Nymphoides indica

Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Plant profile

Placement

Midground

Best placed in the midground or background. Its trailing stems and floating leaves need vertical space. It is particularly striking in open-top or rimless aquariums where its surface growth can be appreciated.

Botanical form

Rosette

Features cordate (heart-shaped) leaves that sit flat on the water surface, connected to long, slender underwater stems. The submerged leaves are typically much smaller and more delicate. It can produce beautiful, fringed white flowers above the waterline.

Growth

Fast

It exhibits a very fast growth rate. It is an aggressive grower under high light and CO2, often requiring weekly maintenance. In lower tech setups, the growth is still steady but more manageable.

Substrate

High

Column fertilization

Recommended

Regular liquid dosing of NPK and trace elements is highly recommended to sustain its fast growth. Without sufficient water column nutrients, the floating leaves may turn yellow or develop holes. Iron ensures a rich green color.

Root fertilization

Required

Root tabs or a nutrient-rich aquasoil will significantly boost the size and overall health of the surface leaves. The root system can grow quite large to anchor the long stems against water currents.

Trimming

Occasional

Trim excess floating leaves by cutting the stem at the base to allow light to penetrate to lower levels of the aquarium. Leaving cut stems can cause them to rot, so remove the entire stem. Prune frequently to maintain a balanced look.

Propagation

Division

Propagates profusely via runners and adventitious plantlets that form on the stems, often just below the water surface. Simply detach the plantlets once they have their own root system and plant them in the substrate.

Sensitivity

Moderate

It is tolerant of various water conditions but can melt if suddenly moved to a completely different environment, such as drastically different pH or hardness. It handles warmer temperatures well. High light is needed for flowering.

Layout role

Midground, accent

Excellent for open-top aquariums where its flowers can be seen. It provides essential shade for low-light plants or timid fish species underneath. It brings a slice of a natural pond ecosystem into the home.