European white water lily, White nenuphar, Castalia alba, Nymphaea officinalis
Family
Nymphaeaceae (water lily family)
Origin
Most of Europe including Britain, North Africa and temperate Asia to Siberia and Kashmir
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
150 cm
Temperature
4–24°C
pH
6–8
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
Full sun
Flow
Still water
Care
The white water lily is a native European pond plant of lakes, ponds, canals and ditches with still or very slow water. Its round floating leaves reach about 30 cm across and one plant can spread about 1.5 m (the maximum size given is that spread). The large white flowers open by day, at first cup-shaped and later star-shaped, around a centre of yellow stamens. It is a pond plant, too big and too dependent on a cold winter rest to grow in an aquarium. Plant it in a basket of loamy soil topped with pea shingle and stand it in still water in full sun. It is fully hardy and does poorly in heated tanks. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. A temperate plant: suits ponds rather than tropical tanks. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nymphaeaalba); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.
Breeding
Divide the rhizome in spring, keeping a growing point on each piece, and replant in a basket. It can also be raised from seed.
Compatibility and tank mates
A pond plant; goldfish and koi share ponds with it well, though koi may dig in the basket. Not for indoor tropical aquaria.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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