Want deep red in a low-tech tank? Red Tiger Lotus is the one plant that delivers it without CO₂ or high-output lighting. It grows from a bulb into broad arrow-shaped leaves mottled with darker markings, and a single bulb becomes a centerpiece within a couple of months.
What You'll Receive
-
Sprouted Bulb with Leaf: A live bulb already sprouting with one or more leaves
OR - Bulb Only (No Leaf): A healthy dormant bulb ready to sprout under optimal conditions
Plant Profile
- Common name — Red Tiger Lotus, Tiger Lotus
- Scientific name — Nymphaea zenkeri 'Red'
- Placement — Background or centerpiece
- Mature height — 8–20 in
- Growth rate — Fast
Care
- Difficulty — Beginner
- Light — Medium to high. Strong light is what brings out the deep red and mottling
- CO₂ — Not required. It colors up in a low-tech tank
- Water — 72–82°F · pH 6.5–7.5
- Substrate — Required. Heavy root feeder — nutrient substrate or root tabs
- Growth habit — Fully aquatic. This plant cannot be grown emersed
- Propagation — Rhizome division; the bulb produces daughter bulbs
Grower's Notes
- Set the bulb on the substrate, don't bury it. Press it in far enough to stay put and leave the top exposed — buried bulbs rot rather than sprout.
- Root tabs are not optional. This is one of the hungriest root feeders we sell, and in inert gravel it stays small and green instead of coloring up.
- It will send leaves to the surface and form lily pads. Cut any leaf heading up on a long stem right at the base — that keeps the plant compact and submerged instead of shading everything below.
- It must stay submerged. Despite reaching the surface, this is a fully aquatic plant with no emersed form — it is not suited to paludariums or wabi-kusa.
- New growth usually appears within 10 to 15 days. If it goes dormant and drops its leaves, leave the bulb in place — it normally restarts.
Notes
- Photos are for reference; leaf color, size and marking vary considerably with lighting and nutrients. Sprouting is not guaranteed on any individual bulb.
- Never release aquarium plants into natural waterways.
At a glance
- Free shipping on orders of $150 or more (after discounts) within the contiguous United States, by USPS.
- Free thermal protection is included with every shipment, all year round.
- Processing: most orders leave us within 1 to 2 business days. Tracking is emailed when your order ships.
- USPS (2 to 5 business days) ships Monday through Saturday.
- UPS 2nd Day Air® ships Monday through Wednesday. Order by Tuesday at 6:00 AM Pacific Time for same-week delivery.
- UPS Next Day Air® ships Monday through Thursday. Order by Wednesday at 6:00 AM Pacific Time for same-week delivery.
- Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and military addresses ship by USPS at a flat rate shown at checkout.
- Weather holds: during extreme heat or cold we may hold live orders until it's safe to ship.
- We ship within the United States only.
Please bring live plants indoors and unpack them the day they arrive. Every live order is covered by our 24-Hour Live Arrival Guarantee.
The complete rules, including lost packages and address issues, are in our Shipping Policy. If anything conflicts, that policy applies.
Every live order is backed by our 24-Hour Live Arrival Guarantee. If a plant arrives dead, we'll make it right.
How it works
- Tell us within 24 hours of the delivery time on your tracking.
- Send photos of the affected items in their original, unopened packaging, plus a photo of the shipping label, to hello@aquariumplantsfactory.com with your order number.
- We'll make it right with a replacement, store credit or refund for the affected item.
Good to know
- Some melting or yellowing as plants adjust from greenhouse to aquarium life is normal. They regrow from healthy roots and rhizomes.
- Please bring your package indoors and unpack it the day it arrives.
- Free promotional items and shipping charges are not covered.
The complete rules, including what's covered and what voids the guarantee, are in our Returns, Refunds & Live Arrival Guarantee. If anything conflicts, that policy applies.
Please review your state's regulations on restricted plants, as we are committed to not shipping plants that are restricted in your area. Do not release any plants into the wild or waterways, as this can harm local ecosystems by introducing invasive species.
Your cooperation in protecting the environment is appreciated. For continuously updated information, refer to the USDA State Noxious Weed list here.
Thank you for your responsible commitment to environmental preservation.
Customers praised this aquatic bulb plant for arriving healthy with roots and sprouts, showing rapid growth within days. Many noted "beautiful colors" and vibrant leaves that add stunning red hues to tanks. While most experienced excellent results, some reported size smaller than expected and occasional melting. Fast shipping and careful packaging were consistently appreciated.
