Why is my Tiger Lotus only growing floating surface leaves?

Low light or crowded conditions naturally trigger the plant to reach the surface for better light access. To encourage submerged, bushy growth, ensure strong lighting and consistently prune floating leaves at their base as soon as they appear.

Should I bury the lotus bulb completely in the gravel?

No, burying the bulb entirely restricts oxygen flow and often causes it to rot. You should only bury the bottom half or third of the bulb, leaving the top portion and the sprouting shoots exposed to the water column.

Why are there small pinholes appearing in my lotus leaves?

Pinholes in older leaves are a classic sign of potassium deficiency. Being heavy root feeders, supplying the substrate with a quality root tab fertiliser usually resolves this issue for new growth.

My Tiger Lotus lost all its leaves suddenly. Is it dead?

Not necessarily. These plants naturally undergo periods of dormancy. If the bulb remains firm (not mushy or foul-smelling), leave it undisturbed in the aquarium. It will likely sprout new growth after a few weeks or months of resting.

Does this plant require CO2 injection to survive?

While it can survive and grow reasonably well in low-tech setups without supplemental CO2, adding carbon dioxide will dramatically improve its growth rate, leaf size, and the intensity of its red colouration.

FreshwaterPlantsIntermediate

Tiger Lotus

Nymphaea lotus

A striking African bulb plant renowned for its broad, beautifully variegated leaves that offer dramatic colour and texture to the planted aquarium.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 22 – 28 °C
pH range: 5.5 – 8
Hardness: 2 – 15 dGH
Adult size: 20 – 60 cm
Standard 40L aquarium or larger: 40 litres+
Lifespan: 2 – 5 years
Diet: Photosynthesis / Heavy root feeder
Water flow: Low to Moderate
Preferred setup: Nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs; bulb partially exposed

About the Tiger Lotus

The Tiger Lotus is a standout specimen plant in the freshwater aquarium hobby, historically traded as Nymphaea zenkeri but taxonomically classified as Nymphaea lotus. Originating from the slow-moving and stagnant waters of tropical Africa, it grows from a central bulb to produce broad, slightly ruffled leaves. These leaves are heavily patterned with dark purple or reddish spots, giving the plant its 'tiger' moniker. It comes in both red and green morphs, and aquarists highly prize it for creating a striking visual focal point that contrasts perfectly with finer-leaved aquatic plants.

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Where Tiger Lotus comes from

Native range

Tropical Africa, Madagascar

Countries / regions

Egypt, Cameroon, Nigeria, Tanzania

Habitat

Stagnant pools, clearwater lakes, and slow-moving rivers with soft, nutrient-rich bottom sediments.

Widely distributed across tropical Africa and introduced to parts of the Americas and Asia.

Similar species

Dwarf Aquarium Lily
Nymphaea stellata
Banana Plant
Nymphoides aquatica
Red Rubin Sword
Echinodorus 'Red Rubin'

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Small, peaceful fish that appreciate the shaded areas created by the broad lotus leaves.
Great
Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
Excellent algae eaters that will gently clean the large leaf surfaces without damaging the plant.
Great
Silver Dollar
Metynnis argenteus
Highly herbivorous fish that will rapidly consume the soft leaves of the lotus.
Not recommended
Goldfish
Carassius auratus
Known to uproot plants and graze on soft vegetation; they may dislodge the partially buried bulb or eat new shoots.
Compatible with caution

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