Pygmy Water Lily Nymphaea 'Pygmaea Helvola' (H)
ABOUT
Nymphaea 'Pygmaea Helvola', also known as the dwarf waterlily, is a charming aquatic plant recognized for its decorative appeal in ponds and water gardens. This waterlily variety presents a picturesque display with its star-shaped blooms that float gracefully on the water's surface. The flowers are a soft yellow hue and carry a delightful, subtle fragrance that can add an aromatic element to its surroundings. With its gentle overlapping petals, each bloom offers a delicate appearance that is quite enchanting to all who observe it. The leaves of the dwarf waterlily are equally attractive, contributing to the overall beauty of the plant. They emerge on the water surface as well, displaying a rounded shape with a cleft or notch at one side, typical of waterlily leaves. The foliage has a rich green color on the top surface, while the underside often shows shades of reddish-purple hues that provide a compelling contrast to the green. These leaves spread across the water, creating a carpet of lily pads that not only adds visual interest but also serves as a natural habitat for various aquatic creatures. Overall, the dwarf waterlily is a lovely and graceful plant that can enhance the aesthetic of any water feature.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Pygmy Water Lily, Miniature Water Lily, Helvola Water Lily, Dwarf Waterlily.
Common names
Nymphaea 'Pygmaea Helvola'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as dwarf water lily is not generally considered toxic to humans. There is no widespread information available that suggests the dwarf water lily is poisonous, nor are there well-documented cases of poisoning from ingestion of any part of this plant. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially cause adverse reactions, and it's always advisable to avoid ingesting plants that are not commonly recognized as food items.
To pets
Dwarf water lily is not known to be toxic to pets. There are no major concerns regarding the plant’s toxicity for animals such as dogs and cats, and it is not commonly listed as a poisonous plant for pets. However, as with humans, pets may have individual sensitivities, and ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes result in mild gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction. If a pet appears to be suffering from symptoms after ingesting part of this plant, contacting a veterinarian is recommended.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
6-8 inches (15-20 cm)
Spread
1-3 feet (30-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a delicate and charming touch to ponds and water features with its small lily pads and cheery, star-shaped yellow flowers.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Provides cover and spawning areas for fish and other aquatic creatures, helping to support a balanced ecosystem.
- Water Quality Improvement: Roots and foliage help absorb excess nutrients, reducing algae growth and improving water clarity.
- Shade Provider: The floating leaves create shade on the water surface, which can help to cool the water and provide a habitat for shade-loving aquatic life.
- Oxygenation: Through photosynthesis, the plant releases oxygen into the water, which is beneficial for fish and other aquatic organisms.
- Surface Coverage: Helps to limit the growth of unwanted weeds by covering the water surface and reducing the amount of sunlight penetration.
- Soil Erosion Control: The root system can help stabilize the substrate in ponds and water gardens, preventing erosion.
- Easy Maintenance: Generally low-maintenance once established, making it an attractive option for water garden enthusiasts of all levels.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract bees and other pollinators, contributing to the health of the local 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 Feature Accent: The dwarf water lily adds visual interest to small ponds and water features by providing a pop of color and texture.
- Photography Subject: With its delicate blooms, the dwarf water lily is a favorite among photographers looking for aquatic subjects.
- Habitat Creation: It provides a mini-ecosystem for microorganisms and insects when used in small indoor or outdoor water gardens.
- Natural Shade Provider: The leaves offer shade to the aquatic environment, which can help control algae growth in water gardens.
- Aromatherapy: While not commonly used for its scent, the flowers can provide a subtle fragrance in an outdoor setting.
- Educational Tool: Used in schools for teaching students about aquatic plant life cycles and pond ecosystems.
- Crafts: Dried flowers and leaves are sometimes used in pressed flower crafts, though this is not a common use.
- Water Cooling: The plant's coverage can help to slightly lower water temperature by blocking direct sunlight in very small water bodies.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use dwarf water lily as a subject or inspiration for paintings, drawings, and other art forms.
- Special Events: Floating blooms can be used for decorative purposes in outdoor settings for events such as weddings or garden parties.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Dwarf Water Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Dwarf Water Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity - Dwarf Water Lily, much like its larger water lily relatives, often symbolizes purity due to its ability to emerge from muddy waters unspoiled and beautiful.
