sunlight without obstruction from taller plants or structures. Partial shade is tolerated, but it may not flower as abundantly.

Temperature

The Pink Water Lily prefers a temperate climate and does well in temperatures ranging from 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, which are ideal for growth and flowering. The plant can survive in temperatures as low as 60 degrees and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit but should not be exposed to freezing conditions. Ensure the water temperature is also within this range for optimal health of the plant.

Pruning

Pruning the Pink Water Lily involves removing spent flowers and yellow or damaged leaves to encourage new growth and more blooms. This maintenance should be done throughout the growing season, typically from spring to fall. The best time to prune is when you notice parts of the plant that are decaying or have completed their lifecycle. Deadheading flowers soon after they fade can promote a longer blooming period.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Pink Hardy Water Lily thrives best in heavy loam soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. A soil mix ideal for this water lily includes a mixture of clay and silt, incorporating a small amount of decomposed compost for nutrients. It is important to avoid potting mixes that float, as this can interfere with the plant's ability to root properly and stay anchored.

Repotting

The Pink Hardy Water Lily should be repotted every one to two years, or when it outgrows its container. Repotting is best done in the spring or early summer, allowing the plant to establish in warm temperatures.

Humidity & Misting

Being an aquatic plant, the Pink Hardy Water Lily requires a consistently high humidity level that is naturally provided by its water environment. It does not have specific air humidity requirements as it grows submerged in water.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Indoor cultivation of the Pink Hardy Water Lily is not recommended due to its size and water needs.

• Outdoor

  Place in sun, in still water 30-90 cm deep.

• Hardiness zone

  4-11 USDA

Life cycle

Nymphaea 'Marliacea Rosea' commonly known as Water Lily, begins its life as a tuber placed under the surface of still, fresh water bodies and in a planting container filled with a heavy clay soil. The tuber produces leaves that initially float on the water's surface; these leaves are followed by buds that grow into fragrant, pink flowers during the warmer months, typically blooming from late spring to early fall. After flowering, the blossoms will close and sink below the surface, where they develop into fruit containing seeds. When the seeds mature, they are released into the water, where they can settle into the mud and enter a period of dormancy. With suitable conditions, including ample sunlight and warm temperatures, these seeds will germinate, producing new tubers that grow and repeat the cycle. In colder climates, the plant may go dormant during the winter months, with the tuber remaining in the sediment until favorable conditions in spring stimulate new growth.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-early summer

• Propogation: The Nymphaea 'Marliacea Rosea', commonly known as Pink Water Lily, is often propagated through division, which is usually performed in late winter or early spring just before the growing season begins. The most popular method involves carefully removing the plant from the water and slicing the rhizome with a sharp knife, ensuring each section has at least one growing point or eye. These sections are then potted in heavy loam soil and submerged at a shallow depth, about 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 centimeters), in a pond or water feature where they can grow. Roots and shoots will soon develop from the cut sections, eventually leading to new plants. It's important to be gentle with the plant's roots and to make clean cuts to reduce the risk of disease.