Tiger lotus
Nymphaea zenkeri
Also known asRed tiger lotus · Zenker lily
Water parameters
Light and nutrients
Substrate type: nutrient rich. Propagation: tuber division.
Substrate compatibility
| Substrate | pH effect | Nutrient load |
|---|---|---|
| Aquasoil (ADA Amazonia) | lowers pH | very high |
| Mineralized clay substrate (Seachem Fluorite) | neutral / inert | moderate |
| Dirted tank (mineralized topsoil) (DIY soil substrate) | slightly acidic | very high |
With fish
Origin and habitat
Native to tropical West Africa (Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana), growing in still and slow-moving freshwater: ponds, lakes, river margins, and seasonal flood pools. The species (Nymphaea lotus, variety zenkeri or similar) is a water lily that produces broad, triangular to arrow-shaped submerged leaves with vivid red to purple-brown coloring marked by darker spots and patterns. The 'tiger' name refers to these dark markings on the red leaves. If the plant reaches the surface, it produces floating lily pads and eventually flowers. Tiger lotus grows from a bulb and is one of the most dramatically colored foliage plants available for aquariums. Red and green forms exist; the red form is far more popular and commonly sold.
Outdoor pond use
- USDA zones
- 9–13 (winter low around -7°C or warmer)
Care notes
Plant the bulb with the top third above the substrate. Moderate to high light produces the most vivid red coloring with distinct dark markings. CO2 is not required but improves growth and color intensity. The plant naturally wants to produce floating leaves; most keepers trim the long petioles of surface-reaching leaves to keep the plant producing the attractive compact, submerged rosette form. Uncontrolled, the floating leaves shade out everything below. Growth is moderate to fast; a healthy bulb produces new leaves steadily. Root tabs support the bulb's nutrition. Iron supplementation enhances the red pigmentation. Temperature: 22–28°C. pH 6.0-7.5. Soft to moderately hard water. Tiger lotus is a focal point plant: one specimen in the midground of a planted tank draws the eye with its vivid red, patterned foliage. The bulb occasionally produces runners with daughter bulbs. Available from aquatic plant retailers; often sold as dry bulbs in packets or as actively growing potted specimens (the potted form is more reliable). The dramatic red, patterned leaves make tiger lotus one of the most eye-catching plants in any aquarium. A single specimen in the midground creates a bold focal point. The species is also popular in outdoor tropical ponds where it produces beautiful white to pink flowers. Temperature tolerance extends slightly below the typical tropical range, surviving brief dips to 20°C. Compatible with all fish; the tough leaves resist damage from most species.