Nymphoides sp. 'Taiwan' ('Flipper')

Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Plant profile

Placement

Midground

Ideal for the midground to background. It can be kept bushy as a midground focal point or allowed to grow tall to cover the back of the aquarium. It looks best planted in small groups.

Botanical form

Rosette

Features light green, slightly translucent, heavily ruffled or 'flipper-shaped' submerged leaves. Unlike other Nymphoides species, it rarely forms floating leaves, making it highly desirable for aquascaping.

Growth

Fast

The growth rate is fast under favorable conditions. It rapidly produces new leaves, making it a great plant for absorbing excess nutrients and competing with algae.

Substrate

High

Column fertilization

Recommended

Responds exceptionally well to comprehensive water column fertilization. Regular dosing of iron and trace elements is necessary for the most vibrant, intense green coloration.

Root fertilization

Required

While a good, nutrient-rich substrate will enhance its growth and overall size, it can also survive well in inert gravel if the water column dosing is sufficient.

Trimming

Occasional

Remove older, larger leaves at the base to encourage fresh, compact new growth from the center of the rosette. Trimming prevents it from taking over the tank and keeps the leaves a manageable size.

Propagation

Division

Propagation is exceptionally easy. Simply snip off a leaf with a small piece of the stem attached and let it float; a new plantlet will quickly form at the cut end.

Sensitivity

Moderate

It is a very hardy and adaptable plant. However, due to its broad leaves, it can be prone to collecting detritus and algae in setups with very slow water flow.

Layout role

Midground, accent

Acts as a fantastic, bright green midground bush that provides a stark contrast to darker green, red, or finely textured stem plants. Its ruffled leaves add a unique texture.