Description:
The Red Tiger Lotus known as the Nymphaea lotus var. 'Red, is a distinguished aquatic plant known for its striking appearance in aquariums and ponds. It boasts large, round leaves that can grow up to 15-30cm in diameter and the plant itself can grow 70-80cm tall, the leaves can be cut at the lower stem to keep the plan shorter and more bushy, if left to grow to the surface all the leaves will shoot for the surface and create lily pads. Initially dark brown, these leaves transition to a deep red or reddish-brown hue as they mature, particularly under higher light conditions. The plant features robust reddish-brown stems that anchor it firmly in the substrate, complemented by delicate, branching roots.
Growth Habit:
The Tiger Lotus is characterised by its distinctive bulb, which should be planted beneath the substrate to facilitate proper rooting and growth. Under favourable conditions, the Red Tiger Lotus exhibits vigorous growth. It sends lily-like pads to the water's surface and may produce delicate blooms, further enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
Aquascape Use:
The Red Tiger Lotus is favoured in aqua scaping for its dramatic colour contrast and impressive leaf size. It serves as a captivating focal point in midground or background placements, adding height and visual interest to aquatic layouts.
Caring for Red Tiger Lotus:
To ensure optimal growth and vibrant colouration of the lotus in your aquarium, follow these care guidelines:
- Substrate and Nutrients:
Provide the Red Tiger Lotus with a nutrient-rich substrate such as aqua soil and supplement with root tabs. This ensures the plant has access to essential nutrients for robust growth and health.
- Fertilisation:
Regularly use aquarium fertilisers to enhance colouration and promote healthy growth. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer bottle for precise dosing to avoid over-fertilisation.
- Iron Supplementation:
Dosing iron can intensify the red coloration of the Red Tiger Lotus leaves. Use a chelated iron supplement designed for aquatic plants, following recommended guidelines for safe and effective application.
- CO2 Injection:
Consider injecting CO2 into your aquarium setup to optimize growth and bring out the full vibrancy of the Red Tiger Lotus. CO2 supplementation can significantly enhance plant health and appearance.
- Maintenance:
Regularly monitor water parameters and plant health to ensure conditions remain optimal. Trim any yellowing or damaged leaves to promote new growth and maintain the plant's aesthetic appeal.
By following these care practices, you can cultivate a thriving and visually stunning Red Tiger Lotus in your aquarium, enhancing the beauty of your aquatic environment.
Compatibility:
While generally compatible with a variety of fish and invertebrates, care should be taken to ensure herbivorous species do not disturb the delicate leaves or roots of the Red Tiger Lotus.
Please note: As with most live aquatic plants, hitchhikers such as snails, duckweed, or algae may occasionally be present. We inspect and rinse all plants before dispatch though sometimes these unwanted guests may slip through the cracks, for full sterilisation steps, see our Acclimation Guide tab above!
Care Guide:
- Species – Nymphaea lotus var. 'Red'
- Common Name – Red Tiger Lotus
- Origin – Africa
- Lighting – Moderate to High
- Tank Level – Mid to Back
- Care Level – Easy
- CO2 Requirements – Low
- Growth Rate – Moderate to Fast
- PH Range – 6.5 – 7.5
- Temperature – Tropical 23 – 27°c
- Size – Grows to approximately 20 – 80cm tall
- Propagation – Bulb, runners
Acclimation Guide:
- Rinse, Inspect & Sterilise: Remove the plants from the bag. Rinse gently under room-temperature tap water to remove residual shipping water.
- Carefully inspect for damaged or decaying leaves and trim them off as needed, this helps the plant stay healthy and put all its attention towards growing all the remaining healthy leaves.
As with most live aquatic plants, regardless of source, hitchhikers such as snails (learn how to control them), duckweed, or algae may occasionally be present despite our pre-dispatch inspection and rinse.
For peace of mind, we recommend using Blue Planet Snail Rid or performing a bleach dip before introducing plants to your tank:
- Mix 20 cups of water to 1 cup of plain bleach (no additives or scents) in a bucket or container
- Using gloves or other protective gear submerge plants completely in the solution for 2 minutes
- Remove plants from bleach dip, dispose of the chlorine water and soak the plant in dechlorinated water in a different container (add water Conditioner such as Aquasonic Power or equivalent to remove chlorine residue from the plant) for 3 minutes (stir the water around to make sure the water conditioner is completely mixed through)
- Tip out the water and repeat the dechlorinated soak once more with water conditioner to make sure all signs of chlorine are removed
- One more thorough rinse with tap water and now your plant should be completely pest free and you can plant as normal
⚠️ Not suitable for delicate plants like Val, tiger lotus or mosses, use a diluted solution or skip to a plain water rinse for these.
⚠️ If under 18, please have a parent or guardian supervise when handling chemicals.
- Optional - Quarantine: To further prevent introducing pests or algae into your main aquarium, consider quarantining the plants in a separate container, tank or bucket for a few days.
- Planting: Gently plant the rinsed and trimmed plants into your aquarium substrate. For rooted plants, bury the roots just enough to anchor them, ensuring the crown (where the roots meet the stem) remains above the substrate. For floating plants, keep them floating on the surface, their leaves and roots will adjust to your tank's conditions naturally. For rhizome plants like Anubias or Java Fern, attach them to rocks or driftwood using thread or aquarium-safe glue, keeping the rhizome exposed to prevent rot.
- Monitor and Maintain: It's normal for new plants to exhibit some melting or leaf loss as they adjust. Maintain stable water parameters and provide appropriate lighting to support their acclimation. Avoid major water changes or adding new livestock for the first 24 hours to give the plants time to settle in.
