Water Lily Nymphaea 'Masaniello' (H)
ABOUT
Nymphaea 'Masaniello' commonly known as Water Lily is a highly decorative aquatic plant that boasts a stunning floral display. The plant typically floats elegantly on the surface of the water, with its glossy, rounded leaves that extend outward from the central crown. These leaves are often a rich, deep green, sometimes with a purple tint, creating a vibrant bed upon which the flowers rest. What truly captivates the viewer are its magnificent blooms, which rise above the water surface on sturdy stems. The flowers of Water Lily 'Masaniello' are large and cup-shaped, with multiple layers of petals that range from deep pink to a soft, blush hue. The petals are beautifully arranged in a symmetrical pattern, gracefully overlapping one another, and at the center lies a prominent, golden-yellow center, filled with stamens that add to the visual spectacle. The overall aesthetic of the Water Lily 'Masaniello' is one of serene beauty, drawing the eye and often becoming the centerpiece of any water garden or pond setting. Its blooms have a tendency to open during the early morning hours and close as the day wanes, paralleling the rhythm of nature in a tranquil dance.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Nymphaeaceae
Synonyms
Masaniello Water Lily, Masaniello Hardy Water Lily
Common names
Nymphaea 'Masaniello'
ToxicityTo humans
The Water Lily, specifically the Nymphaea 'Masaniello', is generally not considered toxic to humans. There is no significant evidence to suggest that ingesting parts of this plant would cause poisoning or adverse health effects. As with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could exist, but typical symptoms of plant poisoning are not associated with the Water Lily.
To pets
The Water Lily, including the Nymphaea 'Masaniello' variety, is not typically recognized as a toxic plant to pets. It is not known to contain substances that are poisonous to common household pets such as dogs and cats. Therefore, if a pet were to ingest this plant, they are not expected to exhibit symptoms of poisoning. However, ingestion of any non-food item can potentially cause gastrointestinal upset or blockage, so it is always best to prevent pets from consuming plants not intended for their consumption.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
4 inches (10 cm)
Spread
3 feet (90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances Pond Aesthetics: As a water lily, Masaniello adds beauty and elegance to water gardens with its delicate blossoms and attractive foliage.
- Provides Shade: The broad leaves of the water lily float on the surface, providing shade that helps keep the pond water cool and reduces algae growth.
- Sustains Aquatic Life: By offering shade and shelter, it creates a healthier environment for fish and other aquatic organisms.
- Attracts Wildlife: Water lilies can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies as well as birds, contributing to the local ecosystem's biodiversity.
- Improves Water Quality: The roots of water lilies absorb nutrients from the water, which can help reduce excess nutrients and improve overall water quality.
- Adds Value to Landscape: Incorporating water features with attractive plants like Masaniello can increase the aesthetic and monetary value of a property.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Nymphaea 'Masaniello', commonly known as Water Lily, can be used in natural swimming pools to provide a biological filtration system that enhances water clarity and quality.
- The large leaves of the Water Lily can be used as natural canvases for art projects, with paints or dyes applied directly to the leaf surface.
- Water Lilies can be utilized in landscaping to create floating garden displays, where they are grown in containers that are then set to float on the surface of ponds.
- With their striking appearance, Water Lilies are commonly used in photography as subjects or backgrounds to exhibit beauty and tranquility.
- Water Lilies can be incorporated into culinary presentation, with blooms used as elegant garnishes for high-end dishes in restaurants.
- The leaves of Water Lilies serve as natural sun shades for aquatic life, offering shelter and cooler temperatures underneath them.
- During educational activities, the various stages of Water Lily growth can be used to teach about plant life cycles and pond ecosystems.
- The plant's pulp after decay can invest in compost as a source of organic matter, improving soil structure and fertility.
- Water Lilies can be used in artisanal crafts, where dried parts of the plant are incorporated into handmade paper or used to create eco-friendly jewelry.
