Nymphaea lotus L. (green form; trade name 'green tiger lotus')
A fast-growing African water lily with light-green, brown-spotted leaves; cutting oversized and floating leaves keeps it growing underwater for a long time.
Needs
Care levelModerate
LightMedium
CO₂Not needed
GrowthMedium
HeightUp to 80 cm
Temperature22–28 °C
WhereBack of the tank
Feeds throughRoots (use root tabs)
FamilyNymphaeaceae
Native toTropical Africa and Madagascar (POWO lists natives from Egypt and Senegal south to KwaZulu-Natal, plus Madagascar); introduced in Florida, Louisiana, parts of tropical America and elsewhere
Facts checked against sources on 16 Oct 2026. See sources
How to keep it
Medium to strong light
Give it space from neighbours
Trim floating leaves (and roots) if you want it to stay submersed
Nutrient-rich substrate
Dense planting or weak light (causes overlong leaf stalks)
