Nymphaea rubra

Native to India and Bangladesh, Nymphaea rubra inhabits warm, slow-moving tropical waterways where it grows in shallow, nutrient-rich conditions. In the aquarium it produces rounded to slightly angular leaves in a vivid spectrum from deep magenta-pink to brick-red, with contrasting blood-red undersides clearly visible when leaves tilt in gentle current. The colour is most intense on young leaves and under strong, full-spectrum lighting.

Nymphaea rubra grows vigorously in warm, well-lit aquariums and benefits from a rich substrate supplemented with root tabs. It is more demanding of light than N. lotus or N. zenkeri and performs best in high-tech setups with CO2 injection and strong lighting. Under optimal conditions it can become quite large and will send floating pads to the surface if unchecked — regular removal of surface growth maintains the submerged red rosette at its most striking.

This species is a spectacular choice for open-top aquariums, large biotope setups representing Indian river systems, and as a statement focal plant in high-light Dutch-style layouts.

Light: High (80–150 PAR); colour rapidly fades under insufficient light. CO2: Beneficial; significantly improves leaf size and colour depth. Fertilisation: Root tabs every 6 weeks; generous weekly liquid iron and trace element dosing. Placement: Background or large midground; give ample room — leaves can span 30+ cm across. Propagation: Produces side bulbs; may also flower and set seed in warm, open-top conditions.