Nymphaea Tiger Lotus Red

This trade strain of red Tiger Lotus has been selected over multiple generations for the most intense crimson-red leaf coloration and densest spotting pattern achievable from West African Nymphaea zenkeri stock. The bulbs are propagated from high-performing parent plants and deliver consistently vivid results under standard aquarium conditions. Leaf colour ranges from deep crimson to purplish-wine with a thick overlay of darker maroon spots.

Beyond the exceptional colour, this strain is as easy to grow as any standard tiger lotus — vigorous, adaptable, and rewarding for aquarists at all skill levels. It performs particularly well in tanks with warm water (24–28°C), moderate to high light, and a nutrient-rich substrate. Regular root tab supplementation encourages sustained production of large, deeply coloured leaves.

As with all Tiger Lotus, managing surface leaves is important — remove floating pads as they appear to maintain the plant's energy in the submerged rosette and prevent shading of neighbouring plants.

Light: Medium-high (60–110 PAR); deepest crimson tones develop under strong lighting. CO2: Beneficial; enhances both leaf size and colour intensity. Fertilisation: Root tabs every 8 weeks; iron-rich liquid fertiliser weekly. Placement: Midground or background; plant bulb shallowly — growing tip just at substrate surface. Propagation: Separate daughter bulbs from the base once they carry their own roots and leaves.