Nymphea red

Nymphaea red (Red), scientific name Nymphaea lotus, breeding form “Red”. It is an ornamental variety of the Tiger Nymphaeum – one of the species of the Water Lily, widespread in tropical and subtropical Africa.

The plant has left its mark on history, it is known for being an important part of religious beliefs in ancient Egypt, along with the Blue Lotus (Nymphaea caerulea).

Not to be confused with the Indian lotus flower (Nelumbo nucifera), which is not related to water lilies. Also under the name “Nymphaea red” other species with red leaves are conceived, for example, Fluffy water lily (Nymphaea pubescens) or one of the color forms of Nymphaea glandulifera.

This breeding form is considered one of the most popular aquarium plants. A distinctive feature are large heart-shaped leaves with an uneven surface of rich red or burgundy color. Leaf blades are located on long petioles and are collected in a rosette, forming a bush. In favorable conditions, the size of the leaves reaches 14–18 cm in diameter.

Keeping in an aquarium

Nymphea red needs bright light, warm soft slightly acidic water and nutritious soil. It is advisable to use special aquarium soil. If the plant is in a low reservoir, and the daylight hours last more than 8-9 hours, then it will begin to stretch in height and, as a rule, produce emersed leaves. Leaf blades floating on the surface acquire the usual green color. Flowering may occur during this time.

It should be noted that many decorative forms are successfully adapted to growth in hard slightly alkaline water, so the hydrochemical composition is not critical, unlike lighting and soil.