Red and blue water lily (Nymphaea stellata) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Nymphaea nouchali, Blue lotus, Star lotus, Dwarf aquarium lily, Dwarf red lily, Blue star water lily
Family
Nymphaeaceae (water lily family)
Origin
Southern and eastern Asia, from Afghanistan and India to Taiwan, South-east Asia and Australia
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
150 cm
Temperature
22–30°C
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
Medium to high light; CO2 helpful

Care

Nymphaea stellata is an older name for Nymphaea nouchali, the blue or star lotus, a day-flowering tropical water lily of still or slow, shallow water across southern Asia to Australia. Its leaves are round and wavy-edged, about 20–23 cm across, green above and usually darker beneath; one plant can spread about 1.5 m (the maximum size given). The star-shaped flowers are usually white or blue, but violet, pink and cream forms exist. It is a popular aquarium plant, often sold as dwarf lily or dwarf red lily. Plant the bulb or rhizome in a rich substrate as a specimen. Some aquarists let it reach the surface to flower; others cut off the floating pads to keep a mound of colourful underwater leaves. The sources give no water figures. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nymphaeanouchali); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Separate offsets or plantlets from runners once they have roots. It can also be grown from seed.

Compatibility and tank mates

Goldfish and large cichlids may eat the leaves or uproot the bulb. Floating pads shade the tank below. Suits tropical tanks and warm outdoor tubs in summer.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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