Photo: Vincent A. VosCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Amazon Water Lily Plant Care
Nymphaea amazonum Mart. & Zucc.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
The Nymphaea amazonum is recognized by its large, vibrant green leaves with striking purple undersides. Originating from the Amazon River basin, this aquatic plant is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique and beautiful foliage that adds a tropical touch to any pond or water garden.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
70–85°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Amazon Water Lily?
Water Amazon Water Lily every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 70–85°F (21–29°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Amazon Water Lily Native To?
What Is the Amazon Water Lily?
Amazon Water Lily (Nymphaea amazonum) belongs to the Nymphaeaceae family within the Nymphaea genus. Amazon Water Lily is native to the region spanning from Mexico to tropical South America. Amazon Water Lily is also known as Amazon Lily.
Amazon Water Lily displays a floating aquatic plant growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Amazon Water Lily produces showy, fragrant, solitary flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Amazon Water Lily?
Nymphaea amazonum requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Amazon Water Lily Need?
Amazon Water Lily thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Amazon Water Lily Prefer?
Nymphaea amazonum grows best at temperatures of 70–85°F. Amazon Water Lily prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
70–85°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Amazon Water Lily?
Rich loamy soil with a layer of clay and organic matter, aquatic planting media. Good drainage is essential for Amazon Water Lily to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Amazon Water Lily?
Feed Amazon Water Lily every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Amazon Water Lily?
Repot every 1-2 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 Amazon Water Lily?
Amazon Water Lily can be propagated through division of rhizomes, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to white water lily plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Amazon Water Lily Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Amazon Water 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 Amazon Water Lily?
Amazon Water 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 Amazon Water Lily Need?
Amazon Water Lily grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Amazon Water Lily is native to the region spanning from Mexico to tropical South America. In cooler regions, grow Amazon Water Lily as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Amazon Water 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 Nymphaea genus — compare its care with other Nymphaea species on PlantoScan.
Nymphaea is part of the Nymphaeaceae plant family — browse all Nymphaeaceae genera and species.
Amazon Water Lily thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Nymphaea Species
Other Nymphaea species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Nymphaea amazonum Mart. & Zucc., family Nymphaeaceae (first published in Abh. Math.-Phys. Cl. Königl. Bayer. Akad. Wiss. 1: 363 (1829-1830 publ. 1832)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Amazon Water 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.
- Photo: Vincent A. Vos, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 11b, 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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