- They can be used in Feng Shui practice as a symbol of enlightenment and serenity when placed in water features within home or garden spaces.
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: Nymphaea 'Masaniello', commonly known as water lily, often symbolizes purity due to its ability to emerge from murky waters with clean and unspoiled flowers.
- Enlightenment: The water lily's growth, from muddy waters towards the light of the sun, is reminiscent of spiritual awakening and enlightenment in many cultures.
- Rebirth: Its daily cycle of closing at night and reopening with the morning sun is symbolic of rebirth and resurrection.
- Beauty: Water lilies are often associated with beauty, owing to their range of delicate and colorful blooms.
- Peace: The serene setting of water lilies, growing calmly in still water, evokes a sense of peace and tranquility.
WaterWater lilies, such as the 'Masaniello' Water Lily, are unique in that they need to be planted in water rather than typical soil. To properly water this aquatic plant, it should be submerged in at least 12 inches of water at all times and can thrive in up to 30 inches. They are best maintained in a pond or a water garden. During the growing season, ensure the pond or container does not dry out, which may mean adding a few gallons of water on a weekly basis, depending on evaporation rates and climate conditions. It is not necessary to water them in the traditional sense, as their roots will take up the necessary water from their aquatic environment.
LightThe 'Masaniello' Water Lily requires full sunlight to flourish. It should be placed in a spot where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Avoid placing water lilies in shaded areas, as insufficient sunlight can impede blooming and growth.
TemperatureWater lilies, like the 'Masaniello' Water Lily, can survive a range of temperatures but thrive between 70°F and 85°F. They generally can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F and as high as 90°F. However, if the temperature dips below this range or exceeds it for extended periods, the plant may go dormant or sustain damage.
PruningPrune the 'Masaniello' Water Lily to remove yellow or dead leaves and spent blooms to encourage new growth and to maintain a tidy appearance. Pruning is typically performed during the growing season. The best time to prune is in the late spring or early summer, when the plant begins actively growing.
CleaningNot needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Water Lily 'Masaniello' is heavy loam soil; avoid potting soil with peat moss or perlite. Ideal soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic, around 6.5 to 7.2.
RepottingWater Lilies, including 'Masaniello', generally need repotting every 1 to 2 years to ensure optimal growth and bloom.
Humidity & MistingWater Lilies like 'Masaniello' thrive in high humidity environments as they are aquatic plants, ideally grown in ponds or water gardens.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use large containers with water; ensure full sunlight.
Outdoor
Plant in ponds; full sun; still water works best.
Hardiness zone
4-10 USDA
Life cycleThe life of a Water Lily 'Masaniello' begins with a seed which germinates in warm, stagnant waters, developing roots that anchor into the muddy substrate below. As the seedling grows, floating leaves called lily pads emerge on the water surface, providing photosynthesis and gas exchange. The plant matures and produces distinctive flowers that rise above the water's surface, usually blooming in the early morning and closing in the afternoon, which is a prominent stage for pollination by insects. Following pollination, the flower sinks beneath the water where the fruit develops and eventually releases seeds to continue the cycle. During colder months, Water Lilies enter a period of dormancy where growth ceases and the plant conserves energy, sometimes with parts dying back to the rhizome. With the return of favorable conditions, new shoots emerge from the rhizome, thus beginning a new growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Nymphaea 'Masaniello', commonly known as a variety of water lily, is typically propagated through division. This process is best done in late winter or early spring before the plant begins its active growth. To propagate water lilies by division, the plant's rhizome should be carefully lifted from the pond or container and any excess soil should be removed to reveal the growth nodes. The rhizome should be cut into sections, each with at least one growth node. It's critical that a sharp, sterile knife is used to avoid disease transmission and to ensure clean cuts. The divided sections can then be replanted in aquatic planting baskets filled with soil, topped with a layer of gravel to prevent the soil from escaping, and submerged in water at the correct depth for the variety. Each division will develop into a new plant, given adequate light and nutrients.