- Arrived healthy as a horse and is putting out new leaves every 2-3 days. Beautiful!
- Beautiful colors. Healthy roots and leaves. Fast delivery.
- Such beautiful roots and leaves.
A
It come in the package was smashed and I thought oh no its going to be dead and I carefully unboxed it and found it in perfect condition. Thank you
S
Received a very nice and healthy bulb with leaves
M
The Red Tiger Lotus arrived perfectly with two beautiful pink leaves. I put the bulb part way in the gravel and now will have the pleasure of watching it grow.
H
The bulb arrived quickly and with the tiniest of sprouts already emerging, which has been growing steadily since I put it in my tank. Photos are from Day 1 and Day 3.
G
Order two of these and they arrive in pristine condition and add such a pop of color to my tanks!
F
Mine arrived several days ago with three healthy leaves and bulb, it is already working on its fourth leaf
P
The bulb with leaves is smaller that how it shows in the picture but still amazing and I think is actually better because now it gets to grow in a tank where it's going to live most of its live, the picture is how it arrived and then after a week in the aquarium 2 leaves melt but new ones are growing out already, I can wait to see it thrive. Very happy with my purchase.
U
Took me a week for the plant to appear healthy, it grows fast. Happy with the purchase
C
Wow - I expected a bulb with one tiny sprout, they usually look like a tiny blade of grass. Instead, I received a bulb with a tiny plantlet - fully developed little leaves and lots of roots! Just beautiful, and super healthy. Thank you so much!
I took the picture the same day it arrived.
S
The bulb arrived in great condition and is already sprouting new leaves!! Definitely will order from here again!
d
All but one came in fine (leaves broke away from bulb). That's ok since the deal is buy two get one free. Looking very nice. Can't say much else.
B
When I got this plant, it had one or two small leaves on it. I honestly thought it was going to die because I put it through the ringer. But this beauty came back!!! And oh my god has it grown! It’s grown so well I now have to cut some of it back. Thank you for the amazing care you give your plants. This is my go to store, everything I get looks fantastic!!
M
Plants arrived quickly and in perfect condition. The bulb that came had already sprouted and, within only a month, has really taken off. It is a stunning plant that adds so much color to the tank. I will definitely be buying more of these plants in the future. Highly recommended for beginners looking for some color in their tank.
C
I bought the bulb sprouted with leaves since this is my first planted tank and wanted instant gratification. The plant came beautifully colored and already had 4-5 leaves on it! I planted it about halfway in the substrate. It’s been 4 days since receiving and I’ve already got lil baby leaves coming in that are the most beautiful magenta! I use a Finnex Ray 2 and am not supplementing with CO2 until next week when I get paid lol I wish my tank was larger so I could put more of these in there!
D
I have yet to order a plant that hasn't come in perfect condition! I ordered the buy 2 get 1 free deal and I could not be happier with the plants I received. After a week they are already showing some new growth. Small bulbs came with a few sprouted leaves each.
C
After about 2 weeks this is where it’s at
V
I bought the bulb only variation and after just a couple of days I'm starting to see the leaves come in. Hope they adapt well.
J
I was hoping for something more substantial
K
I have had consistent quality with every order. My fish are big jerks that treat plants like toys in an underwater rugby game...these bulbs take a beating and regenerate every time.
P
Bought it and it arrive already sprouting stems and within a week I already have a few baby leaves sprouting out. I planted it about as wrong as anyone could and it has still sprouted
S
I waited till my little lotus sprouted before writing a review. My snails love to play on it and even laid eggs on the bulb 😅
Can’t wait to see it when it’s full grown!
W
Why do my tiger lily leaves start to wilt and turn mushy?
Insufficient Lighting:
Tiger Lotus plants prefer moderate to high lighting. Low light can cause slow growth and leaf deterioration.
Lack of Nutrients:
A nutrient-poor substrate or lack of root tabs can affect the plant's health. Adding a root fertilizer can help support strong leaf growth.
Water Quality or Temperature:
Unstable parameters, such as sudden changes in temperature, pH, or hardness, can stress the plant. Tiger Lotus thrives in tropical temperatures (72–82°F) and slightly acidic to neutral pH.
If you’re seeing new shoots or leaves forming from the bulb, that’s a good sign it’s adjusting. Trim away any melted or mushy leaves to encourage healthy new growth.
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