Red Tiger Lotus Aquarium Lily (Nymphaea zenkeri) – Aquarium Bulb Plant
The Red Tiger Lotus, also known asNymphaea zenkeri, is a beautiful aquarium lily that brings bold color and character to freshwater aquariums. Native toAfrica, this aquatic plant is admired for its strikingarrow-shaped leavesthat range from deep red to green with unique speckled patterns. It can grow up to20 inches tall, making it ideal as a midground or background plant where it can serve as astunning focal point. Whether grown as a compact dwarf aquarium lily or allowed to send leaves toward the water’s surface, this tiger lotus aquarium plant adds elegance andnatural shelterto your aquascape. While most popular in aquariums, this versatile tiger lotus aquarium plant can also be grown in outdoor ponds, where its floating leaves add a natural and decorative touch.
Benefits
- Creates a stunning focal point with its vibrant red leaves.
- Provides shade and shelter for fish and shrimp.
- Helps reduce algae by competing for nutrients.
- Easy to grow from a red bulb plant, making it beginner-friendly.
Care Guide
Caring for the Red Tiger Lotus Aquarium Lily is simple with the right conditions, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarists.
Light
Moderate to high lighting will bring out the deep red coloration in the leaves. In low light, the plant may stay more green than red.
Temperature
Keep water temperature between 72-82°F for healthy growth.
CO2
CO2 injection is not required, but adding it can encourage faster and more vibrant growth.
Water Parameters
Best in freshwater aquariums with a pH range of 6.5-7.5 and soft to medium hardness.
Growth Rate
The dwarf aquarium lily grows quickly and may send leaves to the surface if not trimmed. Regular pruning keeps it compact and attractive.
Propagation
New plants grow from the bulb. Simply place the aquarium plant bulb halfway into the substrate and wait for shoots to appear.
Want to learn more about growing and caring for this plant? Check out our detailed guide: Growing Red Tiger Lotus Aquarium Plant: An Aquarist’s Guide.
Note:Images are for reference only. Actual plants may vary in size, color, and appearance due to natural variations and seasonal growth.
🌱 Care & Resources
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Frequently Asked Questions
No, Red Tiger Lotus grows beautifully without CO2 injection. It’s a heavy root feeder — a quality root tab near the bulb provides all the nutrition needed. It thrives in low to high light conditions.
Place the bulb on top of the substrate or half-bury it — never fully bury it, as this can cause rot. The bulb will send roots down and shoots up naturally. Add a root tab nearby for faster growth.
It can grow large (12-18 inch leaves) and send lily pads to the surface. Trim surface leaves regularly and prune outer leaves to control size. Keeping it in a pot or trimming runners prevents spreading.
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