Nymphaea zenkeri ‘Red Tiger Lotus’ - Immersed Potted Plant

The Red Tiger Lotus (Nymphaea zenkeri ‘Red’) is one of the most striking and dramatic plants in the aquarium hobby. Native to Africa, this bulb-based aquatic plant is celebrated for its vibrant red to burgundy leaves, often with mottled or tiger-like spots, giving it its common name. Its large, lily-like leaves and bold colours create a stunning focal point in aquascapes. Given the right conditions, it may even send up floating lily pads or delicate flowers.

Physical Characteristics:

• Leaf Shape & Size: Broad, heart- or arrow-shaped leaves with wavy or scalloped edges; can grow 15–30 cm wide.

• Colour: Shades of red, burgundy, and purple, often with dark mottling or marbled patterns.

• Growth Habit: Grows from a bulb and produces both submerged and (if allowed) floating leaves. Can reach 30–50 cm in height.

Aquarium Requirements:

• Lighting: Medium to high light is best to bring out deep red colours. In low light, the plant may remain greenish and grow slowly.

• CO₂: Not required, but CO₂ supplementation will promote stronger, more compact growth and colour intensity.

• Temperature: 22–28 °C

• pH Range: 6.0–7.5

• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

• Substrate: Plant the bulb just above the substrate, not fully buried. It will send down roots naturally.

Planting Instructions:
Do not bury the bulb completely—place it half-submerged in the substrate with the sprouting side facing up. Once roots anchor and leaves begin to grow, the bulb can be gently repositioned if needed.

Care & Maintenance:

• Fast-growing under ideal conditions.

• Trim floating leaves if you wish to keep it compact and prevent surface shading.

• Older or decaying leaves can be removed from the base.

• Regular root fertilisation (root tabs) helps sustain its nutrient demands.

Propagation:
Propagates via daughter bulbs formed near the base of the parent plant. These can be separated and replanted once they develop roots and a few leaves.

Aquascaping Use:
A dramatic midground or background plant in larger aquariums, or a centrepiece in nano tanks. Best used as a solitary feature due to its strong colour and size. Works well in jungle-style, biotope, or eclectic nature-style layouts. Pairs beautifully with green stem plants, mosses, and hardscape.

Key Benefits:

• Eye-catching red foliage for instant visual impact

• Can grow submerged or send floating leaves

• Easy to care for once established

• Provides shade and shelter for fish and shrimp

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

Growth Rate
Growth rate of the plant compared to other aquatic plants.

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

Light Demand
The average or medium light demand of an aquarium plant is 0.5 W/L.

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