Red Lily aquatic plant

Key Characteristics of Red Tiger Lotus (Nymphaea lotus ‘Red’)

• Scientific Name: Nymphaea lotus ‘Red’ (Cultivar of Nymphaea lotus or N. zenkeri)
• Common Name: Red Tiger Lotus, Red Water Lily
• Hardiness: Easy to Medium (Easy to grow, but requires maintenance to stay submerged).
• Growth Form: Grows from a tuber/bulb planted in the substrate. It produces two types of leaves:
  • Submerged Leaves: Broad, slightly heart-shaped, and usually a deep red, burgundy, or mottled maroon/reddish-green color.
  • Floating Leaves (Lily Pads): Large, round leaves on long petioles that reach and float on the water surface.
• Coloration: The intensity of the red coloration is heavily dependent on lighting and iron levels. Higher light and iron tend to result in deeper, richer red and purple hues.
• Size & Growth: Medium to large. Can grow up to 8–24 inches (20–60 cm) tall. It has a medium to fast growth rate.
• Maintenance for Aquariums: To keep the plant compact and bushy underwater (preventing it from shading the entire tank), the floating lily pads must be regularly pruned by cutting the stem near the bulb.
• Planting: The bulb should be partially buried (about half to two-thirds) in a nutrient-rich substrate (it is a heavy root feeder). Do not bury the entire bulb, as this can cause it to rot.
• Propagation: Primarily by dividing daughter bulbs that sprout from the main tuber, or sometimes by seeds from submerged flowers.
• Placement: An excellent centerpiece or focal point plant for the midground or background of medium to large aquariums.