No photo yet
Sign in to add the first photo.
Nymphaea Stellata
Nymphaea stellata
Also known as Blue Lotus, Star Lotus, Blue Star Water Lily
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Nymphaeales›Nymphaeaceae
Nymphaea Stellata is a stunning red water lily with star-shaped leaves that deepen in color under high light conditions. This rooted stem plant produces both submerged and floating leaves, creating a striking visual focal point in the aquarium. It is moderately demanding but rewarding for aquarists willing to provide adequate lighting and nutrients.
Where it's from
Native to Afghanistan, Andaman Is., Assam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China South-Central and 18 more
At a glance
- CO₂
- recommended
- Growth
- Medium
- Placement
- midground
- Temp
- 72–82°F
- 22–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.5
- GH
- 71–143 ppm
- 4–8 dGH
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Compatible livestock
See all 5Non-destructive, will not uproot or damage leaves; helps control algae on plant surfaces
Peaceful scavenger; will not harm the plant and helps maintain tank cleanliness
Gentle algae eater that will not damage lily leaves; prefers calm water
Small, peaceful schooling fish that will not uproot or consume plant matter
Peaceful dwarf cichlid that respects plants; may occasionally dig but generally compatible
Member photos
Photos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.
No photos yet — add a tank with Nymphaea Stellata to be the first!
Sign in to vote.
Common diseases 4Melt on Transition, Iron Deficiency (Chlorosis), Algae on Leaves, Nutrient Deficiency (Macronutrients)
Melt on Transition
Submerged leaves dissolve or turn transparent and mushy when transitioning from emersed to fully submerged growth
Gradually acclimate the plant to submerged conditions; maintain stable water parameters; ensure adequate lighting and CO2; remove dead leaves to prevent rot
Iron Deficiency (Chlorosis)
New leaves emerge pale yellow or white while veins remain green; stunted growth and reduced red coloration
Dose liquid iron fertilizer (chelated iron) 2-3 times per week; ensure pH is not too high; check for adequate lighting which aids nutrient uptake
Algae on Leaves
Green or brown algae coating leaf surfaces, reducing photosynthesis and plant vigor
Manually remove algae with soft brush; increase water circulation; reduce photoperiod if excessive; add algae-eating shrimp; ensure nutrient balance to outcompete algae
Nutrient Deficiency (Macronutrients)
Yellowing of older leaves, slow growth, weak stems, poor red coloration despite adequate lighting
Dose all-in-one fertilizer or separate macronutrient supplements (NPK); perform regular water changes; ensure substrate contains nutrients or use root tabs
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.
The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP) (CC BY 4.0).
At a glance
- CO₂
- recommended
- Growth
- Medium
- Placement
- midground
- Temp
- 72–82°F22–28°C
- pH
- 6.0-7.5
- GH
- 71–143 ppm4–8 dGH
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Keepers’ experiences
Grow Nymphaea Stellata? Share how it's going.
Nobody has shared one yet. A few lines on how it has grown in your tank help the next keeper.