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Nymphaea rudgeana
Nymphaea rudgeana
Nymphaea rudgeana is a medium-growth aquatic lily ideal for midground placement in an aquarium, where it can develop striking submerged and floating leaves.
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18 - 30 °C
6 - 7.5
Freshwater
Medium to High
High
0 - 14 dKH
Species description
Nymphaea rudgeana is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, encompassing parts of Central and South America. It typically thrives in slow-moving or still waters such as ponds, lakes, marshes, and ditches, where light conditions are often intense. These natural habitats are characterized by soft, organic-rich substrates, providing ample nutrient supply for its rhizomatous development and vigorous growth. Its presence in such environments highlights its adaptability to a wide range of water and light conditions, making it a resilient species. Nymphaea rudgeana belongs to the genus Nymphaea, which comprises the quintessential water lilies, within the ancient family Nymphaeaceae.
Care, breeding and tankmates
column. Ensure the substrate is at least 5-7 cm deep to allow ample Nymphaea rudgeana is generally robust but can be susceptible to common aquatic plant issues if conditions are not optimal. Nutrient deficiencies, particularly iron or potassium, can lead to yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or a loss of vibrant coloration. Poor water circulation or excessive organic waste can encourage algae growth on its leaves, which can be detrimental to photosynthesis and overall plant health. While not highly prone to specific diseases, weak plants under stress are more vulnerable to opportunistic pathogens or pest infestations, so maintaining stable parameters and good husbandry practices is key to prevention.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
This species originates from: Americas.
Origin
Plant profile
- Placement
- Midground
- Botanical form
- Rosette
- Growth
- Medium
- Substrate
- High
- Column fertilization
- Recommended
- Root fertilization
- Required
- Trimming
- Occasional
- Propagation
- Rhizome division
- Sensitivity
- Moderate
- Layout role
- Midground, accent
Best placed in the background or as a striking midground specimen. It needs space for its large leaves to spread without shading out other plants. Its unique leaf shape makes it a great standalone plant.
This is a bulbous plant with rounded, sometimes slightly wavy, green to reddish-brown leaves. The leaf margins have distinct serrations. The stems can grow quite long to reach the water surface.
It features a moderate to fast growth rate when well-fed. It readily produces surface leaves if not regularly trimmed. The growth speeds up significantly with CO2 and high light.
It benefits from a comprehensive liquid fertilizer, especially for trace elements and iron. While a root feeder, water column nutrients prevent deficiencies in the new leaves. Potassium is important for leaf health.
Root fertilization is essential for this species. It thrives when root tabs or a rich aquasoil are provided. Poor substrate nutrition leads to stunted growth and pale leaves.
Prune surface-reaching leaves at the base to maintain a bushy, submerged form. Removing older leaves encourages the plant to produce new, fresh growth. Do not cut the bulb during maintenance.
Propagation is usually via daughter plants developing around the base of the main bulb. These can be separated once they have a few leaves and roots of their own. Seeds can also be viable if flowered.
The bulb should not be completely buried to prevent rot; leave the top half exposed. It prefers warmer water temperatures. Sudden parameter shifts may cause melting.
It acts as a strong specimen plant in the aquarium layout. It provides a strong visual contrast in leaf shape and color against typical stem plants. It is excellent for focal points in larger tanks.
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.
Variants and close relatives
Same atlas type, nearby scientific identity, genus, or family.
Nymphaea minuta
Nymphaea minuta
Nymphaea rubra
Nymphaea rubra
Nymphaea zenkeri
Nymphaea zenkeri
Nymphaea nouchali "Sri Lanka"
Nymphaea nouchali "Sri Lanka"
Nymphaea micrantha "Gefleckt"
Nymphaea micrantha "Gefleckt"
Nymphaea gardneriana
Nymphaea gardneriana
Nymphaea glandulifera
Nymphaea glandulifera
Nymphaea lotus 'grün'
Nymphaea lotus 'grün'
Nymphaea lotus 'rot'
Nymphaea lotus 'rot'
Nymphaea pubescens
Nymphaea pubescens
Nymphaea × daubenyana
Nymphaea × daubenyana
Barclaya longifolia
Barclaya longifolia
Nuphar japonica
Nuphar japonica
Recommended companions
Compatible cards from coherent ecosystems with matching parameters.
Orange dwarf crayfish (CPO)
Cambarellus patzcuarensis "Orange"
Ceratopteris richardii
Ceratopteris richardii
Blackline Tetra
Hyphessobrycon scholzei
Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
Skunk cory
Corydoras arcuatus
Chocolate Talking Catfish
Acanthodoras cataphractus
Green babaulti shrimp
Caridina cf. babaulti "Green"
Ceratopteris siliquosa
Ceratopteris siliquosa
Ramshorn Snail
Planorbella duryi
Malaysian Trumpet Snail
Melanoides tuberculata
Montezuma dwarf crayfish
Cambarellus montezumae
Ceratophyllum demersum "Mexiko" ("Rotstängelig")
Ceratophyllum demersum "Mexiko" ("Rotstängelig")
White Pearl Shrimp
Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis var. White
Cherry Barb
Puntius titteya
Bronze cory
Corydoras aeneus
Checker Barb
Oliotius oligolepis
Similar care
Cards with similar requirements, difficulty, habitat, and husbandry profile.
Chlorophytum bichetii
Chlorophytum bichetii
Commelinaceae sp. "Green"
Commelinaceae sp. "Green"
Amblystegiaceae sp. "Manaus"
Amblystegiaceae sp. "Manaus"
Azolla mexicana
Azolla mexicana
Cabomba australis
Cabomba australis
Cryptocoryne beckettii "Viridifolia"
Cryptocoryne beckettii "Viridifolia"
Alternanthera reineckii "rosaefolia minor"
Alternanthera reineckii "rosaefolia minor"
Cordyline fruticosa
Cordyline fruticosa
Bacopa sp. "Japan"
Bacopa sp. "Japan"
Cabomba aquatica
Cabomba aquatica
Cryptocoryne axelrodii
Cryptocoryne axelrodii
Azolla caroliniana
Azolla caroliniana
Cryptocoryne balansae
Cryptocoryne balansae
Bacopa monnieri "Rundblättrig"
Bacopa monnieri "Rundblättrig"
Ammannia sp. 'Bonsai'
Ammannia sp. 'Bonsai'
Bucephalandra motleyana "Kapit"
Bucephalandra motleyana "Kapit"