Page 381 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

WATER LILIES AND LOTUSES 379

Nymphaea capensis Nymphaea ‘White Delight’
Cape Blue Water Lily White Delight blend in with the inner petals. The flowers open
during the day (some tropical species are night-
ORIGINS This popular species occurs naturally in the ORIGINS Introduced as recently as 1984, the origins of flowering) and measure up to 12 in (30 cm) in
Cape of Good Hope area of South Africa. this day-blooming water lily are unknown. diameter. They have a strong scent, which is best
SIZE Leaves may spread to about 8 ft (2.5 m). SIZE Leaves may spread to about 6 ft (2 m). appreciated in a conservatory pond setting. New
WATER Not fussy about water chemistry. Minimum WATER Not fussy about water chemistry. Minimum leaves are purple-mottled on top but gradually
temperature 30°F (–1°C). temperature 30°F (–1°C). become all green. The leaves are relatively large
PROPAGATION Divide the rhizome at the start of the PROPAGATION Divide the rhizome at the start of the and tend to be raised slightly above the water.
growing period. Can also be grown from seed. growing period. ‘White Delight’ reproduces by rhizomes, but some
other tropical species produce small plantlets at the
Despite being called ‘White Delight,’ this water center of their leaves, which
lily’s dahlialike blooms are light yellow with a split off to form new
darker center. The stamens, which are also yellow, water lilies.

This day-blooming species fares well even in
relatively small conservatory ponds, producing a
succession of stellate, light blue blooms raised on
stems. The green leaves are round, with serrated
edges. The Cape Blue’s seeds can be germinated
in small containers in a brightly lit aquarium with
a water temperature of about 75°F (24°C).

Nelumbo ‘Mrs. Perry D. Slocum’
Mrs. Perry D. Slocum

ORIGINS Bred from a crossing carried out by Perry
Slocum involving N. lutea and N. ‘Rosea Plena.’
SIZE Grows to a height of about 5 ft (1.5 m).
WATER Not fussy about water chemistry. Min. temp.
30°F (–1°C); set 6 in (15 cm) deep to protect from frost.
PROPAGATION Divide the rhizome at the start of the
growing period. Can also be grown from seed.
Lotuses will thrive only outdoors in areas where
summer temperatures are 75–84°F (24–29°C).
This particular cultivar is named after the wife of
one of the most famous US breeders of water lilies
and lotuses, Perry D. Slocum. Its aniseed-scented
flowers measure up to 12 in (30 cm) across. On
opening, they are pinkish with a yellow flush, but
the following day they develop a more even pink-
and-yellow coloration. On maturity, the flowers
are again transformed, this time to cream with a
slight pink suffusion. A well-established lotus may
thus display several different-colored blooms at
once. After the flowers die back, the seed capsules
form, being yellow at first, then turning green. As
well as being suitable for inclusion in ponds, lotuses
are often grown on patios in half whiskey barrels.
If fish are going to be included, put a pond liner in
the barrel in case there are any residues that may
be toxic. Plastic containers are a safer option.

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