Banana Plant Lily (Nymphoides aquatica)
Plants are pest free! Some plants we sell are grown emersed which means out of water when they are stuck in aquariums, they may experience some melting (Leaves Dying) this does not mean they are dead as typically the plants will bounce back.
Banana Plant Lily (Nymphoides aquatica) is a unique and fascinating freshwater aquarium plant named for its distinctive banana-shaped tubers that develop along the base of the plant. Its bright green leaves and unusual growth habit make it an excellent choice for planted aquariums, shrimp tanks, community aquariums, nano tanks, and natural aquascapes.
Also commonly called the Banana Lily or Banana Plant, Nymphoides aquatica is a relatively easy-care aquatic plant that can add a unique focal point to almost any freshwater aquarium. Its unusual banana-shaped roots store nutrients and help support new leaf growth.
Unique Banana-Shaped Tubers
The most recognizable feature of Nymphoides aquatica is its cluster of green banana-shaped tubers. These specialized structures develop near the base of the plant and give the Banana Plant Lily its common name.
The plant produces attractive round to heart-shaped green leaves that can grow upward through the water column. Under suitable conditions, leaves may eventually reach the surface, where they can form floating foliage.
Banana Plant Lily is best suited for foreground or midground placement in smaller aquariums and can be used farther back in larger aquariums. Its unusual appearance makes it an excellent conversation piece and a great way to add variety to a planted aquarium.
Nymphoides Aquatica Care
Scientific Name: Nymphoides aquatica
Common Names: Banana Plant, Banana Lily, Banana Plant Lily
Plant Type: Tuber / rooted aquatic plant
Difficulty: Easy
Growth Rate: Moderate
Lighting: Low to moderate
CO₂: Not required, but beneficial
Placement: Foreground / midground
Ideal For: Planted tanks, shrimp tanks, nano aquariums, community aquariums
Propagation: Runners / daughter plants
Plant the roots into aquarium substrate while leaving the distinctive banana-shaped tubers exposed or partially exposed. Avoid completely burying the tubers, as they are an important part of the plant and can be prone to rot if buried too deeply.
A nutrient-rich substrate or root fertilizer can encourage healthy growth. As the plant becomes established, it may produce runners and additional plants that can eventually be separated and replanted.
A Great Aquarium Plant for Beginners
Nymphoides aquatica is an excellent choice for aquarists looking for a hardy, easy-care freshwater aquarium plant with a unique appearance. Its unusual banana-shaped tubers make it unlike most other aquarium plants, while its green foliage provides a natural and attractive addition to planted tanks.
The Banana Plant Lily is also a great option for freshwater shrimp aquariums. Its leaves and root structure can provide additional surfaces and cover for shrimp while contributing to a natural-looking environment.
Whether you're creating a nano aquarium, shrimp tank, planted community aquarium, or natural aquascape, Nymphoides aquatica is a unique aquatic plant that adds character, texture, and beautiful green foliage.
Add a Banana Plant Lily to your aquarium today and enjoy one of the most unique and recognizable freshwater aquarium plants available.
Plants are pest free! Some plants we sell are grown emersed which means out of water when they are stuck in aquariums, they may experience some melting (Leaves Dying) this does not mean they are dead as typically the plants will bounce back.
Banana Plant Lily (Nymphoides aquatica) is a unique and fascinating freshwater aquarium plant named for its distinctive banana-shaped tubers that develop along the base of the plant. Its bright green leaves and unusual growth habit make it an excellent choice for planted aquariums, shrimp tanks, community aquariums, nano tanks, and natural aquascapes.
Also commonly called the Banana Lily or Banana Plant, Nymphoides aquatica is a relatively easy-care aquatic plant that can add a unique focal point to almost any freshwater aquarium. Its unusual banana-shaped roots store nutrients and help support new leaf growth.
Unique Banana-Shaped Tubers
The most recognizable feature of Nymphoides aquatica is its cluster of green banana-shaped tubers. These specialized structures develop near the base of the plant and give the Banana Plant Lily its common name.
The plant produces attractive round to heart-shaped green leaves that can grow upward through the water column. Under suitable conditions, leaves may eventually reach the surface, where they can form floating foliage.
Banana Plant Lily is best suited for foreground or midground placement in smaller aquariums and can be used farther back in larger aquariums. Its unusual appearance makes it an excellent conversation piece and a great way to add variety to a planted aquarium.
Nymphoides Aquatica Care
Scientific Name: Nymphoides aquatica
Common Names: Banana Plant, Banana Lily, Banana Plant Lily
Plant Type: Tuber / rooted aquatic plant
Difficulty: Easy
Growth Rate: Moderate
Lighting: Low to moderate
CO₂: Not required, but beneficial
Placement: Foreground / midground
Ideal For: Planted tanks, shrimp tanks, nano aquariums, community aquariums
Propagation: Runners / daughter plants
Plant the roots into aquarium substrate while leaving the distinctive banana-shaped tubers exposed or partially exposed. Avoid completely burying the tubers, as they are an important part of the plant and can be prone to rot if buried too deeply.
A nutrient-rich substrate or root fertilizer can encourage healthy growth. As the plant becomes established, it may produce runners and additional plants that can eventually be separated and replanted.
A Great Aquarium Plant for Beginners
Nymphoides aquatica is an excellent choice for aquarists looking for a hardy, easy-care freshwater aquarium plant with a unique appearance. Its unusual banana-shaped tubers make it unlike most other aquarium plants, while its green foliage provides a natural and attractive addition to planted tanks.
The Banana Plant Lily is also a great option for freshwater shrimp aquariums. Its leaves and root structure can provide additional surfaces and cover for shrimp while contributing to a natural-looking environment.
Whether you're creating a nano aquarium, shrimp tank, planted community aquarium, or natural aquascape, Nymphoides aquatica is a unique aquatic plant that adds character, texture, and beautiful green foliage.
Add a Banana Plant Lily to your aquarium today and enjoy one of the most unique and recognizable freshwater aquarium plants available.

