How to care for nymph in the pond?

Anyone knows what a waterlily looks like. And immediately imagines a white, large flower on the water. But selection and even natural pollination have given us many types of water lilies of various colors: from white yellow to dark red. Due to the fact that water lilies bloom in the warm season, some gardeners consider them thermophilic. But there are also winter-hardy varieties that can withstand extremely cold temperatures. So let's figure out how to plant a nymph in his pond.

Description and Popular Views

Nymphea - The Latin name of the water lily, or water lily. This dicotyledonous plant is a perennial and belongs to the family Nymphaeaceae. The flower of a nymphea has round leaves of dark green color, which are 40 cm in diameter. In the wild, Nymphaea alba is the most common type of plant (white water lily). The flower in this species is white with a yellow core, usually 15–20 cm in diameter. The fruit is simple - a box, like in many flowering plants.Nymphea is dissolved in late July, and ends its blooming in September. Seeds ripen under water. The most interesting is that its rhizomes grow horizontally and the water lilies are often intertwined with each other because of this.

Scientists have about 44 species of water lilies. However, each of them may have several subspecies. All of them are divided into 2 groups: exotic and winter-hardy. Given our temperate climate, let's look at winter-hardy species.

1. Chamaenymphaea It includes three species, one of which is Nymphaea tetragona, or the small water lily (tetrahedral). It can be found both in North America and in Japan. Moreover, the warmer the climate, the less its varieties tolerate cold. A vegetative way to propagate this species is difficult, because rhizomes often have additional lateral processes. Inflorescences are white, sometimes with a pink tinge. Dissolving in the middle of the day and in this form is until the evening. This species is popular due to its size. Four-sided water lily has small flowers, so the plant is often used in the arrangement of small ponds.

2. Section Eucastalia includes frost-resistant species, this is where the white water lily (Nymphaea alba) comes in. Rhizome grows slowly and horizontally. The Swedish red nymphea, which develops in cold fresh water and in full sunlight, goes to the section. Pure white nymphea (Nymphaea candida) with small inflorescences was practically not used in breeding for breeding new species. It does not bloom so much as other water lilies, so it is practically not used for ornamental ponds in the plots. Scented water lily (Nymphaea odorata) is popular for its fragrance and can withstand temperatures as low as -30 ° C. This species is also divided into subspecies, which differ from each other in the size of the inflorescences and the colors of their color. The rhizome is highlighted in a separate species "odorata-type", as it has strong lateral roots. It is found in South and North America. The same rhizome has a gnarled water lily (Nymphaea tuberosa), although it is more subtle, nevertheless, the name of the flower was due to the roots. The sides are separated from the main root so that it resembles a lump. It is easy to “detach” lateral roots from the main ones in the process of vegetative propagation.But the gnarled nymphea grows in North America and is inferior in decorative qualities to the hybrids that were bred with her participation.

3. Section Xanthantha includes only one type of mexican water lily (Nymphaea mexicana). The view is striking in its yellow color. Any nymphs with yellow or orange flowers are descended from the Mexican nymphs. Although the main species is not winter-hardy, as a result of selection varieties were obtained that withstand low temperatures.

Among the popular winter-hardy varieties emit:

• 'Black princess' - still a young hybrid, which strikes with its beauty. It is well bred in medium-sized ponds and is famous for its resistance to diseases and pests (even if there are diseased plants nearby). Marliakovsky rhizome. On the first day of flowering is not fully disclosed, and the leaves have a brown tint. Over time, they turn green, and the petals of the inflorescence open up, becoming increasingly saturated in dark red. The leaves are up to 25 cm in diameter, and the flower is 15 cm above the water. Petals account for 28-35 pieces. Depth of placement is 40-80 cm.

• 'Mayla' - A hybrid of pink color, which in the period of flowering hike a star. This is due to its pointed petals, which number up to 35 pieces. The flower itself reaches 17 cm in diameter, the rhizome does not grow quickly. It adapts well to low temperatures, blooms profusely in August.

• 'Wanvisa' - the variety is remarkable for its color. During flowering petals become pink with yellow stripes running along the entire length of each petal. An interesting fact is the origin of the pink-yellow nymph. It was a common lily pond in Thailand, where the cultivar 'Joey Tomocik', and "Vanvis" simply appeared among them. The name also received a special one. It opened on the holiday of Visakha Puja (Buddhist festival in honor of the birth, enlightenment and departure to Buddha’s parinirvana). That is why the "van" - the day, "hanging" - the same holiday. This variety is unpretentious and blooms profusely, pointed petals, 25 each in inflorescence, green, marble leaves, up to 20 cm in diameter. Depth for planting 60-100 cm. Be careful and careful with this variety, because its homeland is a country of humid tropical climate.

