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.
- Taxonomy
- Class:LiliopsidaOrder:NymphaealesFamily:NymphaeaceaeGenus:NymphaeaSpecies:Nymphaea rudgeanaFormerly known as:
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18 - 30 °C
6 - 7.5
Freshwater
Medium to High
High
0 - 14 dKH
Species description
Care, breeding and tankmates
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Origin
Plant profile
- Placement
- Midground
- This lily is best placed in the midground or background depending on the overall size of the tank. It is highly inclined to produce floating leaves, making it perfect for South American biotope setups where dappled shade is desired. If kept compact through rigorous pruning, it can form an attractive, low bushy rosette.
- Botanical form
- Rosette
- The plant develops a stout central crown from which numerous wavy, almost circular leaves emerge. The submerged foliage often displays a striking light green coloration adorned with distinct reddish-brown mottling or spots. It is notable for its fragrant, night-blooming white flowers that occasionally exhibit a pinkish hue.
- Growth
- Medium
- Its growth rate is moderate to fast, particularly when the plant transitions to producing surface leaves. Under intense lighting, the plant eagerly rushes to the surface, demanding frequent trimming to retain its submerged form. In more shaded or lower-nutrient environments, it remains smaller and easier to manage.
- Substrate
- High
- A fine, nutrient-rich substrate allows the delicate roots of this species to anchor properly and spread. Using a specialized planted aquarium soil is highly recommended to encourage vigorous development from the base. Sand can be used, provided it is enriched with comprehensive root tabs on a regular schedule.
- Column fertilization
- Recommended
- Liquid fertilizers are useful for supporting the overall vigor of the plant and preventing nutrient deficiencies in the water column. Dosing micronutrients ensures the striking mottled patterns on the leaves remain sharp and pronounced. Proper water column dosing also supports the rapid elongation of petioles when reaching for the surface.
- Root fertilization
- Required
- Feeding the root zone is crucial for the long-term vitality of Nymphaea rudgeana. Burying high-quality root fertilizer capsules near the crown provides the heavy macronutrients required for sustained growth. Regular replenishment of the substrate's fertility prevents the plant from exhausting its energy reserves.
- Trimming
- Occasional
- 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
- Rhizome division
- The most common method of propagation in the aquarium is via the separation of basal offshoots that develop near the main crown. These daughter plants can be safely removed and replanted once they have sufficient root mass. It is also a prolific seed producer in open-top setups, readily propagating through seed dispersal.
- Sensitivity
- Moderate
- 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.
- Layout role
- Midground, accent
- 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.
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Variants and close relatives
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