Hydrocleys nymphoides

Description

Hydrocleys nymphoides, or Water Poppy, is a tropical aquatic perennial with shiny, rounded, heart-shaped leaves that float on water and light yellow, three-petaled flowers with dark centers that appear in summer. The plant spreads via floating runners, forms new plants along its stems, and requires full sun for best growth. It is a fast-growing, low-maintenance plant suitable for ponds and water gardens, though it can compete with native species.

Leaves

Appearance: Round, shiny, dark green, and thick.

Position: Typically float on the water’s surface, but can sometimes rise above the water if the plant is crowded.

Structure: Have heart-shaped bases.

Flowers

Appearance: Delicate, lemon-yellow with three petals and a reddish-brown or maroon center.

Stamens: Have a dense bouquet of black or brown stamens.

Duration: Each flower lasts only one day but appears in succession over a long period during the summer.

Growth: Flowers rise above the water’s surface.

Growth & Spreading

Growth Habit: A floating-rooted, runner-forming aquatic perennial.

Reproduction: Produces new plants from runners that form new foliage and roots on the water surface.

Conditions: Prefers shallow water and thrives in full sun in warm environments.

Care & Use

Maintenance: Low maintenance and can be grown in ponds, water gardens, or aquariums.

Planting: Can be rooted in the substrate or allowed to float freely.

Pest/Disease: Has no serious pest or disease problems.

Pollinator Plant: Attracts pollinators like bees.