Japanese pond lily, East Asian yellow water-lily, Nymphaea japonica, Nuphar japonica var. stenophylla
Family
Nymphaeaceae (water lily family)
Origin
Japan, Korea and the Russian Far East
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
40 cm
Temperature
10–24°C
pH
6–7.5
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
Medium to high light; CO2 helpful
Flow
Still to slow flow
Care
The Japanese pond lily is a perennial yellow water-lily of lakes, ponds and streams in Japan, Korea and the Russian Far East. It grows from a creeping rhizome 1–3 cm thick and makes submerged, floating or emerged leaves, with blades about 12–35 cm long. Its flowers (4–5 cm) range from yellow to red. The list's common name, spatterdock, is more usually used for North American Nuphar. Wikipedia notes that it is grown in aquaria as well as ponds. In a tank, plant the rhizome on the surface of the substrate in the background and remove floating leaves if you want to keep the wavy submerged ones. The maximum height given is for submerged leaves. It is a temperate plant: it will need a cooler rest in winter and is not a long-term tropical plant. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nupharjaponica); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.
Breeding
Divide the rhizome, keeping a growing point on each piece; side shoots form along the rhizome.
Compatibility and tank mates
Large plant-eating fish and goldfish may nibble the thin submerged leaves. Best for coldwater tanks and ponds.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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