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Nymphaea nouchali "Sri Lanka"
Nymphaea nouchali "Sri Lanka"
Nymphaea nouchali "Sri Lanka" is a magnificent aquatic lily celebrated for its vigorous growth and captivating foliage, making it an excellent focal point or transitional element in the aquarium midground. Its adaptable nature and ability to thrive across a wide range of conditions render it a rewarding choice for aquarists of varying experience levels.
Class:Liliopsida
Order:Nymphaeales
Family:Nymphaeaceae
Genus:Nymphaea
Species:Nymphaea nouchali "Sri Lanka"
Formerly known as:
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Water Temperature
18 - 30 °C
pH Value
5 - 8
Water type
Freshwater
Light
Medium to High
CO2
High
Expected height
60 cm
Expected width
60 cm
KH
2 - 14 dKH
Species description
Geographic Origin and Habitat: No additional source-verified editorial notes are available about geographic origin and habitat for Nymphaea nouchali "Sri Lanka". Consult this record's parameters and sources.
Taxonomy and Genetics: No additional source-verified editorial notes are available about taxonomy and genetics for Nymphaea nouchali "Sri Lanka". Consult this record's parameters and sources.
Physical Structure: No additional source-verified editorial notes are available about physical structure for Nymphaea nouchali "Sri Lanka". Consult this record's parameters and sources.
Colour and Texture: No additional source-verified editorial notes are available about colour and texture for Nymphaea nouchali "Sri Lanka". Consult this record's parameters and sources.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Lighting & CO2: For Nymphaea nouchali "Sri Lanka", medium to high lighting is paramount to foster healthy growth and intensify the vibrant coloration of its leaves. Insufficient light can lead to elongated petioles and pale leaves, as the plant strains to reach the surface. While not strictly mandatory, CO2 supplementation is highly recommended to stimulate more vigorous growth, minimize algal buildup on leaves, and ensure optimal coloration, especially if you aim to fully exploit its rapid growth potential. An 8-10 hour photoperiod daily is ideal for maintaining the plant's health without excessively promoting algae growth.
Nutrition & Substrate: This
Water Chemistry: Nymphaea nouchali "Sri Lanka" exhibits remarkable tolerance to a broad spectrum of water parameters, making it a robust choice for many aquarists. The ideal temperature range spans from 18°C to 30°C, reflecting its tropical origins, although warmer temperatures will generally encourage faster growth. Regarding carbonate hardness (KH), it can thrive in waters with values from 2 to 14, while its pH tolerance extends from 5.0 to 8.0, accommodating both acidic and alkaline conditions. Maintaining clean, well-oxygenated water through regular water changes is fundamental for its overall vitality and to prevent the accumulation of harmful substances.
Space Management & Placement: Due to its rapid growth rate and potential size, Nymphaea nouchali "Sri Lanka" requires careful space management to avoid overwhelming other plants or the entire aquarium. Placing it in the midground allows it to form a lush focal point, but it is crucial to ensure ample room for expansion without excessively shading underlying plants. In larger aquariums, it can even be utilized in the background, while in smaller tanks, it might quickly dominate. Monitoring the development of floating leaves is advisable to prevent them from blocking light to submerged plants and to maintain the desired aesthetic of the aquascape.
Pruning: Pruning is a critical aspect of caring for Nymphaea nouchali "Sri Lanka" to maintain its desired shape and prevent excessive shading of underlying plants. Older or damaged leaves, particularly those showing signs of deterioration or algal growth, should be removed by cutting the petiole at the base of the rhizome with sharp aquascaping scissors. It is especially important to manage the production of floating leaves; if not desired, they should be removed as soon as they begin to develop, encouraging the plant to produce more submerged leaves and maintain a more compact, dense appearance. Regular pruning also stimulates the plant to produce new, healthy foliage.
Risks & Diseases: Although robust, Nymphaea nouchali "Sri Lanka" can be susceptible to certain risks if conditions are not optimal. Nutrient deficiencies, particularly iron, can cause leaf yellowing and stunted growth. Insufficient lighting or an excess of organic matter in the water can encourage algal growth on leaves, compromising both their health and aesthetic appeal. Regarding diseases, like many aquatic plants, it is generally resilient, but prolonged stress from unstable water parameters or poor aquarium hygiene can weaken it. It is always advisable to quarantine new plants and carefully monitor water parameters to prevent potential issues.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
This species originates from: Sri Lanka (Cultivar/Ecotipo).
Origin
South 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.
