Fascinating, prolific, and genuinely unique — Nymphaea micrantha is a West African aquatic lily celebrated for its remarkable ability to produce miniature plantlets directly on its floating leaves. A true conversation piece in any planted aquarium, it combines ornamental beauty with an almost magical reproductive trait that makes it endlessly captivating for aquarists and aquascapers alike. Overview Attribute Details Common Name Tri color Lily Scientific Name Nymphaea micrantha Origin West Africa (Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia) Growth Rate Moderate to fast Maximum Height 15 – 40 cm (6 – 16 inches) Difficulty Beginner – Intermediate Placement Midground to background; floating leaves at surface Type Bulb / Rhizome plant Appearance Nymphaea micrantha produces attractive submerged leaves in shades of olive-green to reddish-brown, often with subtle spotting or mottling. As the plant matures, it sends up long petioles to the surface where floating leaves develop — and uniquely, these floating leaves frequently sprout tiny plantlets at their centres, which can be separated and grown on as new plants. Small, delicate white flowers may also appear at the surface under good conditions. Water Parameters & Care Temperature: 72 – 82°F (22 – 28°C) pH: 6.0 – 7.5 General Hardness (GH): 3 – 15 dGH Lighting: Moderate to high — enhances leaf colouration and promotes surface growth CO₂: Not required, but beneficial for submerged leaf development Fertiliser: Benefits from root tabs near the bulb and regular liquid fertiliser Planting & Placement Plant the bulb shallowly in substrate — do not bury it completely; leave the top half exposed. The plant will anchor itself as roots develop. To encourage lush submerged growth and prevent the tank from being shaded, trim floating leaves regularly. Plantlets forming on floating leaves can be carefully removed once they develop their own roots and grown on separately. Compatibility Compatible with all freshwater fish and invertebrates. Safe for shrimp tanks. Avoid housing with large herbivorous fish that may graze on the leaves. The broad floating leaves provide excellent surface cover and shade for fish that prefer subdued lighting. Pairs beautifully with stem plants, mosses, and carpeting plants in a natural or biotope aquascape. Nymphaea micrantha is a rewarding and endlessly interesting plant that offers both beauty and biological wonder. Easy to grow, naturally propagating, and visually stunning — a standout addition to any freshwater aquarium.
