Yellow Snowflake (Nymphoides geminata)

Yellow Snowflake (Nymphoides geminata) is a charming Australian aquatic perennial producing an abundance of golden yellow, star-shaped, fringed snowflake flowers throughout summer above uniquely beautiful floating lily pad-like leaves mottled in dark chocolate-brown with striking bright green veins. One of the most visually distinctive floating pond plants available — the dark mottled leaf color and bright yellow fringed blooms create a combination found in no other common pond plant. Hardy in Zones 7–11. Ships bare root, $9.99.

Description

Yellow Snowflake for Sale — Golden Fringed Blooms and Striking Dark Chocolate Mottled Leaves

If you’ve been searching for Yellow Snowflake for sale, Quinn’s Fins grows Nymphoides geminata — commonly known as Yellow Snowflake, Yellow Floating Heart, or Yellow Water Snowflake — right here in our on-site nursery greenhouse. Yellow Snowflake is one of the most visually distinctive and charming floating pond plants available for water gardens — a native of Australia that stands apart from every other Nymphoides species in its coloring. Where the White Snowflake produces green leaves and white flowers, Nymphoides geminata delivers a completely different and striking color combination: almost circular floating lily pad-like leaves mottled in deep dark chocolate-brown with bright contrasting green veins that create a latticed, richly patterned surface unlike any other common pond plant leaf — topped by an abundance of golden yellow, star-shaped flowers with densely fringed, frilly petal edges that sparkle above the dark pads throughout the summer season. Yellow Snowflake for sale at Quinn’s Fins ships bare root (SKU 6125-1, $9.99) ready to establish in your pond, water garden, or container water feature.

Why Yellow Snowflake for Sale Is the Most Striking Snowflake Pond Plant

Yellow Snowflake offers a visual combination — dark chocolate-brown mottled pads with bright green veins below brilliant yellow fringed flowers above — that is genuinely unique in the floating pond plant world.

  • Dark chocolate-brown to reddish-brown mottled leaves with bright contrasting green veins — a leaf pattern unlike any other common floating pond plant
  • Golden yellow star-shaped fringed snowflake flowers — abundant, brilliant, and produced continuously throughout summer
  • Leaves up to 4 inches across — slightly larger than White Snowflake pads; effective surface coverage
  • Spreads 12–24 inches across the water surface — compact enough for small ponds and container gardens
  • Hardy in Zones 7–11 — significantly hardier than the White Snowflake (*N. indica*) with a much wider climate range
  • Native to Australia — a unique geographic origin that distinguishes it from the pantropical White Snowflake
  • Active nitrate absorber — filters excess nutrients from pond water as it grows
  • Excellent surface coverage and fish shelter — rapid spreading provides shade and hiding cover for koi, goldfish, and small pond fish

Yellow Snowflake vs. White Snowflake — Side by Side

Quinn’s Fins carries both Snowflake species. Here is how they compare:

Yellow Snowflake (geminata)Variegated White Snowflake (indica)
Flower ColorGolden yellow — fringed star-shapedPaper white — fringed star-shaped
Leaf PatternDark chocolate-brown mottled with green veinsWhite and green butterfly variegated
Leaf SizeUp to 4″ across2–3″ across
Native RangeAustraliaPantropical
Hardiness Zones7–11 — hardier9–12
Shipping RestrictionsMinimalCannot ship to NC, LA, FL

Browse our Variegated White Snowflake for the complementary white-flowered companion planting.

Growing Yellow Snowflake — Care at a Glance

Planting — Must Be Rooted in Soil

Yellow Snowflake must be planted in soil — despite its floating appearance, it is a rooted aquatic plant that anchors in the pond bottom or a submerged container and sends floating stems across the water surface. Plant the bare root in a 1-gallon planting container or aquatic basket filled with organically rich, heavy loam or aquatic planting soil. Place the rhizome horizontally in the soil with the crown just at the soil surface. Set the container on a pond shelf in 4 to 12 inches of water — the leaves will float to the surface naturally.

Light

Yellow Snowflake performs best in full sun to partial shade. Full sun produces the most prolific flowering and the richest, darkest chocolate-brown leaf coloration. In partial shade, the plant remains healthy and continues to bloom but with somewhat reduced flower production. Full sun is strongly recommended for the most vivid dark mottled leaf pattern and the most abundant golden yellow flower display.

Water Depth

Plant in 4 to 12 inches of water over the container rim for best results. Tolerates water up to 24 inches deep in established mature plants but shallower water produces more compact growth and more prolific blooming. The 4–8 inch depth range is ideal for container water features and small ponds.

