Nymphoides hydrophylla

Nymphoides hydrophylla is native to Taiwan and parts of Southeast Asia and India, growing in warm, shallow ponds and rice field margins. In the aquarium it produces attractive, rounded to kidney-shaped floating leaves in deep green on long, flexible petioles rising from a compact root mass. The leaf surface is smooth and glossy, somewhat resembling a miniature water lily pad. Small white flowers with fringed petals appear at the water surface in warm conditions, adding further ornamental interest.

This is a fast-growing, vigorous species that adapts well to a range of aquarium conditions. It performs best in warm water (24–28°C) with medium to high lighting, developing denser and more abundant floating pads under bright conditions. In lower light the plant extends longer petioles in search of the surface and produces fewer leaves. Regular harvesting of excess floating growth keeps the plant tidy and prevents it from shading out other plants.

Nymphoides hydrophylla is an excellent and underappreciated species for open-top planted tanks, providing a natural, pond-like aesthetic and offering good surface cover for surface-dwelling fish.

Light: Medium-high (50–100 PAR or equivalent natural light); compact, dense growth under high light. CO2: Not required; beneficial for faster, more compact leaf production. Fertilisation: Weekly liquid fertiliser at standard dose; benefits from a nutrient-rich substrate. Placement: Midground or background of open-top tanks; allow surface access for floating pad development. Propagation: Runners spread across the substrate; cut and replant independent-rooted sections.