Red Lotus / Red Tiger Lotus (Nymphaea zenkeri) is a freshwater bulb plant with broad, heart-shaped leaves in red to burgundy, often with mottled markings. It sits as a midground or background feature.

Under water it can stay as a compact clump of submerged leaves. It may also send pads to the surface. In open-top tanks it can flower white.

Key features

Colour: Red to deep burgundy lily-like leaves. Stronger light usually means richer red.
Cover: Midground to background shade and hiding spots for freshwater fish.
Growth: Moderate to fast. Submerged bush or floating pads, depending how you trim it.
Roots: Heavy feeder. Needs nutrient-rich soil or root tabs.

Water and system compatibility

Water: Freshwater only. Not for marine or reef tanks.
System: Community aquariums and planted tanks. Open-top layouts if you want flowers.

Care


Difficulty	Easy to moderate
Placement	Midground or background
Light	Moderate to high
Temperature	22–28 °C
pH	6.0–7.5
CO₂	Not required. Helps if you want faster growth.

Plant the bulb on or just into the substrate. Do not bury the growing tip. Cut surface pads if you want to keep the plant as a submerged clump.

Floating

Plants - Red Lotus (Red Tiger Lotus)

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