Nymphaea tetragona aka Pygmy Water Lily

Taxonomy

Nymphaea tetragona, commonly known as pygmy waterlily or small white water lily, is an aquatic perennial species belonging to the family Nymphaeaceae. This deciduous plant features small, oval, dark green leaves that can reach up to 8cm in diameter. It is ideally suited for small ponds or container features, as it can thrive in water as shallow as 15cm deep. From June to September, Nymphaea tetragona produces small, cup-shaped flowers that are usually white but can sometimes be red or purple. These flowers are slightly fragrant and have yellow stamens. The shade provided by the leaves not only helps to control the spread of algae but also offers shelter to aquatic insects and larvae, including tadpoles.

Common names

Pygmy Water Lily, Small White Water Lily, Pygmy Waterlily

How to care for Pygmy Water Lily

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Pygmy Water Lily is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Pygmy Water Lily should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Its needs are relatively simple, but one of the most important is making sure its soil is adequately moist. Without proper moisture, the plant can suffer from wilting and stunted growth. To ensure your Pygmy Water Lily is healthy, you must choose a potting soil that retains moisture.

Look for a soil with good drainage to prevent root rot, but also make sure it contains plenty of organic matter. Coco coir and sphagnum moss are both excellent ingredients for retaining moisture and providing the #self.names with the nutrients it needs to thrive. If you can find a soil that has a combination of these ingredients, your #self.names will thank you with beautiful blooms.

Lighting

Pygmy Water Lily requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Pygmy Water Lily will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Pygmy Water Lily plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The Pygmy Water Lily should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

Pygmy Water Lily’s native range is N.E. Europe to E. Asia and western N. America.


More info:
Wikipedia