Red Tiger Lotus Bulb (Nymphaea zenkeri) – Bold Centerpiece Plant for Natural Aquariums
A centerpiece that grows from a single bulb.
Tiger Lotus (Nymphaea lotus, sold as N. zenkeri) grows broad, mottled red leaves from a single bulb. It can spread about 20 inches, and it may even flower at the surface.
The problem
Showpiece plants usually need CO2 and fertilizer. Tiger lotus needs something simpler: food at the roots.
The Father Fish way
It's a heavy root feeder, and a soil base under sand is what it wants, with no root tabs.
Your plan
- Nest the bulb, don't bury it. Press the lower part of the bulb into the sand cap and keep the top and shoots exposed. Never push it down into the soil. Roots grow down to the soil. Not sure which way is up? Float it until shoots appear.
- Trim the pads. As it settles it sends leaves to the surface. Cut them at the base to keep the plant low and let light reach the plants below.
- Don't panic at a rest. Bulbs sometimes drop their leaves and resprout later.
What you get
- 1 red tiger lotus bulb. Sprouting guaranteed.
- Up to about 20 inches high and wide, best in 20+ gallon tanks
- Medium light (more light brings deeper red). 72–82°F.
Why it matters
A buried bulb rots. A nested bulb in living soil becomes the showpiece of the tank.
FAQ
- Red or green? This is the red form. The color deepens under stronger light.
- How deep do I plant it? Part of the bulb in the sand, top exposed.
- Why are there leaves at the surface? That's normal. Trim them to keep it low.
- It lost its leaves. Likely a rest period. Leave the bulb in place.
