Nymphaea zenkeri 'Red Tiger Lotus'

Nymphaea lotus, a tropical waterlily species, is widespread in Africa. Imported as Nymphaea zenkeri and Tiger lotus from West Africa for a long time, it is the most popular waterlily species in the aquarium hobby. With its big, round leaves with brown spots and stripes the Tiger lotus is recommendable as a gorgeous specimen plant in larger tanks. Depending on the coloration of the submerged leaves, the plants are often distinguished in "Red" and "Green Tiger Lotus", but actually the plants delivered from the nurseries show all transitions and nuances from reddish-green to red.

The Tiger lotus has no special demands, but should be planted in a free, well-lit place. Nutrient-rich substrate is very beneficial for its growth, but vigorously growing plants tend to develop long-stalked floating leaves, blocking out the light. To prevent this, long stalked leaves should be removed as soon as possible. However, if the plant is allowed to grow with floating leaves, one can expect its beautiful white, fragrant flowers which are open from evening to late morning.

This plant is often, but not always, delivered as a tuber that sprouts in the tank. A short shoot with a rooting leaf rosette appears. Later the young plantlet detaches from the tuber. A young Nymphaea lotus plant is also viable when it is delivered without a tuber. Old, full-grown plants develop a tuber themselves.