The Most Eye-Catching Tiger Lotus in Aquascaping

The Tiger Lotus, or Nymphaea zenkeri, is perhaps the most striking aquarium plant out there. With its wide, colorful leaves and bold red or green coloring with interesting speckled designs, the Tiger Lotus is sure to turn heads and become the focal point of any aquascape. Flexible and hardy, Tiger Lotus provides depth, contrast, and beauty to your aquarium design.

Scientific Name: Nymphaea zenkeri

Common Name: Tiger Lotus

Plant Type: Bulb plant

Origin: Africa

Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Why Choose Tiger Lotus?

Striking Leaves

The flat, spade-shaped leaves feature rich red, purple, or green color with speckled spots that are showy in any tank.

Versatility

Tiger Lotus can be used as a midground accent plant or as a showpiece, and it can easily adapt to many aquascaping designs.

Easy to Grow

As an easy-to-grow plant, this plant is ideal for inexperienced aquarists as well as seasoned experts. 

Ideal Aquarium Conditions

Water Parameters

Temperature: 72–82 °F (22–28 °C)

pH: 6.0–7.5

Water Hardness: Soft to medium

Lighting:

Moderate to intense lighting will encourage faster growth and deeper colors.

Substrate:

Rich substrate or regular application of root tabs will keep the bulb healthy and well-fed.

Planting and Propagation

Planting Steps:

Plant the bulb half-way in the substrate with the growing tip uppermost.

Do not bury the entire bulb, since this will cause it to rot.

Place it in an open position so that its leaves may spread.

Propagation:

Tiger Lotus will propagate through side shoots that develop near the bulb. The plantlets may be separated and re-potted once they have developed roots.

Caring for Tiger Lotus

Pruning: Regularly cut back larger leaves to control growth and maintain the plant's shape. Cutting leaves that reach the surface will encourage shorter, below-water growth.

Fertilization: Heavy root feeder. For best results, use nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs.

CO₂: Not required but can be utilized to enhance the growth rate and coloration.

Common Issues and Solutions

Yellowing or Pale Leaves

Cause: Lack of nutrients

Solution: Supplement with root tabs or iron-rich fertilizer.

Height Too Great

Cause: Unchecked leaf development toward the surface

Solution: Cut taller leaves to keep plant compact.

Rotting Bulb

Cause: Bulb buried too deep in substrate

Solution: Repot with bulb half exposed above substrate.

Tiger Lotus in Aquascaping

Centerpiece Plant: It makes an excellent centerpiece for aquascapes since it has a bold color and large leaves. 

Contrast Provider: It pairs well with fine-leaved green plants like Java Fern or stem plants, which provide dramatic contrast.

Natural Shelter: It offers hiding spots to fish and shrimp with its large leaves, adding grace and functionality to your tank.

Final Thoughts

The Tiger Lotus (Nymphaea zenkeri) is more than a plant, it's an aquarium showpiece. Its bold coloration, easy care, and dramatic presence make it a favorite for aquascapers wanting to add bold character and natural beauty to the aquarium.

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