Nymphaea sp. 'Peru-Puerto Maldonado'

🌿 Nymphaea sp. 'Peru-Puerto Maldonado'

Nymphaea sp. 'Peru-Puerto Maldonado', often referred to as Nymphaea Peru Red or Maldonado Water Lily, is an iconic and highly coveted rare aquarium lily originating from the Peruvian Amazon basin. Highly prized among collectors, it is famous for producing two distinct types of foliage: crinkled green submersed base leaves and glowing, heart-shaped surface leaves that turn vivid ruby-red under good lighting.

🌱 Growth & Appearance

This species grows from a central bulb or rhizome, sprouting compact underwater leaves before sending up longer petioles toward the surface. The submersed submerged leaves feature a wavy, textured surface with subtle green-to-bronze marbling.

As the plant matures, it sends up floating leaves that transform into a intense, brilliant red color, making it an impressive focal point. If allowed to reach the surface consistently, it can also produce white, night-blooming flowers with striking red centers.

💡 Lighting & CO₂

Nymphaea sp. 'Peru-Puerto Maldonado' performs best under moderate to high lighting. Stronger illumination brings out the richest ruby pigments on both submersed and floating leaves while keeping the underwater growth pattern tighter and more compact.

CO₂ injection is optional but highly recommended to accelerate leaf development and maximize leaf vibrancy. As a heavy root feeder, it benefits immensely from rich aquasoil and regular root tab supplementation packed with iron and micro-nutrients.

🪴 Planting & Maintenance

Plant the bulb or root base into a rich substrate, taking care not to fully bury the crown or growing point. Select a permanent placement, as frequent relocation can trigger stress or push the bulb into temporary dormancy.

If you prefer to keep the plant compact and fully submerged, trim away floating lily pads as soon as they reach for the surface. This encourages the plant to direct its energy into producing low, bushier underwater foliage. Propagation is achieved by carefully separating side daughter plantlets or small runner bulbs that form around the base.

🌿 Best Use

Nymphaea sp. 'Peru-Puerto Maldonado' is a extraordinary midground to background centerpiece plant for high-tech nature aquascapes, Dutch-style layouts, and collector aquariums.

Its dynamic contrast of crinkled green submerged leaves and fiery red floating pads creates incredible depth when positioned near dark hardscapes, fine carpeting plants, or contrasting green stem groups.

✨ Plant Profile

Difficulty: Intermediate

Growth Rate: Medium to Fast

Lighting: Medium to High

CO₂: Recommended

Temperature: 20–28°C

Placement: Midground to Background

Growth Type: Bulb