Encyclopaedia
PlantFreshwaterEasy
©AI Generated·Proprietary
Nymphaea rubra
Nymphaea rubra
Nymphaea rubra is a stunning aquarium plant recognized by its vibrant red leaves and vigorous growth. It serves as an excellent midground focal point, adding dramatic color and texture to the aquascape.
Class:Liliopsida
Order:Nymphaeales
Family:Nymphaeaceae
Genus:Nymphaea
Species:Nymphaea rubra
Share
Check out Nymphaea rubra on Atlarium
Water Temperature
20 - 28 °C
pH Value
6 - 7.5
Water type
Freshwater
Light
Medium to High
CO2
Medium - High
KH
2 - 10 dKH
Species description
Geographic Origin and Habitat: No additional source-verified editorial notes are available about geographic origin and habitat for Nymphaea rubra. Consult this record's parameters and sources.
Taxonomy and Genetics: No additional source-verified editorial notes are available about taxonomy and genetics for Nymphaea rubra. Consult this record's parameters and sources.
Physical Structure: No additional source-verified editorial notes are available about physical structure for Nymphaea rubra. Consult this record's parameters and sources.
Colour and Texture: No additional source-verified editorial notes are available about colour and texture for Nymphaea rubra. Consult this record's parameters and sources.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Lighting & CO2: Nymphaea rubra requires medium to high lighting to fully express its vibrant red coloration and maintain compact, robust growth. With insufficient light, leaves tend to become greener and less dense, and the plant may stretch excessively towards the surface. CO2 injection is highly recommended for this species, as it significantly accelerates growth and promotes efficient photosynthesis, preventing initial melting and encouraging larger, healthier leaves. A photoperiod of 8-10 hours per day is generally optimal to stimulate vigorous growth without excessively promoting algae formation.
Nutrition & Substrate: As a fast-growing plant with a robust root system, Nymphaea rubra is a heavy feeder that primarily draws nutrients from the substrate. It is crucial to use a rich, nutrient-dense substrate, such as specialized aquarium soil or aquasoil, from the initial planting. Regular addition of root tabs near the bulb is essential to ensure a constant supply of macro and micronutrients directly to the roots. Iron deficiency, in particular, can compromise the vibrancy of the red color, leading to paler or greener leaves; therefore, specific liquid iron supplementation is often advised.
Water Chemistry: Nymphaea rubra thrives in a water temperature range of 20 to 28 °C, which is ideal for most tropical aquariums. Regarding pH, it prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions, between 6.0 and 7.5, while carbonate hardness (KH) can range from 2 to 12, indicating good adaptability to various water compositions. It is crucial to maintain stable water parameters and perform regular water changes to prevent the accumulation of nitrates and other pollutants. Clean, well-filtered water significantly contributes to the overall health of the plant and the prevention of diseases.
Space Management & Placement: Although classified as a midground plant, Nymphaea rubra can reach considerable sizes and requires adequate space to develop without overshadowing other plants or blocking light. It is important to strategically place it in an area where its leaves can expand, but where its growth towards the surface can also be controlled. Space management also involves timely removal of floating leaves to maintain a focus on submerged growth and ensure light reaches plants below. Its focal point nature makes central placement an excellent option in medium to large aquariums.
Pruning: Pruning Nymphaea rubra is a fundamental aspect of maintaining its desired shape, controlling its size, and encouraging the production of submerged leaves rather than floating pads. It is advisable to regularly remove older, damaged, or yellowing leaves from the base of the plant, cutting them as close as possible to the bulb. Leaves that begin to float should be promptly removed if predominantly submerged growth is desired, as these can excessively shade underlying plants. Furthermore, small adventitious plantlets that form on the rhizome can be detached and replanted for propagation, or removed to concentrate energy on the mother plant.
Risks & Diseases: Nymphaea rubra is generally a robust plant, but it can be susceptible to certain risks if aquarium conditions are not optimal. Nutrient deficiencies, particularly iron and potassium, can manifest as discolored, holed, or stunted leaves, making it more vulnerable. Insufficient lighting or unstable water parameters can lead to excessive floating leaf formation or foliage melt. While relatively resistant to typical aquatic plant diseases, prolonged stress conditions can weaken the plant and make it susceptible to algal attacks or, in rare cases, pests. It is crucial to constantly monitor its health and act promptly at any sign of distress.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
This species originates from: Asia.
Origin
South and Southeast Asia
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.
