Nymphaea zenkeri Green

Nymphaea zenkeri Green is the green-leafed form of the West African Tiger Lotus, producing large, rounded leaves in bright apple-green to mid-green with subtle darker freckling. While less flamboyant in colour than the red variety, it has its own appeal — the leaves are often larger and the growth particularly vigorous, with the spotted pattern visible under closer inspection. The bulb is robust and identical in care requirements to the red form.

This variety works especially well in aquascapes where a lush, tropical green look is desired without the intensity of a fully red specimen. It contrasts well against reddish stem plants and warm-toned substrates. Like all tiger lotus varieties, surface leaf management is key to maintaining the plant as a submerged specimen rather than allowing it to become a floating canopy.

The Green Tiger Lotus adapts to a broad range of water parameters and lighting levels, making it an excellent choice for aquarists who want the tiger lotus experience with slightly lower care demands.

Light: Medium (40–80 PAR); tolerates lower light better than the red form. CO2: Not required; injection accelerates growth noticeably. Fertilisation: Root tabs every 8 weeks; liquid fertiliser with macro and micronutrients weekly. Placement: Midground or background; plant bulb with tip just above substrate; remove floating leaves as they appear. Propagation: Daughter bulbs form at the base — separate when they carry independent roots and 2–3 leaves.