Smallleaf pond lily Plant Care
Nuphar microphylla Fernald
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Nuphar microphylla is a perennial, rhizomatous, aquatic herb found in North America. It is listed as a special concern and believed extirpated in Connecticut.
Every 2–4 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
70–90%
At a glance
How do you care for Smallleaf pond lily?
Water Smallleaf pond lily every 2–4 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 70–90% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Smallleaf pond lily Native To?
What Is the Smallleaf pond lily?
Smallleaf pond lily (Nuphar microphylla) belongs to the Nymphaeaceae family within the Nuphar genus. Smallleaf pond lily is native to North America. Smallleaf pond lily is also known as Small-leaved yellow pond lily.
Smallleaf pond lily displays an aquatic perennial herb growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Smallleaf pond lily produces large yellow cup-shaped flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Smallleaf pond lily?
Nuphar microphylla requires watering every 2–4 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 2–4 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Smallleaf pond lily Need?
Smallleaf pond lily thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Smallleaf pond lily Prefer?
Nuphar microphylla grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Smallleaf pond lily prefers humidity levels of 70–90%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
70–90%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Smallleaf pond lily?
Rich loamy soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Smallleaf pond lily to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Smallleaf pond lily?
Feed Smallleaf pond lily every 6 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 6 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 Smallleaf pond lily?
Repot every 2-3 years in early 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 Smallleaf pond lily?
Smallleaf pond lily can be propagated through division of rhizomes, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to yellow pond lily plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Smallleaf pond lily Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Smallleaf pond lily, 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 Smallleaf pond lily?
Smallleaf pond lily is susceptible to aphids, leaf miners, snails. 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 Smallleaf pond lily Need?
Smallleaf pond lily grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Smallleaf pond lily is native to North America. In cooler regions, grow Smallleaf pond lily as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Smallleaf pond lily 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 Nuphar genus — compare its care with other Nuphar species on PlantoScan.
Nuphar is part of the Nymphaeaceae plant family — browse all Nymphaeaceae genera and species.
Smallleaf pond lily thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Nuphar Species
Other Nuphar species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Nuphar microphylla Fernald, family Nymphaeaceae (first published in Rhodora 19: 111 (1917)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Smallleaf pond lily, 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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