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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.
Class:Liliopsida
Order:Nymphaeales
Family:Nymphaeaceae
Genus:Nymphaea
Species:Nymphaea rudgeana
Formerly known as:
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Water Temperature
18 - 30 °C
pH Value
6 - 7.5
Water type
Freshwater
Light
Medium to High
CO2
High
KH
0 - 14 dKH
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: 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.
Taxonomy & Genetics: Nymphaea rudgeana belongs to the genus Nymphaea, which comprises the quintessential water lilies, within the ancient family Nymphaeaceae. This family includes approximately 70 species of aquatic plants renowned for their striking flowers and characteristic leaf morphology. Molecular phylogenetic studies confirm its placement within the genus, distinguishing it from other Nymphaea species through unique genetic markers and specific floral characteristics. Its classification underscores its evolutionary adaptations to aquatic environments, shared across its diverse family members, and showcasing a long evolutionary history.
Physical Structure: Nymphaea rudgeana develops a robust rhizome system anchored in the substrate, from which both submerged and emergent leaves sprout. Submerged leaves are typically more delicate, often heart-shaped or sagittate, varying in
Color & Texture: The submerged leaves of Nymphaea rudgeana exhibit a fascinating range of colors, from vibrant green to deep reddish-brown or burgundy, particularly under higher light intensity. This striking coloration is due to anthocyanin pigments, which are produced as a protective mechanism against intense light exposure. The leaf texture can vary; submerged leaves are often delicate and somewhat wavy, while the floating leaves are tougher, leathery, and possess a waxy cuticle to effectively repel water. The underside of the leaves, especially the floating ones, may reveal a purple or reddish hue, adding another layer of visual interest to the aquascape.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Lighting and CO2: Guidance about lighting and co2 for Nymphaea rudgeana must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Nutrition and Substrate: Guidance about nutrition and substrate for Nymphaea rudgeana must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Water Chemistry: Guidance about water chemistry for Nymphaea rudgeana must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Space Management and Positioning: Guidance about space management and positioning for Nymphaea rudgeana must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Pruning: Guidance about pruning for Nymphaea rudgeana must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Risks and Disease: Guidance about risks and disease for Nymphaea rudgeana must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
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.
Origin
Central America and CaribbeanAmazon, Orinoco, and GuianasExtra-Amazon South America
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.
