Prickly water lily (Euryale ferox)
Also known as: Fox nut, Gorgon
This herbaceous perennial plant with an erect, straight rhizome features both underwater and floating leaves. The underwater leaves are non-stinging and have a leaf blade width of 4 to 10 cm, with a deeply heart-shaped base.
In This Article
Attributes of Prickly water lily
Lifespan
Perennial, Annual
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
1 m
Spread
1 m to 6 m
Leaf Color
Green Purple Lavender
Flower Size
2.5 cm to 5 cm
Flower Color
Purple White Lavender
Images of Prickly water lily
Quickly Identify Prickly water lily
1
Circular leaves up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) in diameter with spines and dark green color.
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Flowers with white inner corolla and outer deep violet petals, blooming during the day.
3
Fruit is globular, purple-black with soft interior and numerous pea-sized seeds.
4
Sharp spines on stem, 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) wide, dark green to brownish-green.
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Leaves with sharp spines, quilted texture, and purplish underside, some submerged.
Scientific Classification of Prickly water lily
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Water-lilies, fanworts, and allies
Family
Water-lily
Genus
Prickly waterlilies
Species
Prickly water lily
Planting and Growing of Prickly water lily
Care Difficulty
Hard
Watering Schedule
Every 4 days
Sunlight Requirements
Full sun
Sunshine Duration
4-8 hours
Ideal Temperature
75-85℉
Soil Type
Potting Mix, Peat Mix
Soil pH
6.5-7.5
Fertilizer Type
Balanced
Pruning Season
Spring, Summer
Pruning Area
Branches, Leaves
Pruning Frequency
2 times a year
Repotting Season
Spring
Pot Type
Plastic, Terracotta
How to Water Prickly water lily?
Euryale ferox needs an ample amount of water to thrive, given its aquatic nature. Ensure that the water reaches a level that fully saturates the soil without waterlogging, roughly 1000 milliliters at a time. This aquatic plant appreciates a consistently moist environment, but avoid making it overly soggy.
What are the symptoms of an underwatered Prickly water lily?
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What should I do if my Prickly water lily is not getting enough water?
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What are the symptoms of an overwatered Prickly water lily?
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How to save an overwatered Prickly water lily?
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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Prickly water lily?
For Euryale ferox, an ideal light range is full sun to partial sun, benefiting the plant through enhanced energy intake for photosynthesis, promoting healthy growth and flowering while minimizing disease risks.
More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→
What type of sunlight is ideal for Euryale ferox?
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How can you ensure ideal lighting for your Euryale ferox?
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What are the benefits of providing Euryale ferox with ideal lighting conditions?
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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Prickly water lily?
Euryale ferox thrives best in temperatures between 75°F and 85°F. Maintaining this temperature range ensures optimal growth and vitality, as the plant originates from regions with warm climates. Keeping it in this range facilitates proper metabolic processes, essential for its robust development.
What Soil is Best for Prickly water lily?
Euryale ferox thrives in soils that can retain moisture effectively. Using soil with good water-holding capacity ensures that the plant receives enough hydration for proper growth, essential during its growing season. The plant flourishes in nutrient-rich soils. This facilitates robust growth and sustains flowering, affecting the plant's overall vigor positively. Ensuring the soil is enriched with organic matter can boost these nutrients. Although the plant enjoys moisture, it conversely requires excellent drainage to prevent root rot. Well-draining soils help manage excess water, preventing roots from being waterlogged and promoting healthy growth.
How to Fertilize Prickly water lily?
For the Euryale ferox, it is crucial to use a balanced fertilizer. Apply liquid fertilizers at about half the recommended strength for water plants, ensuring that you do not overwhelm the plant with nutrients. In terms of solid fertilizers, use slow-release pellets sparingly, distributing them evenly to avoid concentration in one area.
How to Prune Prickly water lily?
To prune Euryale ferox, begin by assessing each leaf and identifying any that appear discolored, damaged, or overly large. Using sterilized scissors, carefully trim these leaves at their base near the water surface. Ensure you target older leaves to allow new growth to surface efficiently. This process not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also facilitates better sunlight penetration across the water surface, promoting more colorful and vibrant growth.
More About Pruning Techniques→
How to Propagate Prickly water lily plant?
1
Collect mature seeds from Euryale ferox plants. Ensure the seeds are free from any mold or damage before proceeding.
2
Soak the seeds in water for 24 to 48 hours to soften the hard outer layer, enhancing germination rates.
3
Sow the soaked seeds in seed trays filled with a suitable potting mix. Place them approximately 1 cm deep and cover lightly with soil.
How to Repot Prickly water lily plant?
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Euryale ferox should be repotted when it has outgrown its container or when you notice reduced growth or nutrient deficiency. Typically, this is best observed in the spring or autumn when the plant enters its growing phase.
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Select a container that is about 2 inches larger in diameter than the current pot. This gives the roots enough space to grow, promoting health and vitality while preventing waterlogging.
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Opt for a rich, loamy soil mix that can support the needs of Euryale ferox. This kind of soil retains moisture well but drains excess water efficiently, preventing root rot and providing essential nutrients.
