Micrantha lily

Care at a glance

Overview

Plant the tuber so its crown sits at or just above the substrate and leave the growing point exposed, otherwise it can rot. It stays compact and colourful under medium light and does well as a centrepiece in the midground of small to medium tanks. To keep it low and bushy, snip off the long-stemmed leaves that reach for the surface before they form floating pads. CO2 is not required but improves colour and speed.

In the wild

Native to the tropics of West Africa, from Senegal east to Cameroon, where it grows as a small water lily in slow rivers, pools, and floodplain waters. It roots from a tuber in the substrate and can push floating leaves to the surface if left unchecked. The spotted form widely grown in the hobby was reportedly brought into the trade from Western Africa in the mid 1990s.

Good to know

Nymphaea micrantha Guill. & Perr. is a true water lily in the family Nymphaeaceae. It is a naturally viviparous species: young plantlets form directly on the leaf blade at the junction of the petiole, a trait that gives it its name and makes it distinct from most other aquarium lilies. Submersed leaves reach roughly 7 to 11 cm across and carry reddish brown and dark brown mottling over a light green background.

Did you know

Did you know this lily clones itself from its own leaves? New baby plants sprout right on the old leaf blades, so you can pin a leaf down and grow a whole new lily without ever touching the parent bulb.

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