Nymphaea PUBESCENS 'PINK'

Nymphaea PUBESCENS 'PINK' - Pink Hairy Water Lily, Pink Water Lily, Nymphaea pubescens 'Pink', Pink Lotus, Tropical Water Lily.

Nymphaea is a genus of aquatic perennials in the water lily family (Nymphaeaceae), comprising about 60 species growing in freshwater bodies of tropical and temperate regions of Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Australia. Most species are adapted to still or slow-moving water and are used in ornamental water landscaping worldwide.

A strikingly beautiful tropical aquatic plant with large leaves on long petioles rising from the water and mesmerizing flowers, it is a favorite among water garden designers. In the tropics it is grown year-round, while in regions with cold winters it is lifted and stored indoors. Under drought conditions, the plant is capable of maintaining ornamental appeal until the onset of the rainy season.

After flowering, the peduncle submerges underwater, where a many-seeded berry-like capsule develops. The plant propagates by both seeds and rhizome divisions. It spreads rapidly due to a vigorous horizontal rhizome and is used in ornamental ponds and aquatic facilities.

Pink hairy water lily is distinguished by large rounded leaves with pronounced pubescence on the underside, floating on the water surface. The leaf blades reach 25-40 cm (10-16 in) in diameter. The flowers are fragrant, up to 20 cm (8 in) in diameter, with numerous pointed pink petals and a bright yellow center. Flowering continues from early summer until autumn.

Propagation is carried out by seeds and rhizome division. Sowing is performed in a container with silt or compost submerged in water, at a temperature not lower than 25 °C (77 °F) and under good lighting. An alternative method is germinating in a glass of warm water with regular water changes. Seeds can germinate from several weeks to several months.

The maximum germination period can exceed 90 days. Seedlings flower in the 2nd-3rd year. Prick-potting is carried out after the appearance of several true leaves. Young plants are potted into individual containers and gradually adapted to the aquatic environment.

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For growth and flowering, a sunny location with a water temperature at or above 25 °C (77 °F) is necessary. In closed water bodies, the plant is placed in containers with heavy clay soil. Fertilizers are applied using aquatic plant tablets. In regions with cold winters, containers are moved indoors for the winter.

When planting into soil, the growing point must not be buried. For vigorous varieties, the planting depth is 50-70 cm (20-28 in); for dwarf varieties - 15-25 cm (6-10 in). In spring, containers are placed closer to the surface, then lowered to the optimal depth. Regular pruning of old leaves and spent flower stems is essential.

They propagate by seeds and rhizome divisions. They very rarely suffer from diseases or pest infestations.