Indian water-lily Plant Care
Nymphoides indica (L.) Kuntze
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Nymphoides indica is an aquatic plant in the Menyanthaceae, native to tropical areas around the world. It is sometimes cultivated, and has become a minor weed in Florida, where it resembles the native Nymphoides aquatica.
Full sun to partial shade
At a glance
How do you care for Indian water-lily?
Indian water-lily grows best in full sun to partial shade.
What Is the Indian water-lily?
Indian water-lily (Nymphoides indica) belongs to the Menyanthaceae family within the Nymphoides genus. Indian water-lily is native to tropical areas around the world. Indian water-lily is also known as Water-lily, Lotus.
Indian water-lily displays a floating aquatic plant growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Indian water-lily produces small, delicate yellow flowers held above the water's surface.
What Light Does the Indian water-lily Need?
Indian water-lily thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Indian water-lily?
Rich, loamy soil with good moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Indian water-lily to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Indian water-lily?
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 Indian water-lily?
Indian water-lily can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to water snowflake plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Indian water-lily Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Indian 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 Indian water-lily?
Indian water-lily 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.
Keep exploring plants
Indian 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 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.
Indian water-lily 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 indica (L.) 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 Indian 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.
- 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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