Nymphaea odorata aka American Waterlily

Taxonomy

Nymphaea odorata, commonly known as the American white waterlily or fragrant water-lily, is an aquatic plant belonging to the genus Nymphaea. It can be found in shallow lakes, ponds, and slow-moving waters throughout North America, ranging from Central America to northern Canada. This hardy and compact perennial has small rounded dark-green leaves that initially appear purple-bronze. From June to September, it produces white cup-shaped flowers with yellow centers that emit a sweet fragrance. In addition to its various aliases such as beaver root, fragrant white water lily, white water lily, and sweet-scented water lily, it has also been reported in Brazil and Guyana.

Common names

American Waterlily, American White Waterlily, Fragrant Water Lily, Beaver Root, Fragrant White Water Lily

How to care for American Waterlily

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for American Waterlily due to its easy-going nature.

Water

American Waterlily should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

If you're planting American Waterlily, you need to make sure you use a potting soil that can retain moisture. While the soil should still be able to drain well, it should contain plenty of organic matter like coco coir or sphagnum moss to help it stay moist and nourish the roots of your plants. This is especially important since American White Waterlily is especially sensitive to dry soil. You can also add other amendments, such as compost, to help retain moisture and provide extra nutrients to your plants. Be sure to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, throughout the growing season. With the right soil and proper care, your American Waterlily will thrive!

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for American Waterlily to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

Once the American Waterlily has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

American Waterlily’s native range is N. America - Newfoundland to British Columbia, south to California, Florida, Mexico and Cuba.


More info:
Wikipedia