Victoria amazonica
Victoria amazonica
Giant water lily
★
Taxonomy
Family Nymphaeaceae · Genus Victoria
Description
Victoria amazonica, the giant Amazon water lily, is a breathtaking tropical aquatic with dinner‑table–sized pads edged in upturned rims. A warm‑water, full‑sun showpiece, it grows fast and blooms at night with fragrant flowers that shift from white to pink. Best suited to heated ponds or conservatories, it’s a horticultural marvel and a centerpiece of botanical gardens.
Common Names
Giant water lilyAmazon water lilyVictoria lilyVictoria regia
Context
nativeRegion
Shallow, slow waters of the Amazon Basin (Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Guyana).
usdaZones
Perennial in very warm, frost-free climates (approx. USDA 12+); grown as a heated-pond annual elsewhere.
companionPlants
Nymphaea (tropical water lilies), Nelumbo nucifera (lotus), Cyperus papyrus (papyrus), Thalia geniculata, Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth, where legal), Pistia stratiotes (water lettuce, where legal), Colocasia esculenta (taro)
culturalUses
Iconic conservatory specimen; national flower of Guyana; celebrated in art and architecture; used in education on thermogenesis and beetle pollination.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun (8+ hours of direct light).
WateringAquatic plant: roots must stay submerged in warm, still water. Maintain consistent water level; avoid strong splashing or currents.
SoilHeavy loam or clay in a large aquatic basket; cap with gravel to prevent soil loss. Avoid fluffy potting mixes.
FertilizerHeavy feeder. Push aquatic fertilizer tablets into the soil every 2–4 weeks during active growth; supplement with liquid pond feed if needed.
HumidityHigh humidity preferred for foliage above water; thrives in greenhouse or tropical outdoor conditions.
TemperatureWater 80–90°F (27–32°C) ideal; never below 75°F (24°C). Air 75–95°F (24–35°C). Not frost tolerant.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitMassive floating rosette with spiny petioles and underside; upturned leaf rims; night-blooming flowers.
Mature SizePads 4–10 ft (1.2–3 m) across; spread 10–20+ ft (3–6+ m); flowers 12–16 in (30–40 cm).
Growth RateVery fast in heat and rich water; from seed to giant pads in 3–4 months.
BloomingSummer to early autumn; flowers open white (female) first night, turn pink (male) second night; intensely fragrant, beetle-pollinated.
DormancyNo true dormancy in tropics; in temperate climates usually grown as an annual and dies back when water cools.
Propagation
MethodsSeeds, Tissue culture (specialist)
DifficultyAdvanced—requires very warm water, strong light, and heavy feeding.
Best SeasonLate winter to early spring for seed starting under heated, high-light conditions.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningRegularly remove yellowing pads and spent flowers to maintain water quality and prevent rot.
RepottingStart in small aquatic pots; up-pot rapidly as growth accelerates early season into very large baskets or straight into pond planting pockets.
Pests & DiseasesAphids, caterpillars, snails, and fish nibbles can damage pads; cool water predisposes to rot and fungal issues; maintain warmth and cleanliness.
ToxicityNo known chemical toxicity, but petioles and leaf undersides have sharp spines—handle with thick gloves and caution.
Recent Public Plants
No public plants yet.