Fringed water-lily (Nymphoides peltata) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Yellow floating heart, Floating heart, Water fringe, Entire marshwort, Limnanthemum peltatum, Villarsia nymphoides
Family
Menyanthaceae (bogbean family)
Origin
Most of Europe (native in central and eastern England), temperate Asia and Algeria
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
200 cm
Temperature
4–24°C
pH
6.5–8
Care level
beginner
Lighting
High light or full sun
Flow
Still to slow flow

Care

The fringed water-lily is a native British pond plant of slow rivers, lakes, ponds and reservoirs, usually in water 1–1.5 m deep (it tolerates about 0.3–3 m; the maximum size given is the 2 m stem length). It roots in the bottom and sends out stolons, carrying heart-shaped floating leaves 3–12 cm across, often marked with purple. Bright yellow flowers with fringed petals sit just above the water; each lasts one day. It is a vigorous pond plant, widely sold for water gardens, and too big and cold-loving for indoor aquaria. Plant it in a basket in a clay or loam soil and thin it each year, as it can quickly cover a small pond. It dies back to dormant rhizomes in winter. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. A temperate plant: suits ponds rather than tropical tanks. Never release this plant or dispose of it in drains or waterways; it is invasive in some countries (a noxious weed in New Zealand and invasive in parts of North America, Sweden and Ireland). Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nymphoidespeltata); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Spreads by stolons and rhizomes, and broken pieces of stem or leaf can regrow. Divide plants in spring. It also sets floating seed.

Compatibility and tank mates

A pond plant that gives shade and cover for goldfish and native fish. Dense mats can starve other plants of light and lower oxygen, so keep it in check.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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