Nymphaea zenkeri

Nymphaea zenkeri is native to West Africa, growing in shallow, well-lit waters where it readily forms both submerged rosette leaves and surface floating lily pads. In the aquarium the submerged leaves are the most impressive: broad, wine-red to orange-red, and generously speckled with darker spots, creating a tiger-like pattern. Under high light it grows rapidly and may send floating leaves to the surface — these can be pruned to maintain the submerged rosette form. It grows from a bulb and benefits from rich root nutrition and strong light.

Light: High (60+ PAR); intense light is needed to maintain deep red leaf colour and compact growth. CO2: Beneficial; CO2 injection supports rapid, compact growth and prevents floating leaves from dominating. Fertiliser: Root tab directly under the bulb every 3 months; liquid fertiliser with iron and phosphate weekly. Planting: Plant bulb just below the substrate surface; allow large horizontal space — leaves can spread 30–40 cm. Growth: Fast; trim floating leaves promptly to maintain rosette form; can outcompete other plants without management.