Colorful, patterned leaves
Grows lily pads
Medium light

Tiger lotus is just a beautiful plant with reddish-green to deep red leaves that have darker spots that are often purplish in color. When given medium light and plenty of nutrients, this plant will thrive. As it grows, tiger lotus plants will display its large leaves below the surface of the water while simultaneously sending lily pads up to reach the surface. It does well as a midground to background plant, but because it is so impactful, it can make a great standalone plant as well.

Scientific Name: Nymphaea zenkeri
Native To: Africa
Skill Level: Medium
Placement: Midground to background
Recommended Light: Medium Light 20-35 PAR (click to see our PAR chart)
CO₂ Requirement: None
Preferred Fertilizer: Easy Root Tabs and Easy Green liquid fertilizer
Propagation: Remove side bulbs and replant

***Being a natural product, sizes can vary from what is shown.***

How to Plant Tiger Lotus Bulbs

1. Remove the potted plant from plastic basket, and split the rock wool in half.
2. Carefully remove the plant roots from the rock wool, and make sure to remove all the small, yellow fertilizer balls. Wash off any remaining debris.
3. Place the bulb on top of the substrate or about halfway buried. and then the plant will send roots down into the substrate. Do not bury the bulb, or else the plant may rot and eventually die.
4. If the bulb starts floating, you can either wait for it to sink or place it loosely under a piece of hardscape to keep it weighed down.
5. The plant may come with a few small leaves. However, the leaves are delicate, and it is common for them to be damaged in transit. More leaves will grow about 7–14 days after being planted in an aquarium.

How to Grow Tiger Lotus in Aquarium

— Red tiger lotus care requires medium skill level, so start by using medium lighting between 20-35 PAR.
— Why is my red tiger lotus losing its leaves? If your plant is getting enough light, it may be a nutrient deficiency, so add more Easy Root Tabs into the ground. Also, measure the nitrate level using a multi-test strip. Dose with Easy Green all-in-one fertilizer until the water has 20-50 ppm nitrate.
— How to trim tiger lotus: If the plant has dying or melting leaves, cut them off at the base of the stem closest to the bulb or ground.

How to Propagate Tiger Lotus

Once it becomes well-established, the lotus may start to produce small side shoots or plantlets from the base of the original plant. The plantlet will sprout its own leaves and roots that grow into the ground. Gently remove the side bulb from the parent plant and replant it in a different location.