Victoria cruziana
Victoria cruziana is part of the Nymphaeaceae family of plants. It is a giant aquatic plant native to South America. They also call it Victoria argentina, Santa Cruz Water Lily, Water Platter, or Yrupe.
The leaves of Victoria cruziana can grow very large, about 2m or 6ft wide. They also have a rim about 8in or 20cm tall and have fine hair underneath. The flower is about 25cm or 10in. in diameter. It blooms for two days. It starts as white and turns deep pink on the second day. After flowers are done, it produces prickly, berry-like fruits that contain many seeds. Each seed is about 1cm or 1/2in.
Victoria cruziana is a thermogenetic plant which means it is heat-producing. The plant survives in colder climates so producing heat helps it survive and produce flowers. The bud also heats up and as the flower opens it releases a strong scent to attract pollinators. It was named by Charles Henry Dessalines d’Orbigny (1806-1876), a French botanist, in honor of Andrés de Santa Cruz. He was the younger brother of Alcide d’Orbigny, who originally discovered it in Bolivia.
How to grow Victoria cruziana:
Grow Victoria cruziana with a lot of sun and heat. Fertilize regularly during the growing season. Plant in rich, loamy soil about 2ft or 60cm deep. It will need a large amount of water surface. Propagate by seed sown in late winter in a few inches of water that is warm.
Also, read about Water Lily or Nymphaea
