Nymphaea Micrantha care guide
Nymphaea Micrantha (Nymphaea micrantha) — medium light, 22-28 °C, pH 5.5-7.5, no CO2.
Overview
Nymphaea Micrantha (Nymphaea micrantha) is an aquatic plant of the family Nymphaeaceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as an intermediate-level species. It is typically grown under medium light and without obligatory CO2 injection on nutrient-rich aquasoil. A smaller relative of the popular Tiger Lotus. Produces attractive green leaves with dark spots and occasional red tints. Grows from a bulb and can be kept compact by trimming floating leaves. An eye-catching midground specimen that adds a wild, natural look to aquascapes.
Taxonomy
- Family: Nymphaeaceae
- Genus: Nymphaea
- Scientific name: Nymphaea micrantha
- Common synonyms: Small-flowered Water Lily, African Tiger Lotus
Habitat
Nymphaea is a cosmopolitan genus of water lilies (Nymphaeaceae) inhabiting still and slow-moving fresh waters worldwide. Plants grow from a tuber producing submersed and floating leaves. In the Aquairi knowledge base, populations associated with this form are recorded from West Africa.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil
- Maximum height: 25 cm
- Growth rate: medium
- Recommended placement: midground
Placement
Midground or background tuber plant; submersed leaves form a striking rosette, but if floating leaves are allowed to develop they shade the layout. In the Aquairi knowledge base this form is recommended for the midground under medium light and without obligatory CO2 injection, using nutrient-rich aquasoil.
Propagation
Reproduces vegetatively by side tubers and rhizome fragments; large tubers can be cut to encourage daughter shoots. Documented propagation techniques for this entry include: adventitious plantlets.
Common issues
Allowing floating leaves to mature triggers blooming and depletes the tuber; cutting floating leaves at the petiole keeps the plant submersed.