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Tiger Lotus

Tiger Lotus

Nymphaea zenkeri
In StockShips Damp-PackedShips Mon–ThuWeather Protected
Regular price $9.99 USD
Regular price $7.99 USD Sale price $9.99 USD
-25% OFF Sold out

Free shipping on plants & dry goods at $75+
Add livestock to unlock free 2-Day shipping at $120+

Quantity
100% Live Arrival Guarantee

Photo in original packaging on day of delivery, before trimming or replanting. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics' discretion. See policy →

Inspected & damp-packed • Weather protected • Family-owned
100+ AquariumsQuarantined Before ShippingFamily-Owned
Care Level
Easy
Light
Medium–High
CO₂
Not required
pH Range
6.0–7.5
Species Profile

Tiger Lotus

Nymphaea zenkeri

Why We Love This Plant

  • Selected for shrimp tanks
  • Improves water quality
  • No CO₂ required
  • Beginner-friendly

Tiger Lotus (Nymphaea zenkeri) is a striking bulb plant with large, rounded leaves in deep red to green tones speckled with contrasting spots — the distinctive 'tiger' pattern the plant is named for. It grows from a bulb and can become a dramatic centerpiece in mid-to-large planted tanks, producing both submerged compact leaves and surface pads if left to grow unrestricted.

Tiger Lotus is easy to grow and does not require CO2. It benefits from root tabs and medium-to-high light for strongest color and compact, submerged growth. Without regular management it will send large pad leaves to the surface that can shade out other plants. Many aquascapers trim surface-bound leaves to encourage compact submerged growth.

Care Notes

Plant the bulb in substrate with the pointed tip UPWARD and the flat base partially buried in substrate — do not fully bury the bulb. Tiger Lotus is a heavy root feeder; root tabs near the bulb are strongly recommended. The bulb will sprout within 1–2 weeks in warm, well-lit water.

To maintain compact, submerged growth, trim any surface-bound stems before the pad reaches the water surface. This redirects the plant's energy into producing more compact submerged leaves with stronger color. Without trimming, the plant will produce large surface pads that shade the tank below.

Quick Care Facts
Care LevelEasy
Temperature72–82°F
pH Range6.0–7.5
Light Req.Medium–High
CO₂Not required
PlacementPlant bulb with pointed tip UPWARD. Partially bury...
What’s Included
  • Healthy live plants
  • Damp-packed bags
  • Packed with damp protective material
  • Free at $75+
Species Spotlight

Why We Love This Plant

01

Dramatic Spotted Color

Deep red to green leaves speckled with contrasting spots in the distinctive tiger pattern. One of the most visually striking bulb plants in the freshwater hobby.

02

Grows From a Bulb

Easy to establish from a bulb. Plant in substrate, add a root tab, and the Tiger Lotus sprouts within 1–2 weeks in warm, well-lit water.

03

Selected for Shrimp Tanks

Selected for shrimp tanks and handled with invertebrate safety in mind. The broad leaves give shrimp natural cover and grazing surface.

Tiger Lotus in planted aquarium
Expert Advice
Razz Aquatics Recommendation

Plant Tiger Lotus as a solo centerpiece — one bulb can eventually fill a significant portion of a mid-to-large tank. Trim the tall surface-reaching stems regularly to keep compact, deeply colored submerged leaves. Root tabs are essential. Medium-to-high light brings out the strongest red and the most vivid spotting pattern on the submerged leaves.

— Tyler, Razz Aquatics  ·  100+ Dedicated Aquariums  ·  Family-Owned & Operated
How It Gets There

From Our Tanks to Yours

Plants and dry goods ship Monday through Thursday. Ground transit times vary by location.

1
Order Your Plants

Plants and dry goods ship Monday through Thursday. Ground transit times vary by location.

2
Inspected & Trimmed

Every plant is inspected and trimmed if needed before packing. We avoid dry or brittle portions and only ship healthy, viable plant material.

3
Packed for the Weather

Plants are packed with damp protective material to help protect them in transit. Weather protection may be used when conditions require it.

4
Live Arrival Guaranteed

100% Live Arrival Guarantee on every order. Photo in original packaging on day of delivery, before trimming or replanting. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics' discretion. See policy →

Free shipping on plants & dry goods at $75+. Add livestock to unlock free 2-Day shipping at $120+.

Why Order From Razz Aquatics

Packed Fresh for Your Aquarium

Every plant is inspected, trimmed when needed, and packed damp so it arrives ready for your aquarium. We avoid dry or brittle portions and pack plants with the same care we use for every order that leaves our facility.

This is a family-owned operation. We pack every order ourselves and stand behind it with a 100% Live Arrival Guarantee. No drop-shipping. No middlemen.

100+
Aquariums on-site \u2014 we know what plants thrive
48+
States served with safe plant delivery
4.9
Average customer rating across all verified reviews
100%
Live Arrival Guarantee — backed without fine print
Planted aquascape aquarium
Packed Damp & FreshFamily-Owned & Operated
Common Questions

Tiger Lotus FAQ

Is Tiger Lotus safe for shrimp?+
Yes — Tiger Lotus is great for shrimp tanks. We select plants for shrimp tanks and handle them with invertebrate safety in mind.
How do I plant the bulb?+
Plant the bulb with the pointed tip UPWARD. Partially bury the flat base in substrate but do not fully bury the bulb. Place a root tab nearby. The bulb should sprout within 1–2 weeks in warm, well-lit water.
How big does it get?+
Tiger Lotus can eventually become a large plant that fills a significant portion of a mid-to-large tank. Regular trimming keeps it manageable. Not recommended for nano tanks without consistent management.
What is the free shipping threshold?+
Plants and dry goods ship free at $75+. Adding livestock to your order unlocks free 2-Day Shipping at $120+ or free Overnight at $200+.
Do I need CO2 or fertilizer?+
No CO2 required. Root tabs are strongly recommended — Tiger Lotus is a heavy root feeder. Medium-to-high light brings out the strongest color and most vivid spotting.
Why is my Tiger Lotus sending leaves to the surface?+
Tiger Lotus naturally grows toward the surface. To maintain compact submerged growth, trim any surface-reaching stems before they reach the top. This redirects the plant's energy into more compact submerged leaves with stronger color.
How is it shipped?+
Plants are packed with damp protective material to help protect them in transit. Weather protection may be used when conditions require it. Plants typically ship Monday through Thursday so they avoid sitting over the weekend.
Is there a live arrival guarantee?+
Yes — Live Plant Arrival Guarantee on every order. Photograph the plant in its original packaging on the day of delivery, before trimming or replanting, and submit a claim through the Start a Claim page. Approved claims are resolved with store credit, refund, or replacement at Razz Aquatics' discretion.