Victoria cruziana Giant Water Lily

The Victoria cruziana Water Lily is one of the most exciting and dramatic aquatic plants in the world. Known as the easiest of the Victoria species to grow, it is still not recommended for beginners—it demands careful attention to soil, fertilizer, water, warmth, and handling. With proper care, this giant tropical water lily produces enormous pads (7–14+ inches when shipped, expanding much larger through the season) and magnificent flowers that open in the evening, transforming your pond into a showpiece.

Native to South America, Victoria cruziana is a plant for the dedicated water gardener. Growing it successfully is an unforgettable experience—but it requires space, patience, and precision.

🌱 Planting & Care Instructions

• Victoria cruziana Water Lily Container Size: Start with a 5–10 gallon fabric pot, though a 25–100 gallon container is recommended for specimen size

• Victoria cruziana Water Lily Spread: Pads may eventually span 10–15 feet or more under proper culture

• Soil: Heavy loam soil only—never stones, aquatic media, or bagged soils with compost

• Victoria cruziana Water Lily Depth: 6–14 inches of water above the soil line is optimal for juveniles; can be lowered slightly once established

• Fertilizing the Victoria cruziana Water Lily:

  • Begin with 4–5 Waterlily World Fertilizer Tablets per week (placed 6 inches away from the crown) for the first 3–4 weeks

  • Increase steadily as plant size grows—watch pad size as your indicator: if a new pad is smaller than the previous one, the plant is underfed.

  • Do not overfertilize—excess can kill Victoria water lilies

• Temperature for Victoria cruziana Water Lily: Requires 80°F+ at the root zone

• Sunlight for Victoria cruziana Water Lily: Full direct sun, all day

• Fragrance: Large flowers are lightly fragrant and change color over their short bloom cycle.

📦 Shipping Information

• Ships only May 20 – July 15 each year (depending on conditions)

• Always shipped with pads sized 7–14 inches across

• Ships separately from most other pond plants (similar to lotus)

• If you want other pond plants earlier, place separate orders—otherwise, your order will be held until late May or June when Victoria is ready to ship

⚠️ How to Ruin / Kill a Victoria (What Not to Do)

❌ Use algaecides with copper – even small amounts will kill Victoria lilies
❌ Place in cool water – root temps under 80°F will cause failure
❌ Never break the smallest and newest emerging pad at the crown – this prevents new pads from forming and the plant will die in days
❌ Overfertilize or underfertilize – both will quickly stress or kill the plant
❌ Handle carelessly – the roots, pads, and stems are covered with sharp thorns

💡 PondMegastore Tip: Become a skilled grower of tropical water lilies before attempting Victoria. With proper care, patience, and space, Victoria cruziana will reward you with one of the most breathtaking aquatic plant experiences on Earth.