Nymphaea maculata

Scientific name: Nymphaea maculata

Family: Nymphaecaceae

Usual maximum size in aquariums: 25 - 45 cm (9.84 - 17.72 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.3 - 7.4

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 12°N (71.43 - 214.29ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 20 - 30 °C (68 - 86°F)

Reproduction of the plant: Seeds

Origin (in the wild): Africa

How fast these plants grow: Normal

Recommended substrate: Fine gravel

Demands on lighting: Bright

Ideal placement in a fish tank: Background

Common Name

African Tiger Lotus

Propagation

There are two ways of propagating this plant. If the flower stems are allowed to rise above the water surface, the flowers will produce seed if pollinated by a small brush. The seeds can then be potted in moist soil to produce new plants. It is also a rhizome plant so this can be divided into smaller pieces to produce several plants from one rhizome.

Difficulty

Medium

Short Description

There are actually two types of this plant, the Red Tiger Lotus and the Green Tiger Lotus. Although the colouration is different, the leaf shape is exactly the same and they produce similar flowers. They are classed as a specimen plant and should be given plenty of room in the aquarium to grow. If flowers are not required, the flower stems can be pinched off before they reach the water surface.