Origin and Common Names
Nymphaea lotus L. is a perennial aquatic plant that belongs to the genus Nymphaea in the family Nymphaeaceae. It is commonly known as the Egyptian white water lily, tiger lotus, or white lotus.
General Appearance
The Egyptian white water lily has large floating leaves that are circular in shape, ranging from 20 to 50 cm in diameter. The leaves are green on the upper surface and reddish purple on the lower surface. The plant also has large fragrant white flowers that bloom above or on the water surface. The flowers have numerous white petals and a yellow center and can reach up to 25 cm in diameter.
Uses
The Egyptian white water lily has been used for medicinal and ornamental purposes in ancient Egypt and other parts of the world. The plant’s roots, leaves, and seeds are used to treat various illnesses such as diarrhea, fever, and respiratory problems. The plant also has sedative properties and is used to treat anxiety and insomnia. In addition, the plant is popular as an ornamental plant for ponds and water gardens due to its attractive flowers and foliage.
Growth Conditions of Nymphaea lotus L.
Nymphaea lotus L. is a freshwater aquatic plant that requires suitable water conditions for growth, including a moderate temperature, sufficient sunlight, and the right soil type.
Light Requirements
Light is a critical factor in the growth of Nymphaea lotus L. plants. The plant requires at least six hours of sunlight to perform photosynthesis effectively. If the plant does not receive the necessary amount of light, it will not grow properly, and the leaves may begin to yellow. Therefore, the plant should be kept in a sunny location where it can receive abundant sunlight throughout the day.
Temperature Requirements
The temperature of the water should be taken into account when growing Nymphaea lotus L. plants. The ideal water temperature range is between 18°C and 30°C degrees, with optimal growth occurring from 22°C to 28°C. Any temperature above 30°C will stress the plants and harm their growth. During the winter when temperatures drop below the ideal range, the plant may go dormant.
Soil Requirements
Nymphaea lotus L. plants grow well in a loamy soil mixture, and they require adequate nutrients. The soil should not contain any harmful impurities or chemicals, as this can damage the delicate roots of the plant. The pH should be between 6.5 and 7.5 for optimal growth. When grown in a pot, the plant should be planted in a container with holes in the bottom to ensure proper drainage.
Furthermore, Nymphaea lotus L. requires clean water, and a proper water filter should be installed to remove toxins and pollutants present in the water. Algae and other aquatic plants can harm Nymphaea lotus L. growth, so the water should be adequately treated to control their spread.
By providing suitable light, temperature, and soil conditions, it is possible to cultivate healthy and vibrant Nymphaea lotus L. plants.
Cultivation methods
Nymphaea lotus L., commonly called Egyptian lotus or tiger lotus, can be cultivated in garden ponds or containers. If planting in a container, choose a pot with drainage holes, and fill it with heavy loam soil mixed with clay. Bury the tuber under the soil, leaving the growing point exposed. The container should be submerged up to 90cm in water during the growing season.
Watering needs
The water level in the pond or container should be kept constant throughout the growing season. The plant should be watered daily, especially during dry spells, to prevent the soil from becoming dry. When planting in a pond, the water should be shallow enough to allow sunlight to penetrate to the plant's leaves.
Fertilization
Nymphaea lotus L. is a heavy feeder and requires regular fertilization throughout the growing season. Liquid fertilizers that contain equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are ideal. Apply the fertilizer monthly, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Pruning
Prune Nymphaea lotus L. regularly to encourage vigorous growth and prevent overcrowding. Remove any dead leaves or flowers as soon as possible to prevent them from rotting and spreading disease. Cut back the stems to promote branching and bushy growth. If the plant becomes too large for its container, transplant it to a larger pot or divide the tuber to create new plants.
Propagation methods for Nymphaea lotus L.
Nymphaea lotus L. is a perennial aquatic plant commonly known as the Egyptian white water lily or tiger lotus. It is native to Africa and parts of Asia and is commonly grown for its ornamental value. Propagation of this plant is relatively easy and can be done through various methods including:
Division
Division is the most common method of propagation for water lilies and can be done in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. The plant should be pulled from the water gently, and the rhizomes separated into smaller pieces using a sharp knife. Each section should contain at least one growing point and a viable root system. The separated rhizomes can then be replanted into aquatic pots filled with suitable soil or substrate, and placed back into the water.
Seeds
Propagation of Nymphaea lotus L. can also be achieved through seeds produced by the plant. The seeds should be sown in spring or summer directly into aquatic pots filled with a suitable substrate. The pots should be placed in shallow water, and the water level gradually increased as the plant grows. Seeds can take up to two months to germinate, and the plants may not flower in the first year of growth.
Cuttings
Propagation of Nymphaea lotus L. can also be done through cuttings. Softwood cuttings should be taken in spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be taken from the outer parts of the plant and placed in a jar of water to allow the roots to develop. Once the roots have developed, the cuttings can be planted into aquatic pots filled with suitable soil or substrate and placed back into the water. Hardwood cuttings can also be taken during the dormant season and treated with rooting hormones before planting.
Disease Management
Nymphaea lotus L. is vulnerable to various diseases, including fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases. Among the most common fungal diseases that can affect the plant are Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium spp., and Fusarium solani. These diseases typically cause rotting of the roots, brown spots on the leaves, and ultimately, necrosis. To manage fungal diseases, you can use fungicides such as copper-based fungicides, thiophanate-methyl, and myclobutanil. Regular application of fungicides is necessary to prevent further fungal growth and minimize damage.
Bacterial diseases such as soft rot and black rot can also affect Nymphaea lotus L. These diseases can infect any tissue of the plant and cause the plant to wilt, rot and die. A way to prevent bacterial infections is through the proper removal of plant debris and regular sanitation of tools used in caring for the plant. Antibiotics such as Streptomycin can also be used to manage bacterial diseases.
One of the viral diseases that can affect Nymphaea lotus L. is the Water Lily Tuber Necrosis Virus. The virus can cause visible symptoms such as chlorosis, necrosis, and wilting. There is no known cure for this disease. The best approach to prevent this disease is to avoid using infected plant material.
Pest Management
Nymphaea lotus L. is also vulnerable to various pests such as aphids, mites, and leaf beetles. These pests can cause defoliation, deformation, and slow growth.
To manage aphids and mites, you can use insecticidal soaps and oils such as neem oil, which is a natural pesticide. Parasitic wasps and ladybugs can also be used to manage aphids. To manage leaf beetles, you can use insecticides like carbaryl, but care should be taken not to harm beneficial insects in the environment.
In addition, snails and slugs can damage the leaves and flowers of Nymphaea lotus L. To manage these mollusks, barriers such as copper tape and eggshells can be used to prevent them from reaching the plant. Baits such as iron phosphate can also be used to manage snails and slugs.
