• Scientific name: Nymphaea lotus
• Common name: Tiger lotus
• Family: Nymphaeaceae
• Group: Aquarium plants
• Max height: 40 cm
• Distribution: East Africa, Southeast Asia
• Habitat: Shallow, temporary pools and small lakes or slow-moving waters.
• Substrate: Fine gravel
• Placement in aquarium: Background to middleground
• Planting density: 1 plant for 20 cm²
• Lighting needs: Bright
• Temperature: 22-28°C
• pH: 5,5-7,5
• Hardness: 3-12 NK°

Description: Nymphaea lotus is a water lily popular with and often kept by aquarists. Two color formations are regularly commercially available ('red' and 'green' cultivars). Both are defined by their rapid, unproblematic growth. Under optimum conditions these solitary plants grow very large and require spacious aquariums. This tropical lily makes an ideal display species in large aquariums and a fine centerpiece in small tanks. The leaves will grow up to 20 cm long, and if left to spread, will quickly reach the surface, where they float and provide shade in the aquarium. The plant can be kept compact and submerged by continual pruning of larger and/or floating leaves and with bright lighting. Flowers, however, will develop only after the formation of severalfloating leaves. Flowers are comparatievly rare in aquariums (night flowering plant). The roots of estabilished plants spread rapidly through the substrate and may be trimmed to keep the plant from spreading. The species prospers well in soft and hard water, although soft, mederately acid water is best. Vegetative propagation occurs on strong plants through runners.