Pocket BotanistPlant guide
Egyptian blue water lily.
Nymphaea nouchali
Pronounced nim-FEE-uh NOO-chal-ee
Also known as Blue Lotus, Cape Blue Waterlily, Cape Water Lily, Day Waterlily, Red and Blue Waterlily, Sada shapla
This stunning aquatic plant is famous for its fragrant, star shaped flowers that float gracefully on the water surface. It thrives in warm, still ponds and holds significant cultural history in ancient civilizations. You'll love how it adds a touch of serenity to any water garden.
At a glance
- Care level
- Moderate
- Plant type
- Aquatic perennial
- Light
- Full sun
- Indoor light
- Direct sun
- Water
- Every 0 days
- Mature size
- 3 to 5 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Medium
Care
Keep this lily in a sunny spot with still water to encourage consistent blooming. Watch for yellowing leaves or pests like aphids, and remove any decaying foliage to keep the water clean. Ensure the plant has enough space to spread its pads without overcrowding.
- Watering
- The plant must remain fully submerged in water at all times.
- Feeding
- Use specialized aquatic fertilizer tablets pushed into the soil near the roots during the growing season.
- Pruning
- Trim away dead or yellowing leaves and spent flowers to maintain plant health.
- Repotting
- Repot when the plant becomes root bound in its container to ensure continued vigor.
- Soil
- Heavy clay or aquatic potting mix
- Soil pH
- 6.0 to 8.0
Safety
- Pets
- This plant is generally considered non toxic to cats and dogs.
How to identify it
- Star shaped blue or violet flowers
- Floating round leaves with wavy edges
- Yellow centers on open blooms
- Submerged tuberous root system
Science
- Family
- Nymphaeaceae
- Genus
- Nymphaea
- Order
- Nymphaeales
- Class
- Magnoliopsida
Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.
Is your egyptian blue water lily looking unwell?
This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.
This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.