Water Snowflake (Nymphoides Indica)

Water Snowflake

Features and Characteristics

Nymphoides indica, commonly called water snowflake, is a rhizomatous, floating-leaf, tender aquatic perennial. Although native to tropical areas, it has naturalized in certain parts of southern Florida. Round, flat, bright green, lily-like leaves (2-8” diameter) cover the water surface somewhat like water lily. Umbels of white, snowflake-like flowers (to 1” diameter) with 5-lobed corollas and yellow centers bloom on stalks above the floating leaves in summer. Corolla lobes are fringed and covered with frilly hairs. Flowers last only one day. Plantlets are produced at the leaves. In mild winter conditions, plants can spread somewhat aggressively. Nymphoides means resembling Nymphaea (water lily), but plants are in different families. Water snowflake also resembles Hydrocleys (see Hydrocleys nymphoides).

Genus name of Nymphoides means resembling Nymphaea (water lily), but these two genuses are in different families.

Specific epithet means of India.

Care and Maintenance

Winter hardy to USDA Zones 8-11 where plants will survive outdoors in winter. This species of water snowflake is best grown in 1-2’ of water in organically rich sandy bottom loams or in submerged containers. It needs full sun to part shade. Plants spread by viviparous leaves. In St. Louis, plants may be grown as annuals by submerging containers in up to 1-2’ of water. If desired, containers may be brought indoors before fall frost for overwintering in a greenhouse or aquarium with a grow light. Although plants may be propagated by seed, the easiest method is by dividing off plantlets.

Water Snowflake (Nymphoides Indica) Requirements

Hardiness zone	8 - 11
Sun light	Full Sun To Part Shade
Water	Wet
Maintenance	Medium

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Uses

Floating water lily-like plant which fits well into water gardens, pools or small ponds.

Water Snowflake (Nymphoides Indica) Details

Common name	Water Snowflake
Botanical name	Nymphoides Indica
Plant type	Herbaceous Perennial
Family	Menyanthaceae
Hardiness zone	8 - 11
Water	Wet
Maintenance	Medium
Flower color	White
Flowering period	July - August
Height	0.25 To 0.50 Feet
Width	1 - 2 Ft.