Nymphaea zenkeri
Also known as: Red Tiger Lotus (selected strain), Tiger Lotus Red
Origin: Africa (West Africa — trade strain)
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.
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