Japanese Spatterdock care guide
Japanese Spatterdock (Nuphar japonica) — low light, 18-26 °C, pH 5.5-7.5, no CO2.
Overview
Japanese Spatterdock (Nuphar japonica) is a broad-leaved plant of the family Nymphaeaceae, grown as an aquarium plant. A beautiful bulb plant with translucent, arrow-shaped submerged leaves that have an attractive ruffled edge. Grows from a thick rhizome and produces both submerged and floating leaves. A striking centerpiece plant for medium to large aquariums.
Taxonomy
- Family: Nymphaeaceae
- Genus: Nuphar
- Scientific name: Nuphar japonica
- Common synonyms: Japanese Pond Lily, Nuphar japonica
Habitat
Nuphar japonica originates from East Asia, where it grows in freshwater marshes, ditches and slow-moving streams, frequently emersed on seasonally flooded ground.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: low
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 18-26 °C (64-79 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.5
- GH: 3-12 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil
- Maximum height: 30 cm
- Growth rate: slow
- Nutrient demand: low
- Recommended placement: midground
- Typical trim interval: 30 days
Placement
In aquascapes this plant suits the midground.
Propagation
Propagation is by rhizome division; daughter plants are separated once they have formed several leaves and visible roots.
Common issues
Pale or stunted new growth usually signals a nutrient or iron deficiency, while algae on older leaves often follows light that exceeds the available nutrients or CO2; correcting fertilisation and trimming affected parts resolves most cases.