Tiger Lotus Care Guide

Scientific Name: Nymphaea zenkeri
Common Names: Tiger Lotus, Red Tiger Lotus, Dwarf Lily
Family: Nymphaeaceae
Origin: West Africa

The Tiger Lotus is a striking aquatic plant known for its vibrant red or green leaves with tiger-like mottling. This bulb plant can grow both submerged and emersed, with its distinctive broad leaves and occasional floating pads bringing dramatic color and texture to aquascapes. Ideal for midground or background placement, the Tiger Lotus thrives in a range of aquarium setups and provides a bold focal point in any tank.

Tiger Lotus is a bulb-based aquatic plant that produces broad, heart-shaped or ovate leaves. These leaves often display vivid red or green hues with dark speckling, resembling the stripes of a tiger. When allowed to grow freely, it may produce floating lily pads and even flowers under the right conditions. It’s a fast grower and can become a showpiece plant in both low- and high-tech aquariums.

Key Characteristics:

• Growth Form: Bulb-based, with upright or floating foliage
   
• Color: Red, burgundy, green with mottled or spotted patterns
   
• Leaf Shape: Broad and round, with wavy edges
   
• Placement: Midground or background
   
• Aquascaping Use: Focal plant, color contrast, natural-style layouts
   

Tiger Lotus is fairly adaptable but thrives best in stable, tropical conditions.

• Temperature: 72°F – 82°F (22°C – 28°C)
   
• pH: 6.0 – 7.5
   
• Hardness: 3 – 10 dGH
   
• KH: 2 – 8 dKH
   
• CO₂: Not required but improves coloration and growth
   

This plant tolerates soft to moderately hard water and will adapt to a wide range of community tanks.

Tiger Lotus can adapt to moderate to high lighting, though higher light levels enhance its rich coloration and growth rate.

• Moderate Light: Encourages compact, submerged growth
   
• High Light: Promotes deep red tones and faster growth
   
• Low Light: Tolerated, but may lead to less color and leggier growth
   

Photoperiod: 8–10 hours/day
Tip: Trim floating leaves regularly to encourage bushy, underwater growth

If floating leaves reach the surface, they can shade other plants below—regular maintenance is recommended in planted tanks.

Tiger Lotus is a relatively low-maintenance plant when planted correctly and given the proper nutrients.

• Substrate: Nutrient-rich soil or gravel
   
• Root Feeder: Yes—plant absorbs most nutrients from the roots
   
• Placement: Partially bury bulb in substrate (1/3 visible above surface)
   

Important: Do not fully bury the bulb—it may rot. Roots will grow from the bottom of the bulb once established.

Tiger Lotus is a heavy root feeder, benefiting greatly from nutrient-rich substrates or root tabs.

• Macronutrients: Needs nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus for lush growth
   
• Micronutrients: Iron is especially important for maintaining deep red leaf coloration
   
• Routine: Use root tabs near the bulb every 2–3 months and supplement with liquid ferts for balanced growth
   

CO₂ is not essential, but under high-tech setups, it will produce vibrant growth and large leaves quickly.

• Trimming: Cut off floating leaves at the base to promote underwater leaf production
   
• Control: Remove excess runners or thin out if plant becomes too dominant
   
• Water Flow: Moderate to low flow preferred to avoid tearing large leaves
   

Tiger Lotus can quickly overtake a section of the tank if left untrimmed, so regular maintenance is key.

Tiger Lotus propagates naturally through bulbs and daughter plants.

Propagation Steps:

1. Mature bulbs may sprout multiple growing points or offset bulbs.
    
2. Once these new shoots develop their own roots and leaves, gently separate them from the parent bulb.
    
3. Replant the daughter bulbs partially in the substrate with the top exposed.
    
4. New plants will grow independently under suitable conditions.
    

You can also grow Tiger Lotus from dormant bulbs purchased dry—just rinse and place on top of the substrate until roots develop.

• Eye-Catching Focal Plant: Rich red tones add dramatic color
   
• Versatile Growth: Can be shaped to remain compact or produce floating pads
   
• Provides Shade: Floating leaves can help reduce algae by shading lower areas
   
• Fast Growth: Fills out spaces quickly with proper care
   
• Compatible with Most Tank Mates: Tolerant of shrimp, tetras, cichlids, and more
   

IssueCauseSolutionBulb rotBulb fully buried in substrateKeep top of bulb exposed above substrateWeak colorationLack of iron or lightIncrease lighting or add iron supplementsExcess floating leavesHigh light, maturityTrim regularly to keep growth submergedSlow/no sprouting bulbDormant state or unsuitable conditionsBe patient; provide warmth, light, and nutrients  

Tiger Lotus is a captivating aquatic plant that brings vivid color, bold structure, and fast growth to planted tanks. It can be trimmed for a compact look or allowed to send up floating pads and even flowers. With proper planting, moderate to high light, and rich root nutrition, it becomes a beautiful and dynamic centerpiece that enhances the depth and vibrancy of any aquascape.