Pygmy Water Lily
Nymphaea tetragona
Tetragona
About this plant
Nymphaea tetragona, known as the Pygmy Water Lily, is a small aquatic plant with round floating leaves and delicate white flowers that have a yellow center. It is admired for its beauty in water gardens and ponds. This species is smaller than many other water lilies and is valued for its compact size and attractive blooms.
Taxonomy
- Genus
- Nymphaea
- Family
- Nymphaeaceae
- Higher classification
- Order Nymphaeales
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Origin & Distribution
- Native region
- Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Russia)
- Distribution
- Native to parts of Asia including China, Japan, Korea, and Russia; cultivated in water gardens worldwide.
Care
- Light preference
- Full sun
- Suitable locations
- Outdoor, Greenhouse, Balcony
- Preferred window facing
- South-facing, Southeast-facing, Southwest-facing
- Watering frequency
- Frequent
- Humidity
- Normal
- Minimum
- 5 °C
- Maximum
- 30 °C
- Optimal
- 15-25 °C
- USDA hardiness zones
- 4-10
- Soil pH
- 6.0-7.5 (neutral to slightly acidic)
- Soil type
- heavy loam or aquatic planting media
Watering. Since it grows in water, ensure the pond or container is always filled with clean water. Avoid letting the water dry out.
Fertilizing. Use aquatic plant fertilizer tablets placed in the soil under the water during the growing season, typically spring through summer, to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Nymphaea tetragona is a water lily that grows in ponds or water gardens. It needs clean, still water and plenty of sunlight. It can be sensitive to poor water quality or too much shade, so regular maintenance is important to keep it healthy.
Propagation
- Propagation methods
- Division, Seeds
- Care difficulty
- Medium
Ornamental features
- Flowering
- Yes
- Flowering period
- summer
Attractive round floating leaves and small white flowers with yellow centers that open during the day.
Toxicity & Safety
- Toxic to humans
- Non-toxic
- Toxic to pets
- Non-toxic
- Weed potential
- Not considered a weed
Non-toxic to humans and pets; safe to have around children and animals.
Allergy information
- Allergy risk
- Low
- Allergy triggers
- Pollen
- Pollen level
- Low
Nymphaea tetragona is generally not known to cause allergies. People sensitive to pollen should still be cautious during its flowering period, but reactions are rare. To reduce any risk, avoid direct contact with the flowers if you have known plant allergies.
Common problems
Common problems include yellowing leaves from poor water quality, algae growth competing for nutrients, and damage from pests like aphids or snails.
Uses
Primarily used as an ornamental plant in water gardens and ponds for its attractive flowers and foliage.
Notes
Prune dead or yellow leaves regularly to prevent decay in the water. Repot every 2-3 years to refresh soil and control growth. Avoid overcrowding in ponds to maintain water quality.