Green tiger lotus

Overview

The green tiger lotus (Nymphaea lotus, green form) is a dramatic bulb plant grown for its large, arrow-shaped, subtly marbled green leaves that make a bold midground or centrepiece feature. It’s the green sibling of the red tiger lotus — same easy, fast-growing plant, just green rather than red. Left unchecked it will send lily pads to the surface, but kept trimmed it stays a lush, bushy underwater focal point.

Planting & placement

Set the bulb on or just into the substrate with roughly the top third exposed — burying it fully invites rot. Once it sprouts and roots, it anchors itself and feeds heavily through its roots, so a nutrient soil or root tabs pay off. Give it space as a midground or centrepiece plant; the leaves spread wide. See how to plant aquarium plants for bulb technique and aquascaping for beginners for placing a focal plant.

Light, CO2 & ferts

Medium to high light drives lush, full growth. CO2 is beneficial, speeding an already fast plant. Because it’s a hungry root feeder, a nutrient substrate or root tabs matter most, supported by a complete liquid fertilizer. It grows quickly, so expect to feed and manage it regularly.

Propagation & problems

The lotus propagates by producing daughter bulbs and side plants; it may also flower and, if left, spread lily pads across the surface. To multiply it, separate the daughter plants once they have roots. The main “problem” is vigour — it can shade smaller plants and cover the surface, so trim surface runners and outer leaves to keep it in bounds. A bulb that won’t sprout is usually buried too deep or was dormant; give it warmth, light and time. Pair it with lower plants like Cryptocoryne wendtii around its base, and use its bold leaves as the anchor of a jungle-style layout.