Red Tiger Lotus
Nymphaea zenkeri
Also known as Tiger Lotus, Red Lotus, Red Tiger Lotus Bulb, Tiger Lotus Red
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 7 tanksCommunity tanks featuring Red Tiger Lotus.
Compatible Livestock
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
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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)
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.