Water lily, also known as meridian lily and water cress flower, is one of the aquatic flowers and belongs to the water lily family. Its flowers are beautiful, with red, pink, yellow, white and other colors, and the flowering period is long, generally blooming from summer to autumn.
Morphological characteristics
The rhizomes of water lilies are cylindrical, short, and grow creepingly. The leaves float on the surface of the water and are round or oval in shape, sometimes slightly wavy, and are usually between 15-30 cm in diameter.
The leaves are dark green in color with a smooth surface and a purplish-brown dorsal color. The edges of the leaves are toothed or wavy, and some varieties have serrated edges. The petioles are long, thin, cylindrical, and mostly light green.
The peduncle grows from the petiole ** and varies in length, mostly cylindrical. The flowers are born at the top of the peduncle, and most of the petals are five, and the color is bright, including red, pink, yellow, and white. The flower center is mostly yellow or orange, sometimes with dark red spots.
Growing environment
Water lilies prefer to grow in warm, moist, sunny environments. The suitable water temperature is 20-30o and the water depth is between 20-60 cm. Water lilies need plenty of sunlight but can also tolerate semi-shaded environments. During the growth process, the water needs to be kept clear, and fertilization and water changes need to be applied in a timely manner.
Methods of reproduction
There are two types of propagation methods for water lilies: branch propagation and seed propagation. Dividing propagation is the division of the rhizome into segments, each with a certain number of buds, and then planted separately in suitable waters. Seed propagation is to sow mature seeds into peat or river mud and wait for them to germinate and grow.
Application value
Water lily is a beautiful ornamental plant that is widely used in garden water features and home ornamentation. Its flowers are bright and eye-catching, and the flower shape is elegant, which can bring people a fresh feeling. At the same time, water lilies can also absorb harmful substances in the water and play a role in purifying water quality.