Red Tiger Lotus Aquarium Lily (Nymphaea zenkeri), bulb

This spectacular red aquarium/paludarium lily is a true "centerpiece" plant that can grow to an impressive size and it can also produce beautiful flowers! 

Red Tiger Lotus Aquarium Lily (Nymphaea zenkeri) is a remarkable red bulb plant that is native to Africa. It is known for its triangular leaves and, as its name states, its deep red coloration. It can grow to a very large size of 30+ inches tall and 20+ inches wide under optimal conditions. It will sometimes flower when kept in shallow enough water or emersed conditions, so it is a terrific plant for paludariums as well.

Care for Dwarf Aquarium Lily is very easy. Its bulb base must not be completely buried in the substrate or it will rot. In fact, burying just 1/4 of the bulb in the substrate should be sufficient. Also, this warm water plant will sometimes quickly deteriorate if the temperature is too low. Finally, it will periodically go through dormant periods where it will shed its leaves for a few weeks, but then grow new leaves. With quality care, the Red Tiger Lotus Aquarium Lily will grow at a moderate rate. It propagates through shoots, and once new growth has roots of its own, it can be cut and replanted. Please note that this plant can emit a chemical that is somewhat harmful to other plants that are in very close proximity (i.e. - constantly touching the lily), so it is necessary to give the Red Tiger Lotus Aquarium Lily adequate space. If this is done, it will not harm other plants. Its growth can be controlled by regular pruning, limiting lighting, and/or confining the bulb and root structure to a contained space such as a glass container. Trimming its flowers before they wilt will also inhibit seed production. 

In addition to its attractive appearance, Red Tiger Lotus Aquarium Lily provides a valuable refuge for aquarium animals, especially dwarf shrimp, nano fish, and fry. Red Tiger Lotus Aquarium Lily can easily flourish and grow to become a major centerpiece of the planted aquarium!

Like most plants, Red Tiger Lotus Aquarium Lily has moderate nutrient requirements and will benefit from supplementation such as Seachem Flourish, Flourish Excel, Nitrogen and other plant supplements. 

No aquarium plant distributor/nursery/wholesaler/retailer can or will guarantee their plants to be 100% snail free. We can not guarantee our plants will be snail free.

***PLEASE NOTE - This plant can sometimes arrive as a bulb with no leaves attached. This is normal, and in most cases, new leaves will sprout within a few weeks. If your Dwarf Aquarium Lily bulb loses its leaves upon arrival, please plant it as usual if the bulb is still firm and healthy. If it does not begin to re-sprout, please contact us and we will honor our live arrival guarantee and replace it or credit you!

What We Like About This Plant:

• Beautiful red leaves
• Grows steadily when kept in nutrient-rich water
• Can grow to impressive size in larger aquariums
• Unique triangular leaves
• Excellent foreground to midground highlight

Care Guidelines:

• Temperature: 72° - 86° F (22° - 30° C)
• pH: 5.0 – 8.
• Lighting: Moderate to High
• Origin: Indigenous to Africa, cultivated in US nurseries
• Aquarium placement: Midground to Background, but bulb should be only 1/4 buried in substrate
• Care: Easy to Moderate

All Aquatic Arts brand plants and animals come with a 100% live arrival guarantee, plus free email support!