TankBud

Micrantha lily

Nymphaea micrantha

Also known as Tri-colour lotus, Nymphaea micrantha 'Gefleckt', Spotted micrantha lily, Nymphaea micrantha 'Gerflect'

FreshwaterBulb / tuberPlantletsBulb offsets

Micrantha lily (Nymphaea micrantha)
Aquarium Plants Factory · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Light
Medium light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
Max height
9.8 in
25 cm
Growth rate
Medium
Placement
Midground
Type
Bulb / tuber
pH
6.5–8.0
Hardness
2–14 dGH
Spread
7.9 in (20 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed
Difficulty
Easy
Family
Nymphaeaceae
Origin
Tropical West Africa (Senegal to Cameroon)

Overview

Micrantha lily is an easy, compact water lily and a centerpiece for the midground of small to medium tanks.

Did you know

Micrantha lily clones itself from its own leaves. Young plantlets form right on the leaf blade where it joins the stalk, a trait that sets it apart from most other aquarium lilies.

Caring for micrantha lily

Push the roots into the substrate and set the tuber so its crown sits at or just above the surface. Leave the growing point exposed, otherwise it can rot.

Micrantha lily stays compact and colorful under medium light. CO2 is not required but improves its color and speed. It feeds through its roots and its leaves, so root tabs near the tuber and a liquid fertilizer both help. Keep it at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C).

It grows at a moderate pace, to about 10 in (25 cm). Snip off the long-stemmed leaves that reach for the surface before they form floating pads, which keeps it low and bushy. New plantlets sprout on the old leaf blades, so pin a leaf down to grow a whole new lily without touching the parent bulb. The bulb also forms offsets that can be split off.

Good to know

Micrantha lily, Nymphaea micrantha Guill. & Perr., is a true water lily in the family Nymphaeaceae. Its submersed leaves reach roughly 7 to 11 cm across. They carry reddish brown and dark brown mottling over a light green background. The spotted form is sold as Nymphaea micrantha 'Gefleckt'.

In the wild

Micrantha lily is native to tropical West Africa, from Senegal east to Cameroon. It grows as a small water lily in slow rivers, pools and floodplain waters, rooted from a tuber. The spotted form common in the hobby reportedly came into the trade from Western Africa in the mid 1990s.

Common questions

Does micrantha lily need to be planted in the substrate?

Yes, but only partly. Push the roots into the substrate and leave at least the top half of the bulb uncovered so it doesn't rot.

Does micrantha lily need CO2?

No, but it helps. Micrantha lily can grow without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster.

How much light does micrantha lily need?

Micrantha lily wants medium light. A light sold for planted tanks covers it.

Does micrantha lily need root tabs?

They help. Micrantha lily takes nutrients through both its roots and its leaves. Root tabs near its roots and a liquid fertilizer cover both.

How do you propagate micrantha lily?

Micrantha lily propagates by plantlets and bulb offsets. Small plantlets form on the plant and can be detached once they have a few roots. The bulb forms offsets, which can be separated and planted on their own.

How tall does micrantha lily grow?

Micrantha lily grows to about 9.8 in (25 cm) tall. It grows at a moderate pace.

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