Water lily Plant Care

Water lily (Nymphaea sinuata) belongs to the Nymphaeaceae family within the Nymphaea genus. Water lily is native to Texas, Florida, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern and western South America.

Water lily displays a floating aquatic plant growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Water lily produces showy, fragrant, solitary flowers in various colors.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Nymphaea sinuata 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.

Water lily thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Nymphaea sinuata grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Water lily prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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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.

Water lily grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Water lily is native to Texas, Florida, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern and western South America. In cooler regions, grow Water lily as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.