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Pond Species

Water Poppy

Hydrocleys nymphoides

Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, and sourcing intelligence on Water Poppy - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team.

Water Poppy at a glance
Adult size: 12 inch spread · Min tank/pond: 50 gallons (pond) · Difficulty: beginner · Diet: photosynthetic · Lifespan: perennial years.

Water Poppy (Hydrocleys nymphoides) is a popular pond species in the aquarium and pond hobby. Hardy and forgiving when given proper water chemistry.

Where Water Poppy comes from

Water Poppy (Hydrocleys nymphoides) is an aquatic plant native to pond ecosystems. Used in ornamental pond design for visual interest, biological filtration, and providing cover.

Water Poppy tank size and setup

Water Poppy requires a minimum of 50 gallons (pond) for healthy adults. The minimum is based on 12 inch spread adult size and territorial range. Plan an outdoor pond with appropriate depth (3+ feet for cold-climate winterization), filtration sized 1.5-2x pond volume per hour, UV clarifier, and surface skimmer.

Water parameters for Water Poppy

Water Poppy prefers pond parameters: temperature 50-78°F seasonal swing for cold-tolerant species, pH 7.0-8.5, ammonia + nitrite 0 ppm, nitrate under 40 ppm, dissolved oxygen 5+ mg/L (aerator non-optional in summer).

What Water Poppy eats

Water Poppy is a photosynthetic. Powered by photosynthesis. Maintain quality lighting matched to species needs. Browse our food guides for product recommendations.

Water Poppy tankmates and compatibility

Water Poppy is compatible with similar-temperament pond fish at appropriate stocking. Plan stocking around adult sizes and territorial behaviors.

Water Poppy adult size and lifespan

Water Poppy reaches 12 inch spread at adulthood with a captive lifespan of perennial years with proper care.

Can you breed Water Poppy?

Water Poppy propagates through tubers, runners, or division. Most aquatic plants propagate freely once established.

Common Water Poppy diseases and problems

Water Poppy can develop pond-specific issues: parasites, bacterial infections, and seasonal stress around water temperature transitions.

Where to buy Water Poppy online

Water Poppy is sold at LFS, online retailers, and direct from breeders. Browse live Water Poppy from vetted Fast Aquatics vendors with carrier-tracked overnight shipping, climate-aware hold logic, and a 4-hour DOA window with photo-evidence claims.

Other species in the same category with care profiles on Fast Aquatics. Click any name for the full husbandry breakdown.

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Sources and references

Water Poppy taxonomy and care recommendations cross-checked against the following authoritative references and our internal vendor + breeder database.

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More resources for Water Poppy keepers

Common diseases
Helpful calculators
Key terms

Browse the full disease database, calculator collection, aquarium glossary, or Q&A library for additional reference.

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