Aquatic Plant Encyclopedia
Encyclopedia of popular aquatic plants with care guides, traits, and aquascaping tips.
Showing 4 of 127 species
© 松岡明芳 / CC BY-SA 3.0Japanese pond lily
Nuphar japonica
A Japanese aquatic plant that raises thick, arrow-shaped leaves above the water and bears yellow cup-shaped flowers in summer. Its name ('river bone') comes from the thick white rhizome. It has declined widely and is red-listed in many prefectures.
© Dinkun Chen / CC BY-SA 4.0Pygmy water lily
Nymphaea tetragona
Japan's only native water lily, bearing small white flowers 3–7 cm across on the water surface, with red-purple leaf undersides. Its name refers to the 'hour of the sheep' (about 2 pm) when it is said to open. It has declined widely, so avoid wild-collected plants.
© Peripitus / CC BY-SA 4.0Sacred lotus
Nelumbo nucifera
An aquatic plant that raises round, water-repellent leaves 40–50 cm across above the water and opens large white or pink flowers in summer. Its rhizome is the lotus root, and dwarf 'bowl lotus' cultivars can be grown in pots and jars.
© Daniel Schwen / CC BY-SA 3.0Water lily
Nymphaea spp.
The water lilies of the genus Nymphaea, with notched round leaves floating on the water and large flowers. They divide into cold-hardy temperate lilies and tropical lilies that hold blue or purple flowers above the water, with numerous hybrid cultivars.
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Aquatic Plant FAQ
- How much do aquatic plants cost?
- Common Rotala and Anubias cost 300-1,000 yen, Bucephalandra 1,000-5,000 yen, and rare wild-collected specimens 5,000-20,000+ yen depending on species.
- Can beginners grow aquatic plants?
- Anubias Nana and Java Moss require no CO2 injection and grow in low light, making them ideal for beginners. Start with hardy shade-loving plants.
- What equipment is needed for aquatic plants?
- A tank, LED light, filter, and aqua soil are the basics. For advanced layouts, CO2 injection and high-performance lighting significantly improve growth and coloration.
- What should I check when buying aquatic plants?
- Ensure leaves are green and healthy, not melting or dying, and free of snails or pests. Tissue-cultured cups are pest-free and reliable.
- Why do aquatic plants die?
- Insufficient light, CO2, or nutrients are the main causes. Each species has different requirements, so matching the environment to your specific plants is essential.