Nymphoides thunbergiana

Nymphoides thunbergiana is a floatingheart species distributed across East Asian wetlands, marshes, and slow rivers. Its round floating leaves provide a lily-pad aesthetic in open-top aquariums, while the submerged runners and leaves contribute structural interest below the surface. It is less demanding than most specialty plants and tolerates a relatively wide range of water conditions, making it accessible to intermediate hobbyists who want the paludarium aesthetic without extreme parameter management.

Light: Medium; 30–60 PAR; floating leaves self-position for optimal light capture. CO2: Not required; optional CO2 can improve submerged leaf development. Water: pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard. Planting: Plant rhizome in substrate or allow floating; trim runners to control spread. Growth: Moderate; manage floating coverage to prevent shading of submerged plants.