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Barclaya Longifolia
Barclaya longifolia
Also known as Orchid Lily, Red Barclaya
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Nymphaeales›Nymphaeaceae
📍 Southeast Asia
An exotic relative of the water lily, Barclaya Longifolia produces spectacular long, wavy-edged leaves with olive-green upper surfaces and vivid burgundy-red undersides. It grows from a bulb and prefers to be undisturbed once planted. A dramatic focal plant for larger tanks, particularly in Nature Aquarium style compositions.
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Compatible Livestock
Small, peaceful algae-eaters that won't damage delicate leaves and help maintain tank cleanliness
Gentle invertebrates that graze algae without harming plant tissue; ideal for planted tanks
Peaceful cichlid that won't uproot or damage the plant; prefers similar warm water parameters
Excellent companion plant with similar care requirements; creates layered aquascaping with contrasting leaf shapes
Compatible foreground/midground plant that thrives in identical water parameters and benefits from same fertilization
Small, non-aggressive schooling fish that won't disturb the plant or substrate
Common Diseases
Nutrient Deficiency
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, pale coloration, leaf holes or transparent patches
Increase fertilization with all-in-one liquid fertilizers or macronutrient supplements; ensure adequate CO2 and lighting; test water parameters
Algae Overgrowth
Green, brown, or black algae coating leaves; reduced light penetration; plant appears smothered
Reduce light duration to 8-10 hours daily; increase water changes; add algae-eating fish or shrimp; manually remove affected leaves if severe
Root Rot
Soft, blackened bulb; foul odor from substrate; leaf yellowing and wilting despite adequate nutrients
Improve substrate drainage and water circulation; reduce organic debris accumulation; consider replanting in fresh substrate; ensure adequate aeration
Leaf Melting
Rapid deterioration of leaves; transparent or dissolving leaf tissue; plant appears to shrink
Common during acclimatization; maintain stable water parameters; ensure adequate light and CO2; be patient as new leaves typically emerge within 2-4 weeks
Tips from the community 💡
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Quick Facts
- co2
- Beneficial
- light
- Medium–High
- placement
- Background–Focal
- tank size
- 30 gallons minimum
- growth rate
- Moderate
Water it likes
- ph
- 5.5–7.0
- hardness
- 1–10 dGH
- temperature
- 75–86°F (24–30°C)
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record for this species.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — always confirm the current regulations with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping, or shipping this species.