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Pond   Plants

White water rose
(Nymphaea alba)

White water rose

Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)

  • None (for the moment!)

Names

Scientific name
Nymphaea alba

Common name
White water rose
European white water lily
White nenuphar

Origin

what are his countries of origin?

Origin: Europe, Asia, North Africa

Ideal fertilization

how to fertilize this plant?

In the spring, supply of slow release fertilizer possible

Group

which group is this plant?

Nymphaeaceae

Kind

what is the type of plant?

Rhizome

Parameters

What are the Water parameters for the maintenance of this plant?

T°: -25 to 30°C or -13 to 86°F
pH: 6 to 7
Hardness: 1 to 10°dGH

Difficulty

difficulty

Average

Lighting

what brightness is needed?

Strong

Size

what is the maximum size of the plant?

15x170cm or 6x67"(LxH)

Plantation

in which area of the aquarium install this plant?

Pond

Growth

how fast does this plant grow?

Fast

Presentation

Who is the White water rose?

Presentation

Who is the White water rose?

Nymphaea alba has large, heart-shaped, very decorative leaves. Its flowering is magnificent: a delicate white flower (more rarely pink) of about 10 centimeters or 4 inches exudes a light and delicious odor.

Planting and maintenance

How to plant and maintain the White water rose?

Planting and maintenance

How to plant and maintain the White water rose?

This water lily needs a total depth between 50 and 130 cm or 20 and 50 inches. For the surface, count 3 to 4 m2 or 30 to 40 ft2 per plant.

Install in stagnant but clean water at an ideal depth of 60 to 90 cm or 23 to 35 inches below the surface of the water. Separate the different feet by at least 1 meter or 40 inches. Finish your installation by putting gravel or pebbles at the foot of the water lily. This will allow to ballast but also to prevent the land from spreading if you use baskets. Note that for use in the pond, planting in basket is recommended (format 29x29x29 minimum).

If you must plant young shoots, proceed in stages: plant/place the pot at a sufficient depth so that the leaves are immersed a few centimeters. When the leaves come out of the water, move the pot a little deeper and so on to the desired depth. You can then plant the water lily permanently.

To keep the balance of your pond, only vegetate half of its surface (up to two-thirds maximum). If your water lilies extend too much, remove some leaves by pulling on the petiole (thin part connecting the leaf to the stem). Also remove the yellowed leaves.

The white water lily is hardy as long as its rhizome does not freeze. If you live in an area with risk of freezing, you can take the plants out of the pond to shelter them during the winter by keeping the rhizome in moist soil. If you want to see your water lily bloom regularly, you must do this as soon as the temperature drops below 10/12°C or 50/53°F.

Farming

How to farm the White water rose?

Farming

How to farm the White water rose?

The simplest is to proceed by division of the rhizome, to be carried out in May.

For seed reproduction, flowering takes place from June to September. Once the flowering period is over, the flower sinks into the water where the fruit then grows. When the seeds have reached maturity, they rise to the surface. You can then plant them in pots.

Whether for the seeds or young rhizomes, set up your new plants in shallow waters until they begin to develop (and the appearance of leaves). Then plant/place the pot at a suitable depth so that the leaves are submerged a few centimeters. When the leaves come out of the water, move the pot a little deeper and so on to the desired depth.

Good To know

Find all additional information!

Good To know

Find all additional information!

Carp and other pond fish tend to eat young shoots. Also beware of its vulnerability to aphids.

Its name Alba means "white".

This very old water lily has long been proven in pond decoration!

This plant is divided into 2 subspecies rather difficult to distinguish: ssp. alba and ssp. candida. Generally, the flowers of ssp. candida are smaller than those of ssp. alba, which with its long petals spread reminiscent of the rose. There is also a variety with red flowers.

The flowers open in the morning and close in the evening: a curiosity to observe!

Yours photos!

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