Fertilization

Yellow Snowflake generally requires little to no fertilization in established fish ponds where the natural bioload provides sufficient nutrients. In clean container water features without fish, aquatic fertilizer tablets pushed into the container soil every 3–4 weeks support healthy growth and prolific bloom production. Do not over-fertilize — excess nutrients accelerate spreading and can cause the plant to outgrow its space quickly.

Surface Coverage Management

Yellow Snowflake spreads rapidly via runners and plantlets produced along the floating stems and leaves. Trim or remove excess growth to prevent coverage from exceeding 50–60% of the pond surface — excessive surface coverage reduces oxygen exchange. In container water features, thin the plant regularly to maintain the desired spread. Remove cuttings and never dispose of them in natural waterways.

Hardiness and Overwintering

Yellow Snowflake is hardy in Zones 7–11 — notably hardier than the White Snowflake (*N. indica*) which is only reliably perennial in Zones 9–12. In Zones 8–11, plants can remain in the pond through mild winters. In Zone 7, move pond containers to the deepest area of the pond to keep roots from freezing, or bring containers indoors to a heated greenhouse or aquarium before first frost. In cooler zones, grow as an annual or overwinter indoors in a warm, brightly lit location.

Nursery-Grown at Quinn’s Fins

Every Yellow Snowflake for sale at Quinn’s Fins is grown right here in our on-site nursery greenhouse — not drop-shipped or bulk-sourced. Your plant ships bare root ready to establish. We grow what we sell.

For more on growing Yellow Snowflake and other floating pond plants, visit the Pond Informer’s Water Snowflake care guide or browse our full selection of pond and water garden plants at Quinn’s Fins.

Yellow Snowflake Plant Details

Botanical NameNymphoides geminata
Common NamesYellow Snowflake, Yellow Floating Heart, Yellow Water Snowflake
FamilyMenyanthaceae
Native RangeAustralia
Plant TypeRooted floating aquatic — must be planted in soil
Leaf SizeUp to 4″ across — dark chocolate-brown mottled with bright green veins
FlowerGolden yellow, 1″ across, densely fringed star-shaped; each bloom lasts one day
Bloom TimeSummer — continuous daily succession
Spread12–24 inches across water surface
LightFull sun to partial shade
Water Depth4–12 inches over container; up to 24 inches for mature plants
USDA Hardiness Zones7–11
Fish SafeYes — koi and goldfish compatible
FertilizationMinimal — fish waste typically sufficient
FormatBare Root
SKU6125-1
Price$9.99

100% Live Arrival Guarantee

100% Live Arrival Guarantee – Buy Aquarium Fish with Confidence

At Quinn’s Fins, we take pride in offering healthy, high-quality aquarium fish, and we back every order with our 100% Live Arrival Guarantee. Whether you’re purchasing tropical fish, invertebrates, or live plants, you can shop with confidence knowing that your order will arrive alive and in excellent condition—or we’ll make it right!

What is Our 100% Live Arrival Guarantee?

Our Live Arrival Guarantee ensures that every fish, shrimp, snail, or aquatic plant you purchase from us arrives healthy and thriving. If any livestock arrives DOA (Dead on Arrival), we offer a replacement, refund or store credit to ensure you get the best value for your order.

How Do We Ensure Live Arrival?

  • Expert Packaging – We use insulated shipping materials, oxygenated bags, and heat/cool packs (as needed) to protect your aquatic pets during transit.
  • Fast, Secure Shipping – We offer overnight and fast shipping options to minimize travel time and stress.
  • Health Checks Before Shipment – All live fish and invertebrates undergo a thorough health inspection and fasting before being packed for delivery.

What to Do If You Have an Issue?

If you experience any losses upon delivery, simply follow these steps:

  1. Take Clear Photos – Snap a picture of the fish or invertebrates in the original, unopened bag within two hours of delivery.
  2. Contact Us Immediately – Reach out to our customer support team at [email protected] with your order details and photos.
  3. Receive a Replacement, Refund or Store Credit – Once verified, we will issue a replacement (when available), refund or store credit toward your next purchase.

Shop with Confidence – Your Satisfaction is Our Priority

We are committed to providing healthy, high-quality live fish with safe, reliable shipping. Our 100% Live Arrival Guarantee ensures that you can shop for your favorite freshwater fish, shrimp, snails, and aquatic plants worry-free.

Order today with confidence and bring vibrant life to your aquarium!