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Banana Lily Bulbs are the distinctive swollen tubers of a Nymphaea aquarium plant, commonly sold as a unique feature plant for freshwater aquariums. The tubers resemble small bananas and act as nutrient-storage structures that support new leaf growth.

Once established, Banana Lily Bulbs can produce attractive green leaves that grow upwards through the aquarium. Under suitable conditions, the plant may eventually send leaves towards the surface, creating floating lily-pad-style foliage and additional cover for fish and shrimp.

They are relatively easy to grow and are suitable for beginner and experienced aquarists. The bulbs can be placed into the substrate, but they should not be completely buried. Keeping the upper portion exposed helps prevent the bulb from rotting.

Banana Lily Bulbs are particularly attractive in planted aquariums, nano tanks and shrimp setups where their unusual shape and developing foliage can become a natural focal point.

Quick Care Guide

• Scientific Name: Nymphaea sp.
• Common Name: Banana Lily Bulb, Banana Plant
• Type: Aquatic lily / tuber plant
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Difficulty: Easy
• Lighting: Low to Moderate
• CO₂: Optional
• Placement: Midground or background
• Growth Height: Approximately 15–40+ cm
• Water Temperature: 20–28°C
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
• Nutrients: Root nutrition beneficial
• Propagation: Daughter plants / tuber division
• Suitable For: Community aquariums, planted tanks and shrimp aquariums
• Surface Growth: May produce floating lily-pad leaves

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I plant a Banana Lily Bulb?

Position the bulb on or partly within the substrate with the growing portion exposed. Avoid completely burying the bulb.

Can Banana Lily Bulbs be planted completely underground?

No. Completely burying the bulb can restrict growth and increase the risk of rot. Leave part of the bulb exposed above the substrate.

Will the bulb grow leaves?

Yes. Given suitable aquarium conditions, the bulb can develop roots and produce new leaves that extend upwards through the aquarium.

Will it produce lily pads?

It can. Mature plants may send longer stems towards the surface and produce floating lily-pad-style leaves.

Does it need CO₂?

No. Banana Lily Bulbs can grow without injected CO₂. CO₂ can be beneficial in high-tech planted aquariums but isn't essential.

Can Banana Lily Bulbs be kept with shrimp?

Yes. They are well suited to shrimp aquariums and can provide additional surfaces and cover as the plant develops.

Common Mistakes

• Completely burying the bulb in the substrate.
• Covering the growing point with gravel or sand.
• Allowing excessive surface leaves to shade the entire aquarium.
• Moving the bulb repeatedly before it becomes established.
• Removing new growth unnecessarily.
• Assuming a dormant-looking bulb is dead before allowing time for it to develop.