Green Lotus (Nymphaea micrantha)

Nymphaea micrantha, the Green Lotus or Green Tiger Lotus, is a vigorous West African water lily that produces attractive olive-green to light green leaves with subtle darker spotting — offering a softer, cooler color palette compared to the striking red N. zenkeri variety. Like all tiger lotus species it grows rapidly, alternating between producing broad underwater leaves and sending lily pad-like floating leaves to the surface. A remarkable reproductive feature: floating leaves frequently develop small adventitious plantlets directly on the leaf surface, which can be separated once they develop roots and grown on as new plants. To maintain the aquarium-friendly submerged growth form, regularly remove floating leaves as they appear, which encourages the plant to produce the broader, more decorative underwater form.

Plant the bulb in nutrient-rich substrate, leaving the top half of the bulb exposed — burying it completely causes rot. No CO2 required but recommended for faster, more compact growth. Provide medium lighting. Remove floating leaves regularly to keep submerged growth dominant. In nutrient-poor water, supplement with root tabs or liquid fertilizer. Fast-growing — thin surrounding plants to prevent shading. The bulb contains the plant's energy reserves; do not discard if leaves die back temporarily.