Here are complete details about the Red Lily aquarium plant, a beautiful and popular bulb plant often used as a centerpiece in freshwater planted tanks: 🌿 Red Lily – Overview...
Here are complete details about the Red Lily aquarium plant, a beautiful and popular bulb plant often used as a centerpiece in freshwater planted tanks:
Common Name: Red Tiger Lotus, Red Lily
Scientific Name: Nymphaea zenkeri
Family: Nymphaeaceae
Origin: West Africa (especially Cameroon and surrounding regions)
Type: Bulb plant (true aquatic lily)
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Height | 20 – 50 cm (can grow even taller with floating leaves) |
Width | 15 – 30 cm spread |
Leaf Color | Reddish-brown to deep red with marbled green or purple spots |
Leaf Shape | Heart- or oval-shaped; some submerged, others float |
Growth Rate | Moderate to Fast |
Type | Description |
---|---|
Light Level | Medium to High |
Ideal | Strong lighting enhances red coloration |
Effect | Low light = more green leaves; High light = deep red tones |
Parameter | Ideal Range |
---|---|
Temperature | 22 – 28°C (72 – 82°F) |
pH | 6.0 – 7.5 |
Hardness | Soft to moderately hard (3 – 12 dGH) |
CO₂ | Not required but beneficial for faster, richer growth |
Tank Position: Midground or background
Planting Method: Do not bury the bulb completely—leave the top half exposed above the substrate
Substrate: Nutrient-rich preferred (aqua soil or gravel with root tabs)
Floating Leaves: May produce lily pads; can be trimmed to encourage compact underwater growth
Method | Details |
---|---|
By Bulb | New bulbs form from the base or offshoots |
How to Replant | Let new bulbs detach naturally or gently separate and replant |
Flowering | Can bloom with small purple or white flowers if floating leaves are allowed to mature and reach the surface |
Element | Notes |
---|---|
Root Tabs | Highly recommended – heavy root feeder |
Liquid Fertilizer | Supports overall coloration and growth |
CO₂ Injection | Optional – boosts growth, especially under high light |
Fish Compatibility: Safe with most fish, including tetras, barbs, gouramis, bettas
Shrimp-Friendly: Yes – large leaves offer great hiding spots
Avoid With: Large herbivores like goldfish and silver dollars (may nibble leaves)
Works best as a focal point plant in mid or back of the tank
Adds color contrast in green-themed or nature-style tanks
Ideal for Dutch-style and low-maintenance setups
Can be combined with carpeting plants like dwarf hairgrass for contrast
Trim floating leaves if you want to encourage shorter, submerged leaf growth
Bulbs may go dormant; don’t discard if it stops growing—wait and it may regrow
Avoid planting the bulb too deep—bulb rot is a common mistake
Remove yellowing or old leaves to prevent algae buildup
Leaves may get algae if lighting is too high without balancing nutrients
Stunning red to maroon color – adds a dramatic accent
Easy to grow and low-maintenance once established
Grows well even in low-tech tanks
Natural shelter and spawning site for fish
May flower in mature tanks
Can dominate smaller tanks with large leaves
May need regular pruning to control floating pads
Sensitive to bulb planting depth
Can block light if floating leaves spread too much
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