Nymphaea gardneriana

Nymphaea gardneriana is a night-flowering waterlily species from tropical America. One certain plant, introduced from Bolivia to Germany in 2003, was provisionally named Nymphaea cf. glandulifera "Rot"; in our opinion this plant belongs to that species. A further waterlily has been spread in the aquarium hobby as Nymphaea gardneriana "Santarem".

Nymphaea gardneriana is rarely grown as aquarium plant; it is uncertain whether the strain from Bolivia is still cultivated at the moment (2022). The species resembles the green Nymphaea glandulifera that is known in the hobby as well. These and further South American species such as N. amazonum, N. jamesoniana und N. rudgeana belong to the subgenus Hydrocallis.

Nymphaea gardneriana ist a waterlily with relatively small, roundish leaves that grows well as submerged plant. However it tends to develop quickly floating leaves with much light, warmth nutrient-rich substrate and low water level. Younger submerged leaves are orange-red and single-colour, sometimes also with scattered, indistinct darker spots. The center of the leaf blade, at the insertion point of the petiole, is often intensely red. Older leaves get more or less green. The petioles are pubescent, as well as in the green-leaved Nymphaea glandulifera. Just as that species, N. gardneriana propagates itself by runners. It develops a small, round, tuber-like rhizome. Strong, well growing plants develop relatively large, cream white, highly fragrant flowers that are open during night – usually after floating leaves have appeared, but also submerged when the water level is high.

According to previous experience, this small, light red, very decorative waterlily grows quite easy under aquarium conditions. However the strain from Bolivia ("Nymphaea cf. glandulifera 'Rot'") seems to get dormant for several months under all circumstances. Then all leaves and roots are shed, and only the tuber remains in or on the bottom. After that period of dormancy the plant grows quickly new leaves, roots and runners. Apparently this is not the case with the form Nymphaea gardneriana "Santarem"; this plant normally grows permanently in the aquarium.

- To be continued -