American White Waterlily (Nymphaea odorata)

Nymphaea odorata, the American White Waterlily, is a perennial aquatic plant native to North America, known for its large, fragrant white flowers and floating leaves.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Full sun to partial shade

Watering

Keep submerged

Soil

Heavy clay or loam, often found in pond bottoms.

Temperature

Moderate

Habitat

Aquatic, Outdoor

Fertilizer

Light feeding

Care Requirements

Light

Full sun to partial shade

At least 6 hours of direct sunlight is ideal.

Water

Keep submerged

Ensure crown is just below water surface.

Soil

Heavy clay or loam, often found in pond bottoms.

Temperature

Moderate

Prefers water temperatures between 15-25°C.

Habitat

Aquatic, Outdoor

Fertilizer

Light feeding

Use aquatic plant fertilizer during growing season.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Aquatic

Plant Category

Ornamental

Plant Environment

Aquatic, Outdoor

Lifespan

Perennials

Plant Height

0.3-1 m

Spread

1-3 m

Growth Rate

Moderate

Dormancy

Yes, in colder climates

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Simple, peltate

Flower Size

8-20 cm

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Aug

FloweringFruiting

Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JanPeak fruit · Jan

FloweringFruiting

Synonyms

Castalia odorata (Aiton) Wood

Leuconymphaea odorata (Aiton) MacMill.

Taxonomy

kingdomPlantae
divisionTracheophyta
classMagnoliopsida
orderNymphaeales
familyNymphaeaceae
genusNymphaea
speciesNymphaea odorata

Toxicity

Toxic for humans

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

Rating: 0/5

Edible

Additional Care Tips

Maintain consistent water levels, ensuring the plant is fully submerged. The rhizome should be planted in soil at the bottom of the pond or container, with water covering it by at least 15-30 cm.

Remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves to encourage new growth and maintain a tidy appearance. Trim back any excessively long or damaged foliage. Pruning is generally minimal for this aquatic species.

Propagate by division of rhizomes in spring. Each division should have at least one growing point. Seeds can be sown in warm water, but division is more common and reliable for established plants.

Repotting is typically done every 2-3 years in spring, or when the plant outgrows its container. Use a large, heavy pot filled with heavy loam or clay soil, ensuring the rhizome is planted horizontally with growing tips pointing upwards.

FAQs

How deep should Nymphaea odorata be planted?

Plant the rhizome in soil at the bottom of the pond or container, with the water covering the crown by 15-30 cm. Ensure the growing tip is pointed upwards.

Does Nymphaea odorata need fertilizer?

Yes, it benefits from light fertilization during the growing season using aquatic plant fertilizer. Apply pellets near the rhizome to avoid excessive algae growth.

Can Nymphaea odorata be grown in a pot?

Yes, it can be grown in a large, heavy pot filled with heavy loam or clay soil. Ensure the pot is submerged in water.

How do I propagate Nymphaea odorata?

Propagation is best done by dividing the rhizomes in spring. Each division should have at least one growing point and be planted in suitable soil.

What are the signs of over-fertilization in Nymphaea odorata?

Over-fertilization can lead to excessive algae blooms in the water, which can harm the water lily and other aquatic life.

Care Requirements

Light

Full sun to partial shade

At least 6 hours of direct sunlight is ideal.

Water

Keep submerged

Ensure crown is just below water surface.

Soil

Heavy clay or loam, often found in pond bottoms.

Temperature

Moderate

Prefers water temperatures between 15-25°C.

Habitat

Aquatic, Outdoor

Fertilizer

Light feeding

Use aquatic plant fertilizer during growing season.

Additional Care Tips

Maintain consistent water levels, ensuring the plant is fully submerged. The rhizome should be planted in soil at the bottom of the pond or container, with water covering it by at least 15-30 cm.

Propagate by division of rhizomes in spring. Each division should have at least one growing point. Seeds can be sown in warm water, but division is more common and reliable for established plants.

FAQs

How deep should Nymphaea odorata be planted?

Plant the rhizome in soil at the bottom of the pond or container, with the water covering the crown by 15-30 cm. Ensure the growing tip is pointed upwards.