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Nymphaea lotus 'rot'
Nymphaea lotus 'rot'
Nymphaea lotus 'rot', also known as the red lotus lily, is a captivating aquatic plant prized for its vibrant foliage and rapid growth rate. This species thrives as a midground plant in aquariums, where its submerged and floating leaves create a striking visual centerpiece.
Class:Liliopsida
Order:Nymphaeales
Family:Nymphaeaceae
Genus:Nymphaea
Species:Nymphaea lotus 'rot'
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Water Temperature
15 - 30 °C
pH Value
5 - 8
Water type
Freshwater
Light
Medium to High
CO2
High
Expected height
50 cm
Expected width
50 cm
KH
2 - 14 dKH
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: The wild Nymphaea lotus species originates from the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Southeast Asia, where it flourishes in slow-moving rivers, ponds, and lakes. The 'rot' variety is a specific cultivar selected for its distinctive reddish hues, not being a native species of a particular geographical location with these exact characteristics. In its natural habitat, water lilies typically colonize areas with muddy substrates and calm waters, benefiting from abundant sunlight.
Taxonomy & Genetics: Nymphaea lotus 'rot' belongs to the Nymphaeaceae family, an ancient lineage of aquatic plants. This particular cultivar, 'rot' (meaning 'red' in German), has been artificially selected to enhance the red pigmentation in its leaves, making it especially appealing to aquascapers. Reproduction typically occurs vegetatively, ensuring the preservation of its unique genetic traits and desired phenotype.
Physical Structure: This water lily develops a robust underground rhizome from which long-petioled leaves emerge, capable of being either submerged or floating. Submerged leaves are usually ovate or rounded, while floating leaves tend to be larger and heart-shaped, often reaching the water's surface. Under optimal conditions, the plant can also produce spectacular flowers that open above the water.
Color & Texture: The defining characteristic of Nymphaea lotus 'rot' is the intense color of its leaves, which ranges from red-brown to deep burgundy, especially under strong illumination. The upper surface of the leaves may exhibit darker spots or accentuated veins, adding further visual complexity. The leaf texture is generally smooth and waxy, contributing to their resilience in an aquatic environment.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Lighting & CO2: Nymphaea lotus 'rot' requires medium to high lighting to best express its red coloration and maintain a compact growth habit. Insufficient lighting can lead to pale leaves and excessive elongation of petioles in search of light, resulting in the formation of numerous floating leaves. CO2 supplementation is highly recommended to promote vigorous, healthy growth, maximizing nutrient uptake and intensifying pigmentation.
Nutrition & Substrate: As a rhizomatous plant, Nymphaea lotus 'rot' is a heavy root feeder, absorbing most of its nutrients through its root system. It is crucial to use a nutrient-rich substrate containing clay and iron, or to supplement with fertilizer tabs placed directly beneath the rhizome. Iron deficiency, in particular, can manifest as lighter leaves or reduced intensity of the red color.
Water Chemistry: This water lily is quite tolerant of various water chemistry conditions, thriving in temperatures between 15.0 and 30.0 C, with a pH range of 5.0 to 8.0, and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 2.0 - 14.0. However, for optimal growth and vivid colors, it is preferable to maintain stable values within the suggested range. Slightly acidic and softer waters are often associated with improved pigmentation.
Space Management & Placement: Due to its potential size and rapid growth, Nymphaea lotus 'rot' is ideally suited for the midground in medium to large aquariums. It is important to ensure ample space for its leaf expansion, preventing it from overshadowing other plants or excessively shading the aquarium. Its placement should allow leaves to reach the surface if desired, or be kept submerged through regular
Pruning: Pruning is essential to control the plant's size and prevent floating leaves from excessively shading the aquarium. Leaves that reach the surface and older or damaged leaves should be removed regularly by cutting them at the base of the petiole. This encourages the plant to produce new submerged leaves and maintain a more compact habit.
Risks & Diseases: Nymphaea lotus 'rot' is generally robust, but it can suffer from nutrient deficiencies, particularly iron, leading to leaf discoloration. Insufficient lighting or excessive competition can weaken it, making it more susceptible to algal growth on its leaves or attacks by snails and herbivorous fish. Maintaining optimal conditions and a good maintenance routine is the best prevention.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
The wild Nymphaea lotus species originates from the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Southeast Asia, where it flourishes in slow-moving rivers, ponds, and lakes. The 'rot' variety is a specific cultivar selected for its distinctive reddish hues, not being a native species of a particular geographical location with these exact characteristics. In its natural habitat, water lilies typically colonize areas with muddy substrates and calm waters, benefiting from abundant sunlight.
Origin
Africa and MadagascarSouth and Southeast AsiaSelective breeding and cultivars
Plant profile
- Placement
- No verified data available
- Botanical form
- No verified data available
- Growth
- No verified data available
- Substrate
- No verified data available
- Column fertilization
- No verified data available
- Root fertilization
- No verified data available
- Trimming
- No verified data available
- Propagation
- No verified data available
- Nutrients
- No verified data available
- Sensitivity
- No verified data available
- Layout role
- No verified data available
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
Related species
Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.
