Red Water Lily

Overview: Red Water Lily is native to parts of Asia, Africa, and Australia. It hails from Nymphaeaceae family and is scientifically called Nymphaea rubra. A stunning and captivating aquatic plant, red water lily is popular among aquarists for its enchanting crimson blooms and lush foliage. The beauty of the plant not only lies in its vibrant foliage but the cultural significance too, making it an elegant addition to any aquarium. 

Appearance: As the name indicates, red water lily has fresh and vibrant deep pink blooms. The plant looks striking, floating on the water's surface with utmost grace and elegance. The beauty is enhanced by the contrasting green circular leaves of the plant over which the flower sits elegantly. The benefit of large and round leaves goes to the underwater aquatic life as they provide ample shade and shelter beneath.

Hard/Soft Plant: Red Water Lily is a hardy aquatic plant capable of thriving in various water conditions. It is considered a hard plant due to its ability to withstand fluctuations in water parameters and environmental factors.

Ideal Water Temperature: The ideal water temperature for red water lily is between 21°C to 29°C. Usually, it prefers warmer water temperatures. However, being a hardy plant, it can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures as well, making it adaptable to a wide range of climates.

Lighting Conditions: These aquatic plants thrive in bright, indirect light. While they can tolerate some shade, they prefer ample sunlight to encourage robust growth and prolific blooming. Positioning them in areas with 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily is ideal for optimal development.

Ideal pH Level: Red Water Lilies thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water conditions, with an ideal pH range between 6.5 and 7.5. It is important to maintain proper pH levels to ensure healthy growth and vibrant blooms.

Other Requirements: A nutrient-rich substrate will always promote healthy root development and overall growth. So, make sure you provide a substrate with enough macro and micronutrients for the red water lily. At the same time, this plant requires regular pruning, which can be done by trimming dead or decaying leaves and spent blooms regularly. It will maintain the plant's vitality and aesthetic appeal. Likewise, the red water lily is one of those aquatic plants that require ample space for spreading its roots and leaves; therefore, avoid overcrowding. 

Propagation: Red Water Lilies can be propagated through division or seeds. Division involves separating mature rhizomes and planting them in separate locations, while seeds can be collected from mature seed pods and sown in suitable aquatic soil.

Do You Know: The Red Water Lily holds cultural significance in many cultures, symbolizing purity, enlightenment, and spiritual growth. It is environmentally beneficial as the large, floating leaves provide shade and shelter for fish, frogs, and other aquatic organisms, contributing to the overall ecosystem balance. Also, it has been cultivated for centuries for its ornamental beauty and medicinal properties, with various parts of the plant used in traditional herbal remedies.