Banana Lily-Submersed (Nymphoides Aquatica)

Introduction: The Banana Lily (Nymphoides aquatica), also known as the Banana Plant, is a unique and eye-catching aquarium plant known for its banana-shaped tubers at the base of its leaves. It adds an interesting visual element to aquariums with its bright green leaves and unusual root structure, making it a favorite among aquarists looking for something distinctive.

Origin: Nymphoides aquatica is native to the southeastern United States, where it thrives in slow-moving or still freshwater bodies such as ponds and lakes. It can grow both fully submerged or partially emerged.

Scientific Name: The scientific name of this plant is Nymphoides aquatica.

Lighting Requirements: The Banana Lily requires moderate to high lighting to grow and thrive. Ideally, it should receive 8 to 10 hours of light per day to encourage healthy leaf growth and prevent the tubers from rotting.

Care Level: With a care level of 3 on a scale of 1 to 10, the Banana Lily is relatively easy to care for, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced aquarists. It requires minimal maintenance and can adapt to various water conditions.

Preferred Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 68°F to 82°F (20°C to 28°C)
• pH Level: 6.0 to 7.5
• GH Level (General Hardness): 3 to 12 dGH
• KH Level (Carbonate Hardness): 2 to 8 dKH

Placement: The Banana Lily is best placed in the foreground or midground of your aquarium. Its compact size and distinctive “banana-shaped” tubers make it a great focal point. It can also send leaves to the surface if left to grow, resembling a water lily.

Growth Rate: This plant has a moderate growth rate. It will develop new leaves regularly, and if left undisturbed, the plant may send floating leaves to the surface of the water, much like a traditional lily pad.

CO2 and Fertiliser: While CO2 supplementation is not necessary for the Banana Lily, it can benefit from occasional liquid fertilization to promote healthy growth and vibrant leaves. Root tabs can be used to provide nutrients directly to the plant’s roots.

Potential Problems: The main issue to watch out for with the Banana Lily is root rot, which can occur if the tubers are buried too deeply in the substrate. The tubers should be left exposed or only slightly covered to avoid this. Also, if lighting is too low, the plant may suffer from slow growth or yellowing leaves.

Compatible Fishes: The Banana Lily is compatible with a wide range of peaceful fish species and provides excellent cover and shade for small fish and invertebrates. Suitable tankmates include:

• Tetras
• Rasboras
• Gouramis
• Corydoras Catfish
• Shrimp (e.g., Cherry Shrimp, Amano Shrimp)

Other Suitable Plants: To create a dynamic and visually appealing aquascape, consider pairing the Banana Lily with other complementary plants such as:

• Java Fern
• Anubias species
• Cryptocoryne species
• Amazon Sword
• Vallisneria species

Tropical or Cold Water? The Banana Lily thrives in tropical water conditions, with an ideal temperature range of 68°F to 82°F (20°C to 28°C).

What Fish Can Eat It? The Banana Lily is generally not consumed by fish due to its sturdy leaves and tubers. Most herbivorous species tend to leave this plant alone, making it a safe addition to community tanks.

A Fun Fact: The Banana Lily gets its common name from its unusual banana-shaped tubers, which store nutrients and provide the plant with energy. These tubers often remain visible above the substrate, giving the plant its distinctive and quirky appearance.