Dwarf Aquarium Lily

Dwarf Aquarium Lily (Nymphaea zenkeri) is an aquatic plant in the family Nymphaeaceae. It is native to West Africa. The dwarf aquarium lily grows from a bulb and immediately tries to leave the tank. Left alone it sends long-stemmed pads to the surface and floats them there, shading everything beneath. Cut those surface stems at the base as they appear and the plant stays submerged instead, throwing broad triangular leaves in red, bronze and pink that make it one of the better centrepiece plants. It comes from West Africa, reaches around 25 cm submerged, and grows in medium light without CO2 at 22 to 28 °C (72–82 °F). Bury only the roots and leave the top of the bulb exposed, or it rots. Propagate by separating daughter bulbs once the plant is established.