Nurii Rosen Cubensis

About Nymphaea 'Rosen Cubensis'

Nymphaea 'Rosen Cubensis' is a striking aquarium water lily prized for its rich red, burgundy and bronze foliage. Its bold leaves make it an excellent feature plant for adding strong colour and contrast to planted freshwater aquariums.

Like other aquarium Nymphaea, it develops from a bulb or tuber and produces attractive submerged leaves from the base. With good lighting and nutrition, the foliage can develop intense colouration and become a spectacular focal point within the aquascape.

This is a particularly useful plant for aquarists wanting a strong red feature without relying solely on stem plants. It works beautifully surrounded by green carpeting plants, Cryptocoryne, Anubias and other contrasting foliage.

A nutrient-rich substrate is highly beneficial, as water lilies are strong root feeders. CO₂ is not essential, although supplementation can encourage faster growth and stronger foliage.

If the plant begins producing floating leaves and you want to maintain its compact submerged form, remove the floating leaves before they reach the surface. This encourages continued submerged growth and prevents the lily from shading the aquarium below.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Nymphaea 'Rosen Cubensis'
Common Name: Rosen Cubensis / Red Water Lily
Plant Type: Aquatic Lily / Tuber Plant
Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast
Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate
Lighting: Moderate to High
CO₂ Required: No — Recommended
Temperature: 20–30°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Water Hardness: Soft to Moderately Hard
Placement: Midground to Background
Suitable For: Planted aquariums, Nature Aquariums, feature aquascapes and larger community tanks

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Nymphaea 'Rosen Cubensis' require CO₂?

No. It can grow successfully without CO₂, although supplementation can improve growth and overall colouration.

Does it need root fertiliser?

Yes. A nutrient-rich substrate and root fertilisation are highly beneficial because Nymphaea develops a substantial root system and is a strong feeder.

How do I keep it submerged?

Remove floating leaves as they develop if you want the plant to remain compact and produce submerged foliage.

How do I get the best red colour?

Good lighting and consistent nutrition are important. CO₂ can also encourage stronger growth and colouration.

Can it become a large plant?

Yes. Individual plants can produce sizeable leaves, particularly when allowed to grow freely. Give it enough space so it doesn't overwhelm surrounding plants.

Common Mistakes

Burying the entire tuber
Avoid completely burying the tuber. Allow the growing point to remain exposed.

Insufficient lighting
Good lighting helps maintain compact growth and strong red colouration.

Poor substrate nutrition
Water lilies are heavy root feeders and benefit from nutrient-rich substrate and root tabs.

Allowing floating leaves to dominate
Floating leaves can shade the aquarium. Remove them if submerged growth is the goal.

Planting too close to other plants
Give the lily enough room to develop its leaves without crowding neighbouring plants.