Red Tiger Lotus

The Red Tiger Lotus (Nymphaea zenkeri) is a dramatic, tuber-rooted water lily native to tropical Africa. Renowned in aquascaping for its broad, arrow-shaped foliage covered in deep purple-red tiger stripes, it serves as a showstopping centerpiece plant in freshwater aquariums.

Name

• Scientific Name: Nymphaea zenkeri

• Common Names: Red Tiger Lotus, Tiger Lotus, Zenkeri Lily

Characteristics

• Appearance: Features wide, heart- or arrow-shaped leaves that vary from vibrant bronze-pink to deep burgundy, decorated with dark red or purple mottled tiger spots.

• Size & Placement: Grows 8–18+ inches (20–45+ cm) tall; ideally placed as a solo centerpiece or midground/background focal point.

• Growth Behavior: Produces both compact underwater leaves and long-stemmed floating surface lily pads. If surface pads are allowed to remain, the plant will prioritize floating leaves and may shade lower plants or bloom with white fragrant flowers at night.

• Heavy Root Feeder: Possesses a strong bulb/tuber system that demands rich nutrient availability in the substrate (iron-rich root tabs are highly recommended). Never bury the bulb completely in gravel—keep the top half exposed to prevent rotting.

Temperature

• Ideal Range: 72°F – 82°F (22°C – 28°C)

• Note: Thrives best in warm, tropical water parameters.

Lighting

• Requirement: Moderate to High

• Note: Strong lighting maintains intense red pigmentation and keeps leaf growth compact near the substrate. Lower light causes stems to stretch upward quickly to reach the surface.

CO2: Not Required

Propagation

• Method: Tuber Division, Runner Plantlets, or Seeds

• How it works:

  1. Runners/Daughter Bulbs: A mature plant sends out short subterranean runners that produce new daughter tubers. Once the daughter plantlet forms its own roots and small leaves, gently separate it from the parent bulb and replant.

  2. Trimming: Regularly clip off long surface lily pad stems at the base to encourage the plant to produce a bushy, compact cluster of underwater leaves instead.