Contents
Description
Nymphaeales is a group of aquatic plants that are commonly known as water lilies. These plants are known for their beautiful and fragrant flowers that float on the surface of the water. They are also known for their large leaves that provide shade and shelter for fish and other aquatic creatures.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Monocots |
| Order | Nymphaeales |
| Family | Nymphaeaceae |
| Genus | Nymphaea |
Appearance
Water lilies have large, round leaves that float on the surface of the water. The leaves can be up to 30 centimeters in diameter and are often green or reddish in color. The flowers of the water lily are also large and showy, with petals that can be white, pink, red, or yellow. The flowers typically bloom in the summer and fall.
Care Guide
Water lilies require a lot of care to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for water lilies:
- Water: Water lilies require a lot of water to grow. They should be planted in a pond or other water feature that is at least two feet deep.
- Fertilization: Water lilies should be fertilized every two to three weeks during the growing season. Use a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for water plants.
- Soil: Water lilies should be planted in a special aquatic soil that is designed for use in ponds and other water features.
- Sunlight: Water lilies require a lot of sunlight to grow. They should be planted in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
- Hardiness Zones: Water lilies are hardy in zones 3-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Water lilies can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the leaves and stems of water lilies, causing them to wilt and die.
- Spider mites: These tiny mites can also suck the sap from water lilies. They can be difficult to see with the naked eye.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots to appear on the leaves of water lilies.
- Root rot: This disease can be caused by overwatering or poor drainage. It can cause the roots of water lilies to rot and die.
Habitat
Water lilies are found in a variety of aquatic habitats, including ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers and streams. They are native to many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia.
Question and Answer
Q: How deep should the water be for water lilies?
A: Water lilies should be planted in a pond or other water feature that is at least two feet deep.
Q: How often should water lilies be fertilized?
A: Water lilies should be fertilized every two to three weeks during the growing season.
Q: What kind of soil should water lilies be planted in?
A: Water lilies should be planted in a special aquatic soil that is designed for use in ponds and other water features.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for water lilies?
A: Water lilies are hardy in zones 3-11.
Related Plants
- Lotus (Nelumbo)
- Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)
- Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)
- Water soldier (Stratiotes aloides)
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Nymphaeales. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282309
- University of Illinois Extension. (n.d.). Water Lilies. Retrieved from https://extension.illinois.edu/watergarden/water-lilies
- University of Minnesota Extension. (n.d.). Water Lilies. Retrieved from https://extension.umn.edu/water-gardening/water-lilies
