Victoria amazonica, or the giant water lily, is one of the largest water lilies in the family. The huge white to pink blooms on the lily pads, which may be up to 8 feet wide, are extremely fragrant and have a sweet, pineapple-like aroma on the first day of their two-day life cycle.
The blooms only bloom for a few days, opening at night on the first day. At this stage, the flower petals are white, and beetles are drawn to the bloom’s colour and aroma. The flower stops emitting the smell around dusk, and it closes, keeping the beetles inside.
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Victoria amazonica: Facts
| Common Names | Amazon water lily, giant water lily, royal water lily |
| Origin | Guyana and tropical South America |
| Type | Herbaceous perennial |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Bloom Time | July to August |
| Height | Maximum 1 feet |
| Family | Nymphaeaceae |
See also: 21 best flowers for your garden
Victoria amazonica: Features
Leaves
It has spherical, upward-facing leaves. The leaf floats on the water’s surface, and it is supported by a ribbed underside that is attached to a stalk that is submerged. The stalks, which may grow to a maximum length of 26 feet, naturally bury themselves in the lake or river bottom. This plant may grow up to 20 inches per day and has a high rate of growth. The bottom is shielded from herbivorous fish by the sharp spines, while the upper surface is water-repellent. On the underside, air gets caught between the ribs, keeping it aloft.
Pollination
When a flower opens for the first time at night, the plant uses its perfume to draw beetles, which then pollinate the blossom. The following day, the flower will close, trapping the insects. Then, the second day’s blossoms will have opened up enough for the beetle to escape during the evening. As it passes through the stamens, it becomes pollen-covered. The pollen from the previous flower will then be transferred by these beetles to a newly opened water lily in order to cross-pollinate it.
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Victoria amazonica: How to grow?
In pots submerged in water that is constantly warmer than 80 degrees, seed can be started indoors. When the water has warmed to at least 70 degrees in the late spring, outdoor planting can be done. Container-grown plants are dropped into the calm waters in their containers. The containers can be taken out and stored in a greenhouse in regions with milder winters in preparation for the following outdoor season.
See also: What is Hibiscus and how to grow it in your home?
Victoria amazonica: Care
Light
Victoria Amazonica likes sunlight and grows leaves on the surface of the water. Basically, Victoria amazonica grows quickly and steadily in full sunlight, maintaining a relatively perfect body shape.
Temperature
Victoria amazonica is a tropical South American plant with low cold tolerance. Victoria amazonica stops growing when the temperature falls below 20°C, so pay close attention to the atmospheric temperature and water temperature of Victoria Amazonica. When the temperature falls below 8°C, Victoria Amazonica will perish. As a result, it is only suitable for conservation in tropical areas, as conservation costs in other places are prohibitively expensive.
Fertilisation
Despite the fact that Victoria Amazonica can thrive in the water without fertiliser. You’ll still need to apply manure or cake fertiliser in order for the leaves to grow beautifully and large.
Victoria amazonica: Uses
- Giant water lilies are a popular ornamental plant known for their massive circular leaves.
- Water lily seeds have been used as a food source in Central America and were once referred to as “water corn” in Paraguay due to their large seeds, which were used to make flour.
Victoria amazonica: Can it be grown indoors?
Unquestionably the oddest and yet one of the simplest houseplants to grow. You do not require a massive pond to grow this plant. Choosing the right type of plant can help in fitting this plant into relatively small spaces.
FAQs
Are there any insect or pest problems related to Victoria amazonica?
There are no insect or pest problems related to Victoria amazonica.
Can Victoria amazonica hold a human?
The plant's leaves have a maximum diameter of ten feet. That is approximately two times the average person's height! In addition, these leaves are very sturdy and can support the weight of a small person (up to about 30 kg).
