PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Requires full sun to partial shade; direct sunlight for 6–8 hours daily supports consistent flowering and healthy leaf growth
Watering
Grows in shallow, still freshwater; maintain a water depth of 30–150cm to support rhizome and leaf development
Temperature
Tolerates cool temperatures and mild winter freezes with submerged rhizomes; optimal growth occurs at 15–22℃
Characteristics
- Leaf: Round, leathery floating leaves with a deep basal notch; submerged leaves are thinner and elongated
- Flower: Cup-shaped bright yellow blooms with a prominent central stigma disc, sitting just above the water surface
- Rhizome: Thick, fleshy underground stems anchored in aquatic soil to store nutrients
Care Guide
Watering
Maintain a consistent water level; top up with dechlorinated water as needed to compensate for evaporation
Fertilization
Insert slow-release aquatic fertilizer pellets into the planting soil. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent excessive algal growth in the pond
Composted eggshell powder：Mix fully crushed, composted eggshell powder into the aquatic planting soil in early spring; avoid direct application to water to prevent nutrient runoffPruning
- Remove yellowing or decaying floating leaves regularly to prevent water contamination and algal blooms
- Trim overgrown rhizomes in late winter to control the plant's spread within the pond
- Deadhead spent blooms to maintain a tidy pond appearance and redirect energy to rhizome growth
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and reduced appetite
Humans: Ingestion of large amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset including nausea and abdominal cramping
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes tranquility and purity in water garden design; historically associated with calmness and stillness
Usage: Ornamental pond plant; historically used in traditional medicine for mild sedative properties (limited modern clinical use)
