Victoria cruziana, commonly known as Santa Cruz Water-Lily, is an evergreen perennial herb native to the slow-moving freshwater habitats such as shallow lakes and ponds in South America, particularly in Paraguay, Argentina, and southern Brazil. This species is renowned for its massive floating leaves, which can reach up to 2 meters in diameter and feature a pronounced upturned rim up to 20 cm high, providing a distinctive and architectural appearance. The leaves are also equipped with a network of ribs on the underside that provide buoyancy and structural support. Victoria cruziana flowers are exceptionally large, up to 25 cm in diameter, and undergo a dramatic color change, opening as white and turning to deep pink on the second day. Flowering typically occurs in the warmer months, and the blooms are not only visually striking but also thermogenic, producing heat to attract pollinating beetles.

The Santa Cruz Water-Lily is cultivated for its spectacular foliage and unique flowers, making it a showpiece in water gardens and botanical collections. It thrives in warm climates and requires a large water body to accommodate its size. Gardeners should provide full sun and warm water temperatures to ensure successful flowering. While it prefers standing water, it is adaptable to various aquatic soil types. Potential challenges include maintaining the warm temperatures required for flowering and protecting the leaves from damage due to wind or rough water.CC BY-SA 4.0