- Enlightenment - Spiritual enlightenment is another common symbolism, as the blooming of the Dwarf Water Lily can represent an awakening or the realization of higher knowledge.
- Peace - The calming effect of water and the serene appearance of the Dwarf Water Lily contribute to its association with peace and tranquility.
- Beauty - With its delicate, small flowers, the Dwarf Water Lily signifies beauty and the appreciation of small wonders in life.
- Fertility - In many cultures, the prolific blooming nature of the Dwarf Water Lily is seen as a symbol of fertility and creation.
- Love - Dwarf Water Lilies are sometimes associated with love, especially young or new love, as water lilies in general are considered symbolic of the heart and emotion.
WaterThe miniature water lily, also known as the Pygmy water lily, needs to be planted underwater in a pond or water garden where the crown of the plant is about 6 to 12 inches below the surface. It does not require traditional watering as it grows in water, but the pond should be topped up to counteract evaporation. Replace water to maintain the appropriate depth, which might be necessary every couple of weeks or more frequently in hot weather. It's important to maintain consistent water levels to support the health of the Pygmy water lily.
LightThe Pygmy water lily thrives best in full sunlight. It should be placed in a spot where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure vibrant blooms and healthy growth. However, it can also tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates, but flowering may be reduced.
TemperatureThe Pygmy water lily prefers warm temperatures and does best in a range between 70°F and 85°F. They can survive brief periods in temperatures as low as 50°F, but frost or prolonged exposure to temperatures below this can be damaging to the plant. Optimum growth and flowering occur within the ideal temperature range mentioned earlier.
PruningPruning the Pygmy water lily involves removing spent flowers and yellowed or damaged leaves to encourage new growth and maintain a neat appearance. Prune as needed throughout the growing season. The best time for extensive pruning is early spring, just before the growing season begins, to prepare the plant for new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for a Dwarf Water Lily, which is the common name for Nymphaea 'Pygmaea Helvola,' is heavy loam soil. It should not contain peat or bark as these can float and decompose, affecting water quality. Aim for a neutral to slightly acidic pH between 6.5 and 7.5 for optimal growth.
RepottingDwarf Water Lilies typically need to be repotted every one to two years. Over time, they can deplete the nutrients in their soil and outgrow their containers, necessitating repotting for continued healthy growth.
Humidity & MistingDwarf Water Lilies thrive in high humidity conditions, as they are aquatic plants. They are best grown in outdoor ponds or water gardens where they can sit in still or slow-moving water, naturally creating the high humidity environment they require.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in shallow water with full sun.
Outdoor
Sunny pond, still water, heavy loam soil.
Hardiness zone
3-11 USDA
Life cycleNymphaea 'Pygmaea Helvola', commonly known as Dwarf Water Lily, begins its life as a seed that germinates under water in spring to early summer. The seedling develops a small tuber and roots that anchor it to the muddy substrate in a pond or still water body while the first leaves, or cotyledons, make their way to the water surface. As the plant matures, it produces more leaves that spread out across the water surface, relying on sunlight for photosynthesis, and the rhizome grows in size. Over time, the Dwarf Water Lily will produce its characteristic small, star-shaped yellow flowers that float on the water's surface, which are typically pollinated by insects. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds that sink and can lie dormant in the mud until conditions are favorable for germination, completing the reproductive cycle. During winter, the visible parts of the plant die back, but the rhizome remains dormant underwater until conditions are suitable for regrowth in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The best time to propagate the Dwarf Water Lily, specifically Nymphaea 'Pygmaea Helvola', is during spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing and the temperatures are warm enough to encourage root development. The most popular method of propagation for Dwarf Water Lily is by division of its rhizomes. This is typically done by removing the plant from the pond and carefully slicing the rhizome with a sharp, clean knife to ensure there are at least a couple of growing points or eyes on each section. These sections are then replanted in soil at the bottom of shallow water or in containers that are then submerged. It's important that the cuts heal for a day before planting and that the divisions are anchored well so that they don't float away. The newly planted rhizomes should be placed in a sunny position and can be submerged to a depth of 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters). With proper care, these divisions will soon establish themselves and grow into new plants.
