El water lily, originally from South Africa, is today one of the best known flowers used in exotic flower arrangements. They also adorn in a special way, with their particular aroma and beauty, gardens and different sizes of pots. Find out all about them here.
water lily
El water lily, also identified with the names of "alcatraz", "cala", "cartridge", "Ethiopia creek", "jug flower", "duck flower" or "cradle plant of Moses". Whose scientific name is "Zantedeschia aethiopica". It is a completely ornamental flower, native to South Africa, specifically Mozambique. That thanks to the influence of the human being has spread worldwide.
It is found in territories such as southern Europe, America and even New Zealand. It has the character of being one of the Types of flowers, from the semi-aquatic and highly toxic category, so it cannot be ingested, neither by humans nor by animals. It is in great demand in the field of floristry, which is attributed to its elegance, meaning and aroma.
The Water Lily in ancient times
The knowledge of the water lily is remote, being demonstrated by being present in arts and manuscripts or stories concerning Roman mythology. In which the connection is direct with Venus, the Goddess of Love, beauty, as well as fertility. It is also manifested in Greek mythology, through the Goddess Hera, spouse of Zeus and identified as the Goddess of marriage.
Bearing in mind that this beautiful and aromatic flower is related or linked to the connection of complete love. Which is described in the V and VI centuries a. C. from the classical era that has not hesitated to maintain its roots and be present today in events of the love field. On the other hand, the written records of Europe show it in 1664, in texts referring to the Royal Garden of Paris.
Meaning of the Water Lily
Common meanings include the following:
- Prosperity, according to scholars or practitioners of Feng Shui.
- Love, in Roman and Greek Mythology.
- Purity, elegance, sophistication, spirituality and even compassion, are part of the thoughts of those who give it away.
- Christianity relates it to the clarity, innocence, love, purity, fertility and piety of the Virgin Mary.
- In the spiritual sphere, it takes the symbolization of the devotion to the Virgin Mary, also known as Our Lady of Azucena. Having its festivity on August 15.
- When associated with dreams, it is given the meaning of good omens and tranquility.
- Salvation and purity, which is what gives it the name "cradle plant of Moses", according to the story of Moses.
Water Lily Taxonomy
The taxonomy provided by the Swedish scientist Carlos Linnaeus, a prominent botanist, naturalist and zoologist, along with that provided by the German botanist and physician Curt Polycarp Joachim Srengel, is as follows:
- Kingdom: Plantae (living things)
- Division: Magnoliophyta (flowering plants)
- Class: Liliopsida
- Order: Alismatales
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Zantedeschia
- Species: Zantedeschia aethiopica
Characteristics of the Water Lily
Among the main features of water lily, we have the following:
- It is a herbaceous and ornamental plant.
- Vegeta by means of a fleshy and underground stem.
- It is toxic, because it has calcium oxalate crystals.
- Its flower is shaped like a funnel or trumpet that surrounds the elongated pistil covered with pollen.
- The leaves of its plant are of a very vivid and bright green color. In addition, they are thick, arrow-shaped and classified as very meaty.
- It has a rhizome or underground stem from which roots of up to fifteen centimeters emanate.
- The plant can grow between 60 and 100 centimeters high.
- Its flowering is generally in mid-spring.
- They give off a strong and very pleasant aroma.
- They have a diversity of colors, with white as the most sought after or prominent. Then come cream, pink, purple, dark red, orange, and yellow.
- It is a semi-aquatic plant, which means that it needs constant humidity.
- It can be grown directly in the substrate or in a pot.
- Although it tolerates the sun, it prefers areas with non-direct incidence.
- Moderately cold resistant.
- Due to its high tolerance to humidity, it is ideal for decorating the edges of ponds.
- Accepts both exterior and interior areas.
- It is very resistant, which is why it is so valued in the field of floristry.
Water Lily Care
Among the main and indispensable cares of the water lily are the following:
Location and pH of the Substrate
It is a plant that can be located in internal and external areas, with the exception that direct incidence of sunlight is not allowed. The ideal pH of the substrate for this plant is neutral, reaching slightly acidic.
temperature and Substratum
It is preferably kept in warm environments. Although it can withstand up to -5°C, for short periods of time. When the temperature is maintained at 10°C, the plant will go into inactivity, without flowering. It is essential that your substrate has excellent drainage, both in the soil and in the pot. Bearing in mind that if it is going to be planted in the latter, it is advisable to acquire black peat, which has the peculiarity of maintaining humidity.
