Tiger Lotus [Nymphaea zenkeri]

Nymphaea zenkeri — Tiger Lotus

A bold, red-veined bulb plant that grows into a dramatic centerpiece — fast color with almost no effort

The Tiger Lotus is one of the most dramatic plants you can add to an aquarium — broad, wavy-edged leaves splashed with a striking variegated red-and-green pattern that makes it an instant focal point. Grown from a bulb, it sprouts quickly (often within a week) and grows at a satisfying medium pace, rewarding even beginners with bold results fast. It needs no CO2 and adapts to a wide range of lighting, though brighter light deepens its signature red tones. Whether kept trimmed as a bushy submerged centerpiece or allowed to send pads toward the surface, it brings texture, depth, and color that few aquarium plants can match.

IMPORTANT: HOW TO PLANT THE BULB — Do not bury the bulb completely — a fully buried bulb will rot. Rest it on the substrate or anchor it very lightly, leaving the top portion exposed, and let it become waterlogged enough to sink and root naturally. If it floats at first, that's normal; weigh it down gently or wait a day or two. New leaves typically emerge within about a week. If you can see roots or a small sprout, plant that end down.

AT A GLANCE

CARE GUIDE

CUSTOMER QUESTIONS ANSWERED

(Q) It keeps growing to the surface and making lily pads — how do I keep it bushy and submerged?

= This is the Tiger Lotus's natural instinct — as a water lily, it wants to reach the surface and form floating pads. To keep it as a compact, bushy submerged centerpiece, simply pinch or trim off any stem that shoots up toward the surface, cutting it near the base. This redirects the plant's energy into producing more low, broad underwater leaves instead. Stay on top of this and you'll get a dense, dramatic submerged form. Prefer the lily-pad look and some surface coverage? Just let those stems grow — both styles are valid, it's entirely up to you.

(Q) Will the leaves be red, or more green?

= Both — that's the beauty of the variegated pattern. The amount of red versus green is driven mainly by light: under brighter lighting the leaves develop deeper, more vivid red tones, while in lower light they lean greener with red veining. Root tabs and stable conditions also help intensify color. New leaves often start paler and darken as they mature, so give fresh growth a little time to color up. For maximum red impact, position it where it gets strong light.

(Q) My bulb hasn't sprouted yet — which way is up, and is it dead?

= Give it a little patience. Most Tiger Lotus bulbs sprout within about a week, but some take two to three weeks to wake up, especially if shipped while dormant. Place the bulb with any visible roots or a growth point facing down; if you can't tell which end is which, simply lay it on its side and it will orient itself. Don't bury it fully (it will rot) and don't give up early — a firm bulb is almost always still viable and just getting started. A bulb that turns soft and mushy is the only real sign of failure.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

1 Tiger Lotus (Nymphaea zenkeri) bulb, often with starter leaves already emerging, ready to plant on arrival. Rest it on the substrate without fully burying it. New growth typically appears within a week — see the planting note and FAQ above.

Ships within 10–15 business days.