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Description
Nymphaea Alba, also known as the European white waterlily, is an aquatic plant species that belongs to the Nymphaeaceae family. This plant is native to Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa, and it is commonly found in freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoiopsida |
| Order | Nymphaeales |
| Family | Nymphaeaceae |
| Genus | Nymphaea |
Appearance
Nymphaea Alba has large, round leaves that float on the surface of the water. The leaves can grow up to 30 centimeters in diameter and have a waxy texture that repels water. The flowers of this plant are fragrant, white, and star-shaped, with yellow stamens in the center. The flowers can grow up to 20 centimeters in diameter and are held above the water on long stalks.
Care Guide
Water: Nymphaea Alba requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day and prefers to be planted in water that is at least 30 centimeters deep. It is important to keep the water clean and free from debris to prevent the growth of algae.
Fertilization: This plant should be fertilized in the spring and summer months using a slow-release fertilizer specifically formulated for aquatic plants.
Soil: Nymphaea Alba should be planted in a heavy clay soil that is rich in nutrients.
Sunlight: This plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive.
Hardiness Zones: Nymphaea Alba is hardy in USDA zones 3-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The most common pests and diseases that affect Nymphaea Alba are aphids, snails, and bacterial leaf spot. Aphids can be controlled using insecticidal soap, while snails can be removed by hand or using a snail trap. Bacterial leaf spot can be prevented by keeping the water clean and free from debris.
Habitat
Nymphaea Alba is native to Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa, and it is commonly found in freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers. This plant prefers to grow in water that is at least 30 centimeters deep and requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Nymphaea Alba be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Nymphaea Alba can be grown in a container as long as the container is at least 30 centimeters deep and the plant receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Q: How often should Nymphaea Alba be fertilized?
A: This plant should be fertilized in the spring and summer months using a slow-release fertilizer specifically formulated for aquatic plants.
Q: What is the ideal water temperature for Nymphaea Alba?
A: This plant prefers water that is between 20-30 degrees Celsius.
Q: How often should Nymphaea Alba be pruned?
A: This plant should be pruned in the fall or early spring to remove any dead or dying leaves and flowers.
Related Plants
- Nymphaea caerulea
- Nymphaea odorata
- Nymphaea mexicana
- Nymphaea lotus
References
- “Nymphaea alba.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 23, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c272.
- “Waterlily – Nymphaea alba.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed September 23, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/11164/i-Nymphaea-alba-i/Details.
- “Nymphaea alba.” PlantFiles. Accessed September 23, 2021. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/1248/.
