This plant is also known as the Indian Blue Lotus Waterlily, Star Lotus, Blue Star Waterlily and the Manel Flower. It is actually not a lotus at all, as there are no blue colored lotus flowers.It is native to southern and eastern parts of Asia, including India. It is also the national flower of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.It is a very hardy water lily that is cold climate tolerant. A beautiful water plant with large round green leaves that float on the waters surface. Provides shelter for fish and frogs from sun and predators.
Water lilies do not like splashing fountains, so still or slow moving water is best. Anything from small tubs with no holes, to ponds, lakes and dams.
Grow in full sun in ponds, around the edge of dams and wetlands 20 – 60cm deep. Can also be grown in decorative pot with no hole. Plant at bottom of pond and new leaves will grow to surface. They require at least 4-6 hours of direct sun light per day to produce flowers.
Fertilise in spring with one of Triffid Park’s water plant fertiliser tablets to encourage new growth and flowers at the start of the growing season. Then again at the start of summer and at the start of autumn to encourage healthy growth and green foliage.
Water lilies do not like splashing fountains, so still or slow moving water is best. Anything from small tubs with no holes, to ponds, lakes and dams.
All parts of the plant, except for the seeds, contain the alkaloid nymphaeine. This alkaloid is toxic to frogs and produces tetanus-like symptoms