Scientific Name
Nymphaea lotus L.
Common Names
Tiger Lotus, White Lotus, Egyptian White Water-Lily, Egyptian Lotus, Egyptian Water-Lily, White Egyptian Lotus, White Water-Lily
Synonyms
Castalia lotus, Castalia mystica, Castalia thermalis, Leuconymphaea lotus, Nymphaea acutidens, Nymphaea aegyptiaca, Nymphaea ×boucheana, Nymphaea dentata, Nymphaea hypotricha, Nymphaea leucantha, Nymphaea ortgiesiana, Nymphaea reichardiana, Nymphaea thermalis, Nymphaea zenkeri
Scientific Classification
Family: Nymphaeaceae
Genus: Nymphaea
Subgenus: Lotos
Flower
Color: White
Bloom Time: October to January
Description
Nymphaea lotus is an aquatic, perennial, flowering plant, up to 17.7 inches (45 cm) tall, with lily pads which float on the water, and blossoms which rise above the water. The flower is white and sometimes tinged with pink, up to 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter.
How to Grow and Care
Like any other perennial, each different Water Lily may have specific needs when it comes to their sunlight, soil, fertilization, water depth and pruning requirements. When shopping for Water Lilies, be sure to check the requirements of that specific plant, before you decide that you must have it! Generally, Water Lilies require a minimum of four to five hours of full sun each day to produce the most blooms. They should be planted in a large, wide pot, using a slightly acidic mixture of clay and loam with a pH of 6.1-7.0. Commercial potting mixes often contain amendments that float, so if you are using a commercial mix be sure that it is specifically for aquatic plants! Adding a few goldfish to your pond will take care of most insect pests that attack aquatic plants as well as devouring the mosquito larvae… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Water Lilies.
Origin
Native to Egypt, central and west Africa, and Madagascar.
Links
- Back to Genus Nymphaea
- Plantopedia: Browse Flowering Plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone or Origin
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