Tiger Lotus

Tiger Lotus

Tiger Lotus is a classic aquarium plant from Africa that produces large, attractively spotted reddish leaves and dramatic floating lily pads that together create one of the most naturally spectacular presentations available in the planted aquarium hobby. The boldly spotted leaf pattern, with its characteristic dark spots on a red base, gives this plant a wild, exotic quality that immediately sets it apart from typical aquarium vegetation.

Care tip: Tiger Lotus grows best in moderate lighting with CO₂ not required. Maintain temperatures of 72–82°F and pH 6.0–7.5. Regular liquid fertilization supports healthy growth and best coloration.

Like all tiger lotus varieties, this species grows from a bulb and can develop into a very large, vigorous plant under good conditions. The submerged spotted red leaves create the primary aquarium display, while the floating lily pads that eventually emerge add natural surface interest. Managing the floating leaves by periodic trimming encourages more energy toward the submerged leaves and prevents excessive surface coverage in enclosed aquariums.

Tiger Lotus is one of the more accessible large aquarium plants — it grows well under medium lighting without CO₂ supplementation and adapts to temperatures between 72 and 82°F and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A nutrient-rich substrate or regular root tabs support the bulb and the production of the large, spotted leaves. The bulb should be planted with its top half exposed above the substrate.

In the aquascape, Tiger Lotus creates a powerful, bold focal point in the midground to background whose large red spotted leaves provide warm, vivid color contrast. As the chart notes, it is a great contrast plant — its broad red leaves are most impactful alongside fine-leaved green stem plants and pale substrates where the color and leaf scale create maximum visual impact. In larger tanks it can develop into a genuinely commanding specimen.

Tiger Lotus is an iconic aquarium plant of natural drama and beauty. Its spotted red leaves, floating lily pads, and accessible care requirements make it one of the most striking and rewarding plants in the freshwater aquarium hobby.

Care & Specifications