water lily stellate

Star-shaped water lily or Nymphaea Sri Lanka, scientific name Nymphaea nouchali, Sri Lanka variety. The plant was identified in 2011. Until that time, it was supplied under the trade names Nymphaea spec. “red” or Nymphaea spec. Sri Lanka. It occurs naturally from South and Southeast Asia to Australia. It grows in shallow water bodies such as lakes, swamps, backwaters of slow-flowing rivers, ponds.

This species is highly variable. There are several natural varieties, differing primarily in the size of flowers, reaching from 3 to 15 cm. In home aquariums, the form that grows on the island of Sri Lanka, which is the national flower of this state and is called Manel (Nil Mānel), is more common.

Like other types of Nymphaeum, the Star-shaped water lily forms both underwater and surface leaves, depending on external conditions. In bright light and sufficient depth, a low bush is formed with large heart-shaped leaves of green color and with a reddish edge. At a shallow depth of 20-25 cm, part of the leaves begins to reach the surface, becoming floating, along with them an arrow appears in a favorable environment and pleasant fragrant flowers bloom. The size of the flower is usually about 7 cm. The petals are oblong-linear or lanceolate white with purple-blue hues.

Considered easy to maintain. For healthy growth, it is necessary to provide high levels of light, soft nutrient soil and warm, slightly acidic water with low values ​​​​of total hardness.