How to Grow Nymphaea 'Firecrest'? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Cultivation Methods

Nymphaea 'Firecrest' is also known as Ziwulian, watercress flower, purple water lily, etc. It is an aquatic perennial herbaceous flower of the genus Nymphaea in the family Nymphaeaceae. This flower blooms for only seven days each year. On the outside are purple petals, in the middle are some golden tendrils, and inside is a flower bud ready to burst open, which only opens at the very moment before it withers. Now let us take a look at how to grow Nymphaea 'Firecrest'!

Growth Habits of Nymphaea 'Firecrest'

Nymphaea 'Firecrest' prefers ample light, good ventilation, fertile sandy soil, clean water quality and warm still water. The suitable water depth is 25-30 cm. It is cold-hardy and can overwinter in an outdoor pond where the soil at the roots does not freeze. It sprouts and grows in spring each year, blooms in summer, and after flowering the fruit sinks into the water, then cracks open when mature and releases seeds. The seeds first float on the water surface, then sink to the bottom. In winter the aboveground stems and leaves wither.

Propagation Methods of Nymphaea 'Firecrest'

Nymphaea 'Firecrest' is generally propagated by division. Around Qingming, take the rhizomes out of the soil and cut them into segments about 10 cm long, each with 2-3 bud eyes, and plant them separately in pots. The potting soil should be rich in humus, and a slow-release base fertilizer should be applied. The covering soil should be just enough to bury the rhizomes, and the water depth should be kept at 2-3 cm. When 2-4 leaves have emerged, gradually add water as the leaf stalks elongate. Then place the pots into a pond, and finally the water depth can be controlled at 20-30 cm, with full exposure to light.

Cultivation Methods of Nymphaea 'Firecrest'

1. Water: When growing Nymphaea 'Firecrest', fill with water to a depth of about 25 cm in summer and keep this depth regularly. In hot seasons, pay attention to keeping the water in the pot clean. When the water becomes turbid, promptly remove the debris and replace it with fresh water.

2. Sunlight: Nymphaea 'Firecrest' likes sunlight and good ventilation, so tropical and cold-hardy water lilies that bloom during the day close their flowers at night and open again in the morning. In ponds with shade from trees on the bank, they can bloom but grow weakly.

3. Temperature: Nymphaea 'Firecrest' is cold-hardy. Where the soil at the roots does not freeze, it can overwinter in an outdoor pond. Before frost, the pot can be moved into a cold room, keeping the pot moist and not frozen. In warm regions, it can overwinter in the pond.

4. Fertilizing: When fertilizing water lilies during the growing season, take care never to apply liquid fertilizer, as it not only pollutes the water but also causes fertilizer damage. Simply bury a small amount of dry cake fertilizer powder directly into the soil.