Waterlily 'Pink Sensation' Nymphaea 'Pink Sensation' (H)

Water

Water lilies like the Pink Water Lily should be grown in still water conditions with a depth of 12 to 18 inches over the top of the pot. They should be watered indirectly by maintaining the appropriate water level as they are aquatic plants. The amount of water in the pond or container should be checked weekly, especially during the warm summer months, and topped off as necessary. In a water garden, you typically wouldn't change the water completely but rather add enough to replenish what has been lost to evaporation, which could be several gallons per week depending on the pond size and weather conditions.

Light

Pink Water Lilies perform best in full sunlight, receiving a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day. They thrive in a spot where they can float on the water's surface without obstruction, ensuring they receive ample light throughout the day. However, they can tolerate some partial shade, especially in hot climates where some protection during the peak afternoon hours can prevent overheating.

Temperature

Pink Water Lilies prefer warm temperatures and should be grown where the water temperature is consistently between 70°F and 85°F. They can survive if the water temperature dips down to about 60°F but shouldn't be exposed to conditions much colder than this. The leaves may start to die off if the water temperature falls below 60°F, and while the plant may survive mild frosts, it is not frost-hardy.

Pruning

Prune Pink Water Lilies to maintain plant health by removing yellowed or dead leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth. Occasional pruning, done as needed throughout the growing season, helps prevent decay which can pollute the water. The best time to prune is during the active growth period, generally from late spring until early fall. Always use clean cutting tools to avoid introducing diseases.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Pink water lily thrives best in heavy loam soils and requires an acidic to neutral pH of 6 to 7.5. An ideal soil mix can be created with a combination of loamy garden soil and clay. Avoid adding peat moss or potting mix, as these can float away and cloud the water in which the lily is planted.

Repotting

Pink water lilies should be repotted every one to two years to refresh the soil and allow room for growth. They are typically repotted in spring before the growing season commences, ensuring they have ample space and nutrients for the summer.

Humidity & Misting

Pink water lily, being an aquatic plant, requires a high humidity environment, ideally over 60%. As it grows in water, maintaining the appropriate water level in ponds or containers ensures the plant's humidity needs are constantly met.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Grow pink water lily in a large, deep container with ample water, under bright light.

• Outdoor

  Plant in a pond in full sun to partial shade, submerged in water.

• Hardiness zone

  4-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of the water lily 'Pink Sensation' begins with seed germination, occurring in warm, still freshwater conditions, typically in the soft, nutrient-rich sediment of ponds or the edges of lakes. As the seedling develops, it sends up its first leaves, which float on the surface, allowing photosynthesis while the roots anchor in the mud. These juvenile floating leaves mature into larger, waxy, and vibrant pink blossoms that rise above the water surface, attracting pollinators and leading to fertilization. After pollination, the plant produces seeds which sink to the bottom to begin a new cycle or rhizomes may form, growing horizontally and producing new plants asexually. Throughout the growing season, 'Pink Sensation' continues to produce leaves and flowers, creating a flush of new growth that replaces older foliage. The plant enters dormancy during colder months, with activity slowing or stopping altogether until the return of favorable conditions for growth in spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Nymphaea 'Pink Sensation', commonly known as a Water Lily, can be propagated during the growing season, ideally in spring or early summer. The most popular method of propagation for Water Lilies is by division of the rhizomes. This involves taking the mature plant and carefully splitting the rhizome, ensuring that each section has at least one growing point or "eye." These sections are then planted in soil at the bottom of containers and submerged in water at a depth of about 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters). Over time, the sections will develop roots and grow into new plants. This method is effective because it utilizes the plant's natural growth habit and ensures that the new Water Lilies are identical to the parent plant.