White water lily (Nymphaea alba × candida)
Care, watering, light and tips for White water lily on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Nymphaeaceae
- Difficulty: Demanding
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About White water lily
Nymphaea alba × candida, a water lily hybrid, is an elegant aquatic plant that produces beautiful white or slightly pink flowers floating on the water's surface. Its large, round, green leaves form an attractive canopy, ideal for medium to large ponds and water features, adding a touch of serenity and natural beauty. It is perfect for creating a focal point in water gardens or for naturalizing wet areas.
Native range
Europe and temperate Asia
Care tips
It requires full sun (at least 6 hours daily) for optimal flowering. It should be planted in specific water lily baskets with a rich, clay-based substrate and submerged to a depth of 30-90 cm. Ensure the water is still and not too cold. A common mistake is planting it in pots without proper drainage or in overly light substrates, which hinders its anchoring and nutrition.
How to save a dying White water lily
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or browning, soft and rotten leaves; lack of flowering; excessive algae growth.
- First aid
- Remove damaged leaves and flowers. Ensure proper pot and rich substrate. Check water level and quality (chlorine-free).
- What kills it
- Stagnant water without circulation, lack of direct sunlight (at least 6 hours), over or under-fertilization.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if water quality, sun exposure are corrected, and decaying material is removed.