Photo: Laura ClarkCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Water Canna Plant Care
Canna glauca L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With vibrant green leaves that have a bluish tint, Canna glauca hails from the wetlands of South America. Plant collectors are drawn to this species for its unique foliage color and its ability to thrive in moist environments, making it a standout addition to water gardens or ponds.
Every 3–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Water Canna?
Water Water Canna every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Water Canna Native To?
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Aruba
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Cayman Islands
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Curaçao
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- French Guiana
- Grenada
- Guadeloupe
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Jamaica
- Martinique
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Puerto Rico
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Suriname
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- United Kingdom
- Venezuela
- Virgin Islands, British
- Virgin Islands, U.S.
What Is the Water Canna?
Water Canna (Canna glauca) belongs to the Cannaceae family within the Canna genus. Water Canna is native to the wetlands of tropical America and was introduced to England in 1730. Water Canna is also known as Blue Canna, Saffron Canna.
Water Canna displays a tall, upright perennial growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Water Canna produces showy, vibrant blooms in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Water Canna?
Canna glauca requires watering every 3–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Water Canna Need?
Water Canna thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Water Canna Prefer?
Canna glauca grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Water Canna prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Water Canna?
Rich, well-draining soil with added compost or organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Water Canna to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Water Canna?
Feed Water Canna every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Water Canna?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Water Canna?
Water Canna can be propagated through division of rhizomes, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to indian shot plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Water Canna Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Water Canna, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Water Canna?
Water Canna is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Water Canna Need?
Water Canna grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8 – 11. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Water Canna is native to the wetlands of tropical America and was introduced to England in 1730.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8 – 11
Keep exploring plants
Water Canna is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Canna genus — compare its care with other Canna species on PlantoScan.
Canna is part of the Cannaceae plant family — browse all Cannaceae genera and species.
Water Canna thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Canna Species
Other Canna species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Canna glauca L., family Cannaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 1 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Water Canna, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Laura Clark, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8 – 11, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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