Tropica Nymphaea lotus

Description

Nymphaea lotusA beautiful and very varied species from West Africa with leaves of green to red-brown and varying numbers of purple spots. Can grow from 20-80 cm tall. Before forming floating leaves Nymphaea lotus (zenkeri) forms many underwater leaves. If you don’t want floating leaves, prune the roots and leaves.

The beautiful, aromatic flowers can be fully appreciated in open aquariums. A nutritious bottom encourages growth. Often available in a red and a green variety. Recommended as a solitary plant for large aquariums. Plant info

Type:
Bulb/onion

Origin:
Africa

Country or continent where a plant is the most common. Cultivars arise or are bred in cultivation.

Growth rate:
Medium

Growth rate of the plant compared to other aquatic plants.

Height:
20 – 30+

Average height (cm) of the plant after two months in the tank.

Light demand:
Medium

The average or medium light demand of an aquarium plant is 0,5 W/L.

CO2 :

A medium need in CO2 is 6-14 mg/L. A high demand in CO2 is approx. 15-25 mg/L.

Tropica Nymphaea lotus: A Striking Centrepiece for SG Tanks

Nymphaea lotus is a bulb plant we love as a solitary focal point, prized for its broad leaves washed in green to red-brown and dappled with purple spots. Each tank produces its own colour, since light intensity strongly influences how red the foliage runs. It is a vigorous grower from a stored bulb, so it establishes quickly and rewards a nutrient-rich substrate, making it an easy way to add drama to a larger SG display.

The one quirk to manage is its urge to throw floating leaves up to the surface. If you want it to stay submerged and bushy, simply prune the tallest leaves and any roots reaching upward, which redirects energy into low growth. In an open-top rimless tank it can be allowed to surface and even flower. Our warm 27-29C water suits it well, with no chiller required.

See more tall and feature plants in our background plants category. Our Nymphaea care guide covers feeding and pruning, and our focal point placement guide helps you site it.