Night-Blooming Water Lily
Night-Blooming Water Lily (Nymphaea caerulea) is a beautiful, fragrant aquatic flower that blooms during the night. It does not produce any floating leaves but instead emits long green stems which in turn support the flowers, that often come adorned with white petals in the center of a yellow center. This plant can provide a nice focal point to any water garden as it is native to many ponds and shallow lakes. Blooms are produced from summer to fall and can last up to 4 days.
Night-Blooming Water Lilies should be given plenty of water throughout the growing season, so do not allow the soil to become too dry. The plant should be watered deeply on a regular basis to ensure proper growth and flower production. When it comes to fertilization, Night-Blooming Water Lilies respond well to a balanced fertilizer, though excessive amounts of nitrogen are not recommended as it can reduce flowering.
Lastly, Night-Blooming Water Lilies appreciate bright, indirect light and should not be placed in direct sunlight. While bright light is preferred, it is best not to move the plants around too much. This will help them acclimate to the light of their current location.
Night-Blooming Water Lilies prefer temperatures between 55-85 degrees Fahrenheit (13-29 degrees Celsius). During winter months, the plant can be kept temperature between 35-55 degrees Fahrenheit (2-13 degrees Celsius).
Nymphaea caerulea requires ample moisture to stay healthy and promote blooming. Humidity should be kept at 30-50 percent for best results and the soil should not be allowed to dry out completely between waterings.
Night-Blooming Water Lilies require a well-draining soil in order to thrive, such as a mix of soil, clay, and sand. It is also important to use plenty of organic material to allow the soil to retain moisture while still draining well.
Night-Blooming Water Lilies should be fed during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. While nitrogen is essential for promoting growth, be sure to use a fertilizer that is not too high in nitrogen as it can reduce flowering. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a liquid fertilizer or a slow-release fertilizer.
Night-Blooming Water Lilies can be prone to many of the same pests and diseases that affect other aquatic plants. Common pests can include mealybugs, aphids, whiteflies, and thrips. If your plant is infested, it is best to remove the affected leaves and treat with Neem oil or an insecticidal soap. A beneficial bacteria can also be used to help control fungal and bacterial diseases.
Night-Blooming Water Lilies should be repotted at least every two years in order to keep them growing at their best. When repotting, it is best to use a container that is one size larger than the previous and use a well-draining potting mix.
Pruning and deadheading Night-Blooming Water Lilies is essential in order to promote healthy, productive growth. Dead leaves, stems, and flowers should be cut off periodically to reduce the risk of pest and disease infestation. The stems can also be trimmed occasionally to keep the plant from getting too large.
Mulching is not necessary for Night-Blooming Water Lilies, as their roots do not need extra insulation or protection. In fact, too much mulch can cause the soil to become soggy and limit the amount of oxygen the roots can access.
Night-Blooming Water Lilies can be propagated by splitting the rhizomes or through division. The best time to divide or split the plant is when the foliage is dormant. Cut the foliage to the base before replanting and make sure to start with a fresh, well-draining potting mix.
Night-Blooming Water Lilies require some type of support in order to keep them upright in the water. Bamboo poles, shipping pallets, and plastic pipes are some examples of what can be used as support.
Night-Blooming Water Lilies have a rest period during the colder months of the year in which they are not actively producing new foliage. During this time, the plant should be kept slightly damp and away from direct sunlight.
Night-Blooming Water Lilies are considered to be non-toxic to pets and humans.
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