Water parameters
Temperature24–30°C
pH6–7
General hardness (GH)2–10 dGH
Recommended range
Overview
Barclaya longifolia is a water lily relative that grows from a tuber and comes from the warm, soft waters of Southeast Asia. Its long, wavy-edged leaves are between olive green and reddish brown on top and wine red underneath; in its red form the whole plant looks deep red. In the aquarium it reaches 30–50 cm. Under the right conditions it can flower and set seed underwater, and new plants may come up on their own around it.
Planting and Placement
Do not bury the tuber completely; its top must stay at the substrate surface. It is planted alone in the midground, with space left around it. Root tabs and a nutrient-rich substrate are essential.
Care and Fertilization
- Water: Warm (24–30°C), soft, slightly acidic water; it declines in hard water.
- Light: Medium.
- CO₂: Beneficial.
- Fertilizer: A root tab once a month; iron supports its color.
- It sometimes goes dormant and may shed its leaves; do not pull out the tuber, as it usually sprouts again.
Propagation
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Common Problems
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Hobbyist notes
Things you won't find in books, learned by trial and error. The most helpful ones are on top.
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Change history and contributors
- Page created · October 16, 2026