Nymphoides Cristata - Variegated Water Snowflake - Crested floating Heart
Best low-maintenance choice for pond owners seeking delicate surface blooms.
Enhance your pond with the Nymphoides Cristata, also known as the Variegated Water Snowflake. This charming floating plant features heart-shaped leaves with attractive brown mottling that gracefully rest on the water's surface, while its roots anchor below. It produces numerous dainty white blooms, each about 3/4 inch wide, distinguished by a unique ruffled petal lining. Easy to care for, it thrives in outdoor ponds and readily propagates, adding visual interest and surface coverage.
$10.70
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
408
/ 955
#408 in Aquatic Plants
Price vs Category Average
-42%
Below average
Aquarium Placement
Floating
/ Floating
Who it's for
- Gardeners wanting delicate, charming seasonal floral accents
- Pond owners seeking unique visual texture and contrast
- Fish keepers needing natural shade and protective cover
Who should skip it
- People with shaded yards or limited direct sunlight
- Owners of small ponds wanting low-maintenance greenery
- Gardeners in cooler climates avoiding annual replanting
Performance breakdown
Aesthetic Appeal
Ruffled white blooms and mottled foliage create a stunning pond centerpiece.
Propagation Speed
Rapid runner growth ensures quick coverage across the water surface.
Maintenance Effort
Thrives with minimal intervention, making it ideal for casual pond keepers.
Climate Versatility
Best suited for temperate zones, requiring protection in colder winter climates.
Rooting Stability
Anchors reliably in substrate while maintaining a graceful floating leaf habit.
Growth Adaptability
Requires no supplemental CO2, flourishing naturally in standard pond environments.
Key Specs
Aquarium Placement
Floating
Plant Form
Floating Plant
Substrate Requirement
Floating
CO2 Requirement
No CO2 Required
Propagation Method
Runners
Leaf Color Pattern
Variegated
Intended Environment
Outdoor Pond
Care Level
Easy
Features
- Dainty white blooms with ruffled petals
- Attractively mottled heart-shaped leaves
- Floats on water surface
- Easy to care for
- Roots anchor in substrate
- Propagates readily from runners
- Adds visual interest to ponds
What customers say
Consumers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Nymphoides Cristata upon arrival, noting the plants are robust, well packaged, and immediately ready for pond placement. The primary sentiment revolves around reliability; these water snowflakes establish quickly and thrive, often exceeding expectations for rapid growth and beautiful variegation. Customers feel confident in the health of the specimens provided by Play It Koi, making the purchase a successful and vibrant addition to their aquatic environment.
Know before you buy
While it is a floating plant, it prefers to have its roots anchored in a substrate at the bottom of the pond. You can plant it in a small pot with aquatic soil or allow it to root into the pond's natural bottom if the depth is appropriate.
This plant is specifically intended for outdoor ponds and requires natural sunlight to thrive and bloom. It is not recommended for indoor aquarium setups due to its light requirements and growth habits.
The Nymphoides Cristata is hardy in zones 7 through 10. If you live in a region where temperatures drop below these zones, you will need to bring the plant indoors or move it to a frost-free environment during the winter months.
This plant spreads naturally by sending out runners. Once these runners establish themselves, they will grow new plantlets, allowing the colony to expand across the surface of your pond over time.
No, this plant does not require supplemental CO2. It is an easy-care species that thrives in standard pond conditions with natural sunlight and nutrients found in the water.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.