Banana Lily (Nymphoides aquatica)

Banana Lily – Nymphoides aquatica
Add an exotic touch to your aquarium or pond with the captivating Banana Lily, a unique and easy-to-care-for aquatic plant that’s as charming as it is functional!

🌿 Description & Appearance

Nymphoides aquatica, commonly known as the Banana Lily, is famous for its unusual, banana-shaped tubers that rest at the base of the plant. These fleshy structures store nutrients and give this plant its playful name. Delicate, rounded, lily pad-style leaves float at the surface or hover just below, creating a lush, tropical look in both aquariums and outdoor ponds.

🌊 Water Parameters

• Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

• Lighting: Moderate to high (will grow under low light but thrives and spreads with more light)

🌞 Light & Growth Habits

Banana Lilies love light! With sufficient lighting, they grow rapidly and produce floating leaves and sometimes small, star-shaped white flowers at the surface. In lower light, they may remain more compact. They can be grown rooted in substrate or left as a floating plant while the “bananas” anchor them.

🌱 Growth Tips

• Avoid burying the banana tubers—leave them exposed above the substrate.

• Trim leaves to control spread and encourage bushier growth.

• Great for beginners and experienced aquarists alike!

• Compatible with most community tanks and peaceful pond setups.

🌟 Fun Facts

• Native to the southeastern United States, especially slow-moving, shallow waters.

• The banana-like tubers act as nutrient storage, helping the plant thrive in variable conditions.

• It’s not just ornamental—this plant offers shade, oxygenation, and hiding spots for fry and shrimp.

Transform your aquatic space into a natural oasis with the Banana Lily—beautiful, low-maintenance, and delightfully different.