Nymphoides

These hardy and tender, aquatic perennials are originally from Asia, Europe, North America and the tropics. N. aquatica, commonly known as Banana Lily, is hardy only in warm climates. Its floating leaves are 4 inches long and have rough undersides. It produces white flowers. N. cristatum, the Variegated Water Snowflake, has round, floating leaves edged with red. It produces a profusion of white flowers. This plant will need to be kept under control. N. geminata, Yellow Fringe, has green and reddish-brown foliage and 1-inch, fringed yellow flowers, in the summer. N. peltata, Floating Heart, is a hardy variety with round, shiny leaves that have slightly overlapping lobes giving them a look like miniature water lily pads. Papery, golden yellow flowers are produced.

Pot Cultivation

The tender varieties can be grown as annuals or brought indoors during the winter and placed in an aquarium or heated greenhouse that is provided with adequate light. These plants can be potted in 1- to 5-gallon containers (depending upon the eventual size of the plant) filled with rich soil. Set one aquatic tab for every gallon of soil evenly on the bottom of the container. Fill three-fourths of the pot with damp soil and mound it. Set the tuber in the center so that the crown will end up above the soil's surface. Fill the rest of the space up with soil, patting it to remove air pockets, but making sure not to cover the crown. Top with an inch of river stone and lower into the water. N. cristatum can be grown in 1 to 24 inches of water; N. geminata, N. hydrocharioides, N. indica 'Gigantea' and N. peltata need 12 to 24 inches of water; and N. aquatica needs 6 to 20 inches of water.

Propagation

Several of these plants are viviparous. The rooted plantlets can simply be detached from the parent plant. They can also be increased by banana-like tubers and by rooted stem cuttings. Seeds can also be sown, but it is much easier to use one of the other methods.

N. cristatum

VARIETIES

• N. aquatica;
• N. cristatum;
• N. geminata;
• N. hydrocharioides;
• N. indica 'Gigantea';
• N. peltata (hardy kind).