This must be combined with 30% perlite, also called coconut fiber. Being also recommended, add clay balls (2 centimeters is enough). On the contrary, if it will be executed directly on the ground, if it is strong and also clayey, it is the best.
Subscriber or fertilization
In order for the plant to remain in perfect condition and freshness, it is advisable to make fertilizers specifically during the spring and summer times, which corresponds to a little before and after flowering. Being able to use the available minerals or liquids, which if they are slow release is much better. On the other hand, the subscriber provides the plant with greater control of temperature and along with it, humidity.
Irrigation and Pruning
It is classified as a semi-aquatic plant, so it needs to be kept moist. This means that its watering must be habitual, without saturating it. On the other hand, if it gets to the point where the substrate remains dry, without watering, the plant will go dormant and enter the non-flowering stage. This is until she is hydrated again.
The way in which pruning is recommended is by removing the leaves that are withered, as well as the spathes that are in that state. The spathes correspond to the flared shape, which is a modified bract. Considering that the bract, it is the foliaceous organ that is close to the flower (base).
Reproduction or Multiplication and Transplantation
This can be done every two or three years, which is when its rhizomes divide, specifically in spring. Bearing in mind that any section or part of the stem can be used for this purpose. It must be planted at least fifteen centimeters deep and in a horizontal position. On the other hand, reproduction can also be carried out by means of seeds.
The transplant is recommended in the spring time and every two or three years, as if it were a reproduction. That is to say, the rhizome is transplanted and the regrowth is irrigated. Being able, in addition, to divide several and transplant them.
Water Lily Cultivation
El water lily, is cultivated mainly through its spathes. The spathes is what can be seen in the form of petals, which are the organs of these and are the ones that surround the so-called spadix.
The spadix corresponds to the floral organ that can be seen erect and is yellow in color, which is a type of spike. For cultivation, a hole must be opened in the substrate that ranges between fifteen and twenty centimeters deep.
Next, place the divided part of the rhizome, cover with the substrate and carry out the usual watering. This will grow and you will have a new plant. The number of plants will depend on the number of divisions and planting.
Common Water Lily Diseases
Among the common diseases that can attack the water lily, are the following:
Root rot
This event can be triggered if the plant encounters Humidity excessive and little drainage. In which it will be appreciated initially that the leaves in the lower part of the plant begin to turn yellowish. Bearing in addition that the same ones, they begin to wither. This is avoided by reducing watering and verifying the drainage of the substrate.
Leaf spots
These are generated by the presence of fungi in the plant. Initially this condition is attacked by removing the affected leaves. But if, on the contrary, the presence of spots persists, it is necessary to use an appropriate systemic fungicide.
bacteriosis
When the plant is affected by the presence of bacteria, it can be seen that its leaves turn yellowish. In addition, it is observed that these become necrotic very slowly. Being the usual way to treat the condition by eliminating the part of the affected plant, so that it does not contaminate its surroundings.
Virus
The presence of the virus is observed, after verifying that the leaves of the plants remain small. That is, their growth and development have been impeded, apart from showing small spots of the same green or yellowish color.
The way to solve the virus is by removing the part of the plant that shows the signs and applying anti-aphid chemicals to the rest, the most advisable being "Neem Oil". Because these little animals are excellent parasites at multiplying viruses.
Pests that attack Water Lilies
This beautiful and elegant plant of water lily, is highly sought after by the pests that attack them, such as slugs and even snails, because they love the high fleshiness of its leaves.
A natural and very easy way to prevent them from getting close to the plant is by placing fireplace ashes around it, which can also be used in barbecues. If they are not available, you can also opt for the chemicals that are dispensed in florists for that purpose.
Water Lily Toxicity Level
El water lily It is classified as toxic, so it should not be ingested by humans or by pets that frequently seek plants to purge themselves. Therefore, it must be kept away from these family members, to avoid intoxication.
The toxic active ingredient is "calcium oxalate crystals". The sap contained in the plant is highly irritating, producing redness and inflammation in the oral mucosa, skin and lips mainly. It can also cause the strongest condition associated with gastritis and diarrhea.
