Tiger lotus (Nymphaea lotus) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Egyptian white water-lily, White Egyptian lotus, Red tiger lotus, Nymphaea lotus var. rubra, Nymphaea zenkeri
Family
Nymphaeaceae (water lily family)
Origin
Tropical Africa (Tropica says West Africa) and South-east Asia
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
80 cm
Temperature
22–28°C
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
Medium light; CO2 not needed

Care

Tiger lotus is a tropical water lily grown from a bulb-like rhizome. In the aquarium it first makes many underwater leaves, rounded and toothed, in green to red-brown, usually blotched with purple, which is where the name comes from. Tropica sells it in red and green forms; the list also mentions var. rubra, and the plant sold as Nymphaea zenkeri is now treated as the same species. Use it as a single specimen plant in a large tank: it reaches 20–30 cm or more in two months and can grow to 20–80 cm. Press the bulb into a rich substrate, leaving the top uncovered. In time it sends up floating leaves on long stalks; if you want to keep the plant compact and underwater, cut these off (and trim long roots). Left to grow, it may flower at the surface in open-topped tanks; the white, scented flowers open at night. Tropica rates it medium difficulty with medium light and low CO2 needs. Wikipedia gives warm water of 22–28 °C. A nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs help. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nymphaealotus); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Mature plants send out runners (stolons) that form new plantlets, which can be cut free once they have roots and leaves. If flowers are pollinated it also sets seed.

Compatibility and tank mates

Fairly robust, but large cichlids may uproot young bulbs and goldfish eat the softer leaves. Its floating leaves will shade other plants. A good centrepiece for tropical community tanks.

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

About Aquatic-Auctions

  • Aquatic-Auctions (aquatic-auctions.com) is a UK online marketplace for aquarium and pond livestock and equipment: tropical and marine fish, corals, shrimp, snails and other invertebrates, aquatic plants, tanks, filtration, lighting and food.
  • Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
  • Buyers pay sellers directly; Aquatic-Auctions does not hold the money. Hobbyist sellers must offer PayPal and may also take cash on collection. Business sellers take PayPal (required) or cash on collection, and bank transfer only once they have a seller rating of 50 out of 100, a company and pet-selling licence checked by Aquatic-Auctions, a bank account in the company's name, and bank details approved by Aquatic-Auctions.
  • Buyers are told to pay by PayPal Goods & Services, never PayPal Friends and Family, gift cards or crypto.
  • 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).
  • Aquatic-Auctions is run by Etavonni Tech Limited trading as Aquatic-Auctions (company number 10204188), Aldershot, Hampshire, UK. Contact: info@aquatic-auctions.com.