Nymphaea Micranta

Nymphaea Mikranta or Nymphea viviparous, scientific name Nymphaea micrantha. The plant is native to West Africa. The natural habitat extends from Senegal to Cameroon. It grows in shallow water on silty substrates in places well lit by the sun.

In aquariums, the most popular decorative variety is “Speckled”, bred in 1995 by Dennerle (Winningen, Germany). Its light green leaves have a pattern of reddish brown spots. The size of the leaf blade is about 7–11 cm.

The wild form of Nymphea Mikranta is somewhat larger. Leaf plates reach a length of up to 18 cm, and a width of up to 14 cm. The color of the leaves is uniform green, without pronounced specks.

One of the propagation methods of this plant is the formation of a young sprout directly on the basis of the attachment of the leaf blade and petiole (second image). By carefully separating it and planting it in the ground, you can get a young sprout. A similar feature is reflected in the name of the species – “viviparous”.

Favorable conditions for growth are achieved in a spacious aquarium, a high level of lighting and nutrient soil. If there is not enough light, the plant begins to “stretch”, rushing to the surface and loses the brightness of the flowers, becoming pale. Mineral-poor soil also leads to wilting. Top dressing is recommended, for example, in the form of red clay balls placed under the roots or special fertilizers.