Dwarf Tiger Lotus

Unlike the larger lotuses it is often sold beside, Nymphaea stellata stays compact enough for a 60 cm tank, spreading rounded, purple-tinged leaves low across the substrate.

Nymphaea stellata produces two types of leaves: submerged leaves that remain low and spreading, and floating leaves with a notch at the base that rise to the surface on long stems. The floating leaves can shade the rest of the tank if allowed to develop, so trimming them is routine for the submerged look.

A nutrient-rich substrate is important because the plant is a heavy root feeder. Root tabs placed near the bulb every few weeks make a noticeable difference in growth and leaf colour. Temperature around 22 to 28 °C with neutral pH is adequate; strong light keeps the leaf undersides reddish.

Propagation is by bulbils that form on the mother plant and can be separated once they develop roots. The plant goes through a dormant period if conditions shift — the leaves die back and the bulb rests before sending up new shoots. That is normal, not a sign of failure.