Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Giant Water Lily Plant Care
Victoria cruziana Orbign.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its large, circular leaves that can reach up to 6 feet in diameter, this plant from South America is a showstopper in any garden. Plant collectors are drawn to its unique feature of being able to support the weight of a small child on its sturdy, floating leaves. Its origin in the Paraguay River basin adds to its allure for those seeking exotic and unusual plants.
Every 3–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–85°F
70–90%
At a glance
How do you care for Giant Water Lily?
Water Giant Water Lily every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 70–90% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Giant Water Lily Native To?
What Is the Giant Water Lily?
Giant Water Lily (Victoria cruziana) belongs to the Nymphaeaceae family within the Victoria genus. Giant Water Lily is native to South America, primarily Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina and Paraguay. Giant Water Lily is also known as Paraguay Water Lily, Victoria Water Lily.
Giant Water Lily displays a floating aquatic plant growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Giant Water Lily produces large fragrant white or pink flowers that bloom at night.
Leaf size: approximately 24 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Giant Water Lily?
Victoria cruziana 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Giant Water Lily Need?
Giant Water Lily thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Giant Water Lily Prefer?
Victoria cruziana grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Giant Water Lily prefers humidity levels of 70–90%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
70–90%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Giant Water Lily?
Rich loamy soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Giant Water Lily to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Giant Water Lily?
Feed Giant 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 Giant Water Lily?
Does not require traditional potting, grows in water. 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 Giant Water Lily?
Giant Water Lily can be propagated through division of rhizomes, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to giant water lily plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Giant Water Lily Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Giant 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 Giant Water Lily?
Giant Water Lily is susceptible to aphids, snails, slugs. 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 Giant Water Lily Need?
Giant Water Lily grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Giant Water Lily is native to South America, primarily Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina and Paraguay. In cooler regions, grow Giant Water Lily as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Giant 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 Victoria genus — compare its care with other Victoria species on PlantoScan.
Victoria is part of the Nymphaeaceae plant family — browse all Nymphaeaceae genera and species.
Giant Water Lily thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Victoria cruziana Orbign., family Nymphaeaceae (first published in Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot. , sér. 2, 13: 57 (1840)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Giant 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: Public domain, CC0 1.0, 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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