Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is inviting visitors to marvel at one of the most extraordinary plants on Earth: the Victoria Water Lily, commonly called the “Water Platter.” Floating dramatically in Como’s water gardens, these South American giants are unlike anything else grown and displayed in Minnesota. At the same time, Como is joining more than 40 gardens and zoos across eight countries in the Waterlily Weigh-Off 2025, a playful global competition led by Denver Botanic Gardens that has taken social media by storm.
Known as the “Queen of the Water Lilies,” Victoria leaves can grow over six feet across and support the weight of a child. Their beauty extends beyond their platter-sized leaves: their blooms open at night in a rare and dazzling three-night performance. The first evening, the flower is female—pure white, fragrant with pineapple-cake sweetness, and irresistible to pollinators. By the second night, it transforms into a vivid pink male flower, dusting trapped insects with pollen before releasing them to complete nature’s cycle. After a final encore bloom on the third night, the flower disappears back beneath the water.
While breathtaking to see, Victorias are notoriously challenging to grow. Como’s gardeners begin nurturing them from seeds the size of peas each spring, carefully adjusting water temperatures, fertilization, and repotting schedules to mimic the warm climate of their South American origins. “The water gardens at Como are both unique and spectacular,” said Ray Watson, Horticulture Curator. “Few institutions are able to create such a stunning outdoor display, particularly with our weather. It is a true testament to the skill and hard work of the horticulture team.”
The plants also carry a fascinating history at Como. First introduced in the 1880s, they became a centerpiece of the park’s Lily Pond in the early 20th century before disappearing for decades. Reintroduced in 2005, the lilies are once again a cherished summer tradition, drawing visitors much like they did a century ago.
This summer, Como’s waterlilies aren’t just captivating guests, they’re competing on the global stage. From August 18–24, more than 40 gardens and zoos across eight countries will test the strength of its largest lily pad and share the results on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. The Waterlily Weigh-Off 2025 showcases the astonishing buoyancy of Victoria leaves, which thanks to their air-filled veins, sturdy rims, and sharp spines, can even hold the weight of an adult.
This is the third-annual event organized by Denver Botanic Gardens. Head to @denverbotanic to find the live results linked in their highlights folder.
Como’s weigh-off video, debuting August 20, will reveal the final weight and leaf measurement in the caption, adding to the fun as fans across the globe root for their favorite gardens with the hashtag #waterlilyweighoff25.
With their dazzling blooms, rich history, and newfound spotlight on the international stage, Como’s Victoria Water Platters are proving once again why they truly are the Queens of the Water Lilies.
