Photo: Prashanth N SCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Water Snowflake Plant Care
Nymphoides hydrophylla (Lour.) Kuntze
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Nymphoides hydrophylla, also known as Banana Plant, is distinguished by its broad, banana-shaped leaves that add a tropical touch to any aquarium. Originating from Southeast Asia, this plant is popular among aquarists for its unique appearance and ease of care.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
72–82°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Water Snowflake?
Water Water Snowflake every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 72–82°F (22–28°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Water Snowflake Native To?
What Is the Water Snowflake?
Water Snowflake (Nymphoides hydrophylla) belongs to the Menyanthaceae family within the Nymphoides genus. Water Snowflake is native to Taiwan. Water Snowflake is also known as Big Floating Heart.
Water Snowflake displays a floating aquatic plant growth habit, reaching up to 12 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Water Snowflake produces small, delicate yellow flowers held above the water's surface.
Leaf size: approximately 5 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Water Snowflake?
Nymphoides hydrophylla requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Water Snowflake Need?
Water Snowflake thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Water Snowflake Prefer?
Nymphoides hydrophylla grows best at temperatures of 72–82°F. Water Snowflake prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
72–82°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Water Snowflake?
Rich, loamy soil with good moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Water Snowflake to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Water Snowflake?
Feed Water Snowflake 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 Snowflake?
Does not require potting as it is a floating plant. 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 Snowflake?
Water Snowflake can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to water snowflake plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Water Snowflake Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Water Snowflake, 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 Snowflake?
Water Snowflake is susceptible to aphids, snails, algae. 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 Snowflake Need?
Water Snowflake grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Water Snowflake is native to Taiwan. In cooler regions, grow Water Snowflake as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Water Snowflake 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 Nymphoides genus — compare its care with other Nymphoides species on PlantoScan.
Nymphoides is part of the Menyanthaceae plant family — browse all Menyanthaceae genera and species.
Water Snowflake thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Nymphoides Species
Other Nymphoides species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Nymphoides hydrophylla (Lour.) Kuntze, family Menyanthaceae (first published in Revis. Gen. Pl. 2: 429 (1891)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Water Snowflake, 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: Prashanth N S, 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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