Water Lily Plant Care

Water Lily (Chironia erythraeoides) belongs to the Gentianaceae family within the Chironia genus. Water Lily is native to Angola.

Water Lily displays a low spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Water Lily produces small star-shaped pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Water Lily every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Water Lily thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Chironia erythraeoides tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Water Lily prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Water Lily to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Water Lily every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Water Lily is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Water Lily can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Water Lily while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Water Lily is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Water Lily can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chironia albiflora plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Water Lily is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.

Water Lily grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Water Lily is native to Angola. In cooler regions, grow Water Lily as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.