This rhizomatous aquatic perennial has large circular dark green floating armed leaves that radiate out from a central point on long fleshy stems. The large cup-shaped white flowers appear in succession during summer normally at night.

Hardiness zones 11 to 12 

Victoria cruziana is naturally found in South America from Brazil to Paraguay, Bolivia and northern Argentina growing in water courses and ponds in tropical forests. 

It prefers an open sunny position in still water and grows in fertile deep sandy to clay loams that are rich and organic and is frost and drought tender. 

The Santa Cruz Water Lily is grown for its large leaves and flowers. It is planted in ponds or along water courses in large or tropical gardens. It is also grown as a specimen in a water feature and in cold climates it is grown under glass in botanic gardens. It establishes from seed in 1 to 2 years and this species is commonly cultivated as an annual in cooler climates. It prefers a minimal water depth of 1m (3ft). ID 1895

Note:
The size of the leaf is determined by the depth of the water and deep water produces large leaves.

Victoria (vik-TOR-ree-a) cruziana (krooz-ee-AH-na)

Nymphaeaceae (nim-fee-AY-see-ee)
Water Lilies