Pink water-lily, Nymphaea lotus var. pubescens, Castalia pubescens
Family
Nymphaeaceae (water lily family)
Origin
Tropical Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, southern China, Taiwan, Indochina, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines), New Guinea and north-eastern Australia
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
40 cm
Temperature
20–30°C
pH
6.5–8
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
High light; CO2 helpful
Care
The hairy water lily is a tropical lily of shallow lakes and ponds in South and South-east Asia and northern Australia. Its toothed leaves are about 15–40 cm long, with hairs on the underside, and its white to pink or purple flowers (about 15 cm) open at night and close by day. Wikipedia notes it is used as an aquarium plant for large tanks. Plant it as a specimen in a rich substrate and remove floating leaves to keep it submerged; it needs plenty of light to colour up and flower. It does not tolerate water below about 15 °C and prefers water that is not acidic. The temperature and pH range are our estimate based on Wikipedia's notes; the maximum size is the leaf length. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nymphaeapubescens); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.
Breeding
Separate young plants that form on runners or offsets from the rhizome; it can also be raised from seed.
Compatibility and tank mates
Goldfish and large cichlids may eat or uproot it. Needs a large tropical tank; floating leaves shade other plants.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
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Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
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