Photo: bryceleeCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Water Lily Plant Care
Nymphaea jamesoniana Planch.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Nymphaea jamesoniana, also known as the African water lily, is characterized by its striking large, round leaves that can reach up to 2 feet in diameter. Originating from Africa, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its impressive size and beautiful pink flowers.
Every 4–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
70–85°F
70–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Water Lily?
Water Water Lily every 4–7 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 70–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Water Lily Native To?
What Is the Water Lily?
Water Lily (Nymphaea jamesoniana) belongs to the Nymphaeaceae family within the Nymphaea genus. Water Lily is native to the USA, Mexico, and tropical South America.
Water Lily displays a floating aquatic plant growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Water Lily produces showy, fragrant, solitary flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Water Lily?
Nymphaea jamesoniana requires watering every 4–7 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 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Water Lily Need?
Water Lily thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Water Lily Prefer?
Nymphaea jamesoniana grows best at temperatures of 70–85°F. Water Lily prefers humidity levels of 70–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
70–85°F
Humidity
70–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Water Lily?
Rich loamy soil with a layer of clay and organic matter, aquatic planting media. Good drainage is essential for Water Lily to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Water Lily?
Feed 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 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 Water Lily?
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 Water Lily Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list 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 Water Lily?
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 Water Lily Need?
Water Lily grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Water Lily is native to the USA, Mexico, and tropical South America. In cooler regions, grow Water Lily as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
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.
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 jamesoniana Planch., family Nymphaeaceae (first published in Fl. Serres Jard. Eur. 8: 120. 1852) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list 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: brycelee, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 9b – 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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