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Description
Nuphar Japonicum, also known as the Japanese Water Lily, is a perennial aquatic plant that belongs to the family Nymphaeaceae. It is native to Japan, Korea, and China and can grow up to a height of 1.5m. The plant has long, thick, and fleshy rhizomes that anchor it to the pond’s bottom. The leaves are round and lobed, with a glossy green color that floats on top of the water. The flowers are yellow and star-shaped, with a diameter of up to 10cm.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Nymphaeales |
| Family | Nymphaeaceae |
| Genus | Nuphar |
Appearance
Nuphar Japonicum has a beautiful appearance that makes it a popular choice for water gardens. The leaves are round and can reach up to 30cm across. They are thick and fleshy, with a glossy green color that floats on the surface of the water. The flowers are bright yellow and star-shaped, with a diameter of up to 10cm. They have numerous petals and a central cone-shaped structure that holds the reproductive organs. The flowers bloom in late spring and summer, and they have a sweet fragrance that attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Care Guide
Nuphar Japonicum is relatively easy to care for, although it requires specific conditions to thrive. Here are some care tips to keep your plant healthy:Water: Nuphar Japonicum requires a constant supply of clean water. The water should be at least 20cm deep, and the pond should have a volume of at least 450 liters.Fertilization: The plant does not require frequent fertilization. However, you can add a slow-release fertilizer tablet to the soil once a year.Soil: Nuphar Japonicum prefers rich, loamy soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to partial shade. It should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.Hardiness Zones: Nuphar Japonicum is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Nuphar Japonicum is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be vulnerable to some common issues, such as:Aphids: Aphids can feed on the plant’s leaves and flowers, causing them to yellow and wilt. You can control aphids by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap.Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the plant’s leaves. You can prevent leaf spot by ensuring that the plant has good air circulation and by removing infected leaves.
Habitat
Nuphar Japonicum is native to Japan, Korea, and China, where it grows in slow-moving streams, ponds, and marshes. The plant prefers still or slow-moving water with a depth of at least 20cm. It can tolerate a range of temperatures and can grow in both full sun and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Nuphar Japonicum grow in a container?A: Yes, Nuphar Japonicum can grow in a container as long as the container is deep enough and the plant receives enough sunlight.Q: Does Nuphar Japonicum attract wildlife?A: Yes, Nuphar Japonicum attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.Q: How often should I fertilize Nuphar Japonicum?A: Nuphar Japonicum requires infrequent fertilization. You can add a slow-release fertilizer tablet to the soil once a year.Q: How do I control aphids on Nuphar Japonicum?A: You can control aphids on Nuphar Japonicum by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Nuphar Japonicum:
- Nymphaea odorata
- Nymphaea caerulea
- Nymphaea mexicana
- Nymphaea tetragona
References
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/nuphar-japonicum
- https://www.watergarden.org/Pond-Plants/Water-Lilies/Nuphar-Japonicum
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/water-plants/nuphar/nuphar-japonicum-care.htm
