Banana Lily (Nymphoides aquatica) bare root

Description

Banana Lily (Nymphoides aquatica) Bare Root

The Banana Lily is one of the most unique freshwater aquarium plants available, instantly recognisable by its banana-shaped tubers and beautiful floating lily pads. Easy to grow and beginner-friendly, it creates a stunning natural focal point in planted aquariums.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Nymphoides aquatica
  • Common name: Banana Lily
  • Plant type: Bulb/Tuber aquarium plant
  • Placement: Midground to background
  • Growth rate: Moderate
  • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
  • Supplied as: Bare root plant

Is this for you?

✔️ Perfect if:

  • You want a unique feature plant.
  • You love aquariums with floating lily pads.
  • You're looking for an easy beginner plant.
  • You want a plant suitable for shrimp and fish aquariums.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You only want low-growing foreground plants.
  • You prefer heavily trimmed aquascapes.
  • Your aquarium has very low lighting.
  • You don't have space for floating leaves to develop.

Why choose Banana Lily?

Banana Lily is famous for the cluster of thick, banana-shaped tubers that store nutrients and give the plant its distinctive appearance. From these tubers grow attractive green leaves that can remain underwater or extend to the surface, where they develop into beautiful floating lily pads.

This hardy North American aquatic plant adapts well to a wide range of aquarium conditions and is ideal for both beginners and experienced aquascapers. Its floating leaves also provide natural shade, helping timid fish and shrimp feel secure.

Supplied as a healthy bare root plant, Banana Lily quickly establishes itself when placed gently on the substrate with the banana-shaped tubers left exposed rather than buried.

Benefits

  • Unique banana-shaped tubers
  • Produces beautiful floating lily pads
  • Excellent centrepiece or feature plant
  • Easy to grow and beginner friendly
  • Provides natural shelter and shade for fish and shrimp
  • Suitable for low-tech and CO₂-injected aquariums

Care made simple

  • Lighting: Low to medium (medium lighting encourages stronger growth)
  • Temperature: 20–28°C
  • pH: 6.5–7.8
  • Growth: Moderate
  • CO₂: Optional but beneficial
  • Planting: Place on the substrate with the roots covered lightly and the banana-shaped tubers left exposed.
  • Root tabs will encourage vigorous leaf growth.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Neocaridina Shrimp
  • Caridina Shrimp
  • Bettas
  • Corydoras
  • Nano community aquariums
NTA Insight:
One of the most common mistakes is burying the banana-shaped tubers completely in the substrate. Leave the tubers exposed while allowing only the roots to anchor into the substrate. With good lighting and nutrient-rich conditions, the plant will reward you with beautiful floating lily pads that create a natural pond-like appearance inside your aquarium.

FAQ

Why is it called a Banana Lily?

The plant gets its common name from its thick, banana-shaped tubers, which store nutrients and help support new growth.

Should I bury the banana-shaped tubers?

No. Only the roots should be lightly planted. The banana-shaped tubers should remain above the substrate to reduce the risk of rot.

Will it produce floating lily pads?

Yes. Under good lighting and healthy growing conditions, Banana Lily will often send leaves to the water surface where they develop into attractive floating pads.

Does Banana Lily need CO₂?

No. It grows well without CO₂, although additional CO₂ and root fertilisers can encourage faster growth and larger leaves.

Is Banana Lily safe for shrimp?

Absolutely. It is shrimp-safe and provides excellent cover for shrimp, fry and small community fish.

Banana Lily (Nymphoides aquatica) bare root

Product form
Free pickup in our shop(s)

SKU: PA020000

📍 In-Store Locations: APE36
📦 Arrival Date: 22 July 2026

13 in stock  

$9.95


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Banana Lily (Nymphoides aquatica) Bare Root

    The Banana Lily is one of the most unique freshwater aquarium plants available, instantly recognisable by its banana-shaped tubers and beautiful floating lily pads. Easy to grow and beginner-friendly, it creates a stunning natural focal point in planted aquariums.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Nymphoides aquatica
    • Common name: Banana Lily
    • Plant type: Bulb/Tuber aquarium plant
    • Placement: Midground to background
    • Growth rate: Moderate
    • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy
    • Supplied as: Bare root plant

    Is this for you?

    ✔️ Perfect if:

    • You want a unique feature plant.
    • You love aquariums with floating lily pads.
    • You're looking for an easy beginner plant.
    • You want a plant suitable for shrimp and fish aquariums.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You only want low-growing foreground plants.
    • You prefer heavily trimmed aquascapes.
    • Your aquarium has very low lighting.
    • You don't have space for floating leaves to develop.

    Why choose Banana Lily?

    Banana Lily is famous for the cluster of thick, banana-shaped tubers that store nutrients and give the plant its distinctive appearance. From these tubers grow attractive green leaves that can remain underwater or extend to the surface, where they develop into beautiful floating lily pads.

    This hardy North American aquatic plant adapts well to a wide range of aquarium conditions and is ideal for both beginners and experienced aquascapers. Its floating leaves also provide natural shade, helping timid fish and shrimp feel secure.

    Supplied as a healthy bare root plant, Banana Lily quickly establishes itself when placed gently on the substrate with the banana-shaped tubers left exposed rather than buried.

    Benefits

    • Unique banana-shaped tubers
    • Produces beautiful floating lily pads
    • Excellent centrepiece or feature plant
    • Easy to grow and beginner friendly
    • Provides natural shelter and shade for fish and shrimp
    • Suitable for low-tech and CO₂-injected aquariums

    Care made simple

    • Lighting: Low to medium (medium lighting encourages stronger growth)
    • Temperature: 20–28°C
    • pH: 6.5–7.8
    • Growth: Moderate
    • CO₂: Optional but beneficial
    • Planting: Place on the substrate with the roots covered lightly and the banana-shaped tubers left exposed.
    • Root tabs will encourage vigorous leaf growth.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Neocaridina Shrimp
    • Caridina Shrimp
    • Bettas
    • Corydoras
    • Nano community aquariums
    NTA Insight:
    One of the most common mistakes is burying the banana-shaped tubers completely in the substrate. Leave the tubers exposed while allowing only the roots to anchor into the substrate. With good lighting and nutrient-rich conditions, the plant will reward you with beautiful floating lily pads that create a natural pond-like appearance inside your aquarium.

    FAQ

    Why is it called a Banana Lily?

    The plant gets its common name from its thick, banana-shaped tubers, which store nutrients and help support new growth.

    Should I bury the banana-shaped tubers?

    No. Only the roots should be lightly planted. The banana-shaped tubers should remain above the substrate to reduce the risk of rot.

    Will it produce floating lily pads?

    Yes. Under good lighting and healthy growing conditions, Banana Lily will often send leaves to the water surface where they develop into attractive floating pads.

    Does Banana Lily need CO₂?

    No. It grows well without CO₂, although additional CO₂ and root fertilisers can encourage faster growth and larger leaves.

    Is Banana Lily safe for shrimp?

    Absolutely. It is shrimp-safe and provides excellent cover for shrimp, fry and small community fish.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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