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Red Tiger Lotus
Nymphaea zenkeri
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Nymphaeales›Nymphaeaceae
📍 Southeast Asia
The red tiger lotus produces large, dramatic maroon-red leaves with speckled patterns. Without high light and CO2 it will send leaves to the surface; regular trimming of surface leaves encourages bushy underwater growth. An impressive centrepiece plant for larger tanks.
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Tanks keeping this 🌿
Growing in 2 tanksCommunity tanks featuring Red Tiger Lotus.
Tank Mates
Algae-eating fish that won't damage plant leaves and help maintain tank cleanliness
Peaceful bottom-dweller that respects plants and thrives in the same warm water parameters
Small, non-aggressive schooling fish that won't uproot or damage delicate plant structures
Beneficial invertebrate that grazes algae and won't harm the plant; adds visual interest
Excellent companion plant with similar care needs; creates a lush, layered aquascape
Low-light tolerant plant that complements the Red Tiger Lotus in mixed planted layouts
Common Diseases
Nutrient Deficiency (Iron/Macro)
Yellowing or pale leaves, stunted growth, loss of red coloration despite adequate light
Increase fertilizer dosing; add iron supplements and all-in-one fertilizers; verify substrate quality and consider root tabs
Algae Overgrowth on Leaves
Green or brown algae coating leaf surfaces, reduced photosynthesis, visible film on plant tissue
Reduce light duration to 8-10 hours daily; increase water changes; add algae-eating fish or shrimp; manually remove affected leaves
Melting (Tissue Decay)
Leaves becoming translucent, mushy, or dissolving; rapid deterioration after planting
Ensure stable water parameters (pH 5.5–7.5, temperature 22–28°C); increase CO2 if available; remove decaying tissue; improve water circulation
Slow Growth or Stunting
Minimal new leaf development, small leaves, lack of vigor despite adequate lighting
Verify CO2 injection is active; increase fertilizer frequency; check substrate for compaction; ensure light intensity is high (8+ hours daily)
Varieties
Tips from the community 💡
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Quick Facts
- co2
- Recommended
- diet
- Root feeder – requires rich substrate
- light
- High
- tank size
- 30 gallons minimum
- growth rate
- Fast
Water it likes
- ph
- 5.5–7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <30 ppm
- hardness
- 2–15 dGH
- temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)