For more detailed steps and tips, feel free to visit our Acclimation Guide to help make the transition as smooth as possible for your new fish and plants.
Red Tiger Lotus
Red Tiger Lotus
Out of stock
Need more details? Everything about shipping, care and guarantees is just below.
Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee
Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee
✅ Healthy Fish Guarantee - All orders are covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee with DOA (Dead On Arrival) policies in place for peace of mind.
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Tank Requirements - Quick Overview
Tank Requirements - Quick Overview
If your aquarium is new, it may not be fully cycled yet. Newly set up tanks benefit from being fully cycled before adding fish, this process helps your new fish stay happy and healthy. Depending on your tank size, cycling can take up to 4–6 weeks or even longer, but there are ways to speed up this process to just a few days! If your tank has already been running for a while, you’re already good to go! Not sure what cycling means? Check out our guide on The Nitrogen Cycle for an easy explanation on what it is, and why it is important for your aquarium to thrive.
🐟 Want expert tips for your aquarium? Beginners can start with How to set up your aquarium, while everyone can check out Aquarium Maintenece & Care for ongoing tank tips!
How We Package & Ship Your Fish - Video
How We Package & Ship Your Fish - Video
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Tank Mate Compatibility
✅ Compatible With
- Bottom Dwellers — Corydoras, Kuhli Loaches and other peaceful bottom-dwelling fish appreciate the broad leaves for shelter, resting and exploring.
- Peaceful Community Fish — Tetras, Rasboras, Rainbowfish and other non-destructive species thrive alongside Red Tiger Lotus without damaging its leaves.
- Shy & Territorial Fish — Bettas, Dwarf Cichlids, Discus and Angelfish benefit from the shaded cover, while Discus and Angelfish may even use the large leaves as spawning sites.
- Low-Growing Plants — Carpet plants such as Monte Carlo, Dwarf Hairgrass and Pygmy Chain Sword create an attractive contrast beneath the striking red foliage.
- Nutrient-Rich Aquariums — Aquariums with quality nutrient substrates and regular root tab supplementation provide the ideal conditions for healthy growth.
❌ Avoid or Use Caution
- Large Digging Fish — Oscars, large Central and South American Cichlids, Goldfish and other digging species can uproot the bulb and damage the root system.
- Heavy Plant Eaters — Fish that regularly graze or tear at plants may damage the leaves and reduce the plant's appearance.
- Dense Floating Plants — Duckweed, Salvinia and other fast-spreading floating plants can block the strong light Red Tiger Lotus requires for vibrant growth and colour.
- Small Aquariums — Without frequent pruning, Red Tiger Lotus can quickly outgrow nano tanks, shading or overcrowding surrounding plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big does a Red Tiger Lotus grow?
Red Tiger Lotus can vary greatly in size depending on how it is maintained. If left untrimmed, it can reach 70–80cm tall by sending leaves to the water's surface where they develop into lily pads. Regularly trimming these taller stems encourages the plant to remain shorter, bushier, and produce more submerged leaves, making it suitable for a wider range of aquarium sizes.
Does a Red Tiger Lotus need CO₂?
No. Red Tiger Lotus grows well without CO₂ injection, making it an excellent choice for low-tech planted aquariums. However, adding CO₂ will encourage faster growth, larger leaves, and more vibrant red colouration.
How do I plant the Red Tiger Lotus bulb?
The bulb should only be partially buried in the substrate, leaving the top of the bulb exposed. Completely burying the bulb can cause it to rot before it begins growing. A nutrient-rich substrate or the addition of root tabs will help establish strong root growth.
Why is my Red Tiger Lotus sending leaves to the surface?
This is completely normal. As the plant matures, it naturally produces long stems that reach the surface and form floating lily pads. If you prefer a compact, bushier appearance, simply trim these taller stems near the base before they reach the surface.
Why aren't my leaves turning red?
Leaf colour depends largely on lighting and nutrition. Under moderate lighting, leaves may appear bronze or reddish-brown. Higher light levels, regular fertiliser dosing, and adequate iron supplementation will help bring out the rich red colour this plant is known for.
Does the Red Tiger Lotus need root tabs?
Yes, it is highly recommended. Red Tiger Lotus is a heavy root feeder and grows best in nutrient-rich aquasoil or with regular root tab supplementation. While liquid fertilisers are beneficial, most of the plant's nutrients are absorbed through its extensive root system.
Is the Red Tiger Lotus suitable for beginners?
Yes. Despite its impressive appearance, Red Tiger Lotus is considered an easy aquarium plant. It tolerates a wide range of aquarium conditions and grows successfully without CO₂, making it an excellent choice for beginners looking to add a striking centrepiece to their aquascape.
Can I keep Red Tiger Lotus with fish and shrimp?
Yes. Red Tiger Lotus is compatible with most peaceful community fish and freshwater shrimp. However, herbivorous fish or plant-eating species may damage the leaves. Shrimp will often graze on the leaves without harming the plant and can help keep them free of algae.
Can the Red Tiger Lotus flower underwater?
Under ideal conditions, mature Red Tiger Lotus plants may produce beautiful white, lightly fragrant flowers once floating leaves have reached the surface. While flowering is less common in aquariums than in outdoor ponds, it is a sign of a healthy, well-established plant.
How fast does Red Tiger Lotus grow?
Growth is considered moderate to fast depending on lighting, nutrients, and CO₂ availability. Under ideal conditions, new leaves can appear every few days, and the plant may quickly become a dominant feature in the aquarium if not regularly pruned.
