Tropica Nymphoides Hydrophylla Taiwan

Nymphoides hydrophylla 'Taiwan' is a floating-leafed aquatic plant from Southeast Asia and Taiwan, related to the floating heart (Nymphoides peltata) family but with smaller, more compact circular to heart-shaped leaves. In the aquarium, it can be grown as a surface plant (leaves floating at the surface) or as a submerged stem plant where the leaves spread at the midwater level.

The plant's round, bright-green leaves with slightly wavy margins create an attractive tropical appearance, reminiscent of miniature water lily pads. When grown submerged as a stem plant, it produces a distinctive visual effect with multiple floating-heart-shaped leaves arranged vertically along the stem.

Nymphoides hydrophylla 'Taiwan' grows quickly once established and requires relatively little care. It can grow without CO2 and tolerates a wide range of water conditions, making it accessible to intermediate aquarists who want a distinctive-looking plant that doesn't demand a high-tech setup.

The 'Taiwan' designation indicates a specific cultivated form grown by specialist aquatic plant producers including Tropica, typically from tissue culture for clean introduction.

Light: Medium to high light (20–60 PAR) for vigorous growth. Grows without CO2 in medium light.

CO2: Optional. CO2 injection (10–20 mg/L) improves growth rate and leaf quality.

Growing Method: Can be grown as a floating plant or submerged stem plant. As a submerged stem plant, ensure light reaches each leaf node.

Placement: Midground to midwater stem plant or floating surface plant. Groups of 3–7 stems for midground coverage. Control spread to prevent surface overgrowth.

Maintenance: Moderate. Trim frequently to prevent overgrowth. Remove surface leaves if too many are blocking light to lower plants.

Water Parameters: pH 6.0–8.0, temperature 22–28°C. Adaptable.