• 'Snowflake' - this is a kind of aster on the water. The nymphea of ​​this variety has many narrow, oblong petals (up to 50 pieces) of white color, therefore the inflorescence resembles astra from afar. Planting depth of 40-70 cm. The flower tolerates winter, blooms profusely in mid-July - August. The variety adapts well to various conditions, despite its delicate and fragile appearance.
• 'Violicious' - very rare bright purple water lily (sometimes dark blue). It is significant for its exotic appearance, but it can withstand temperatures down to -30 ° C and can winter under ice. Vigorously grows and blooms in the middle of summer. Be careful with this variety in the early stages of breeding. For the first year of wintering it is better to remove the flower in the room.
• 'Denver' It is famous among yellow nymphs for its winter hardiness and abundant flowering. It grows quickly, the rhizome of its type is Marliac. The inflorescences are small, only 10 cm in diameter, and contain up to 45 petals."Denver" during flowering changes its color from yellow to white. At the same time, the peduncle sometimes raises the plant above water. At the end of the flowering period is similar to Nymphaea candida. Landing is carried out at a depth of 30-60 cm.

The varieties 'Laydekeri Lilacea', 'Perry's Baby Red', 'White Sensation', 'Marliacea Albida', 'Fabiola' also get along well in temperate climates. By certainly winter-hardy need to include all subspecies of the white nymph (Nymphaea alba). Among such subspecies are 'Rubra', 'Albatross', 'Darwin', 'Escarboucle', 'Marliacea Carnea', 'Atropurperea', etc.

Landing nymphs

Of course, it is recommended to acquire an already mature water lily in a pot, because growing from seed is a laborious process that requires in-depth knowledge. Landing and care in the pond already an adult nymph does not take much time. Do not forget that each variety has its own depth of planting, but absolutely all flowers need mineral and organic fertilizers.

Transplanting depends on the variety. But on average, it is recommended to spend it every 2-3 years.

Soil and capacity

The transplant is made in pots (decorative vase for a pot), as the rhizome of a water lily grows horizontally, and this capacity is larger in diameter than in height. Do not forget that the capacity should not be very large, because then you will not be able to lift it for transplanting. Small capacity will reduce the flowers of the plant, because the rhizome will also be small. The soil in the pots make clay, sod. It is chosen because it retains moisture for a long time. Fertilizers are also mixed into the substrate - usually it is biohumus, but humus is also used. The ratio of soil and fertilizer should be, respectively, 70 and 30%.

Landing technology

Having filled the container with soil, it is necessary to make a small hole in the center. There you need to plant the rhizome of a water lily. Please note that the rhizome does not need to remove the land in which it was originally.Leave some space in the soil so that you can add sand (2-4 cm layer). It will fix the substrate and will not allow the top layer of the earth to be washed out when the flower is immersed in water.

Pebbles - required condition in the presence of fish in the pond. They will not only perform a decorative function, but also protect the rhizome from fish that may want to dig a water lily.

Care for water lilies in the pond

Care nymphs is not a big deal. After all, many species winter in the pond. Top dressing start immediately, as soon as the ice comes off. It is important to pick up fertilizers that slowly dissolve. So they will act longer and have a greater effect. These are usually crystalline fertilizers that need to be slightly dredged into the soil.

How to propagate the lily division of rhizome

Propagate nymph best rhizomes. Many do it in the spring, but this time of year the water in the pond is too cold, and getting a pot of water lily will be problematic. So do it at the end of the flowering season.

It is better to unravel the stems in the water before, since on earth the process will take 2 times longer.

The root system of the nymph resembles the rhizome of an iris.So feel free to find the "onion" and divide the root. Remember that winch-grass forms a large number of lateral roots, which intertwine and grow together. You can separate them with the help of any garden tools (for example, shovels).

Dividing the rhizome into several parts, carry out the procedure of planting. In the same way, add clay and fertilizer to the earthen mixture, lower the rhizome into the hole and firmly tamp it down. Put sand on top. Rinse lightly with cool water. Add stones if necessary.

Diseases, pests, possible difficulties

Water lily - the owner strong immunity and usually rarely damaged by disease. But sometimes she will be attacked by a black louse. The insect cannot harm the health of the plant too much, but the water lilies themselves can lose their decorative appearance. Chemical treatment is not possible if there are fish in the pond. You can try to knock down aphids with water from a hose, because most often it is located on the leaves, and very tight.

How to save a plant in winter

Preparing for winter is carried out in the autumn when the pond with water lilies has finished its abundant bloom. Specially prepared containers are placed in the deepest part of the pond. This is done in such a way that the distance from the water to the top edge of the pot is at least 1 m. Due to this distance, the rhizome cannot freeze in the ice. You can also pick up some varieties for the winter in the room, but make sure that the temperature in it was not below 10 ° C.

Thus, in the presence of a pond, you can safely grow nymphs. Only plant a few of their varieties, because each of them blooms a different number of days and its bright colors. Transplantation and timely feeding are the key to healthy water lilies.