• Ideal to set as the focal point of aquascape for its distinctive red color.
• Able to flower underwater
• Dormant periods sometimes occur when the leaves disappear, but the plant starts forming new leaves a few months later
• The dormant period can often be broken by moving the plant
• Supply of this plant is seasonal. Try to grab it while stock last

Note: Leaves will be removed for shipping. We only ship bulbs that have successfully germinate

Barclaya longifolia is native to a wide swath of Southern Asia. It has always been relatively uncommon in the North American hobby, where it can obtained through trade with fellow hobbyists, but is a bit more widely available elsewhere, where it is reproduced in nurseries.

B. longifolia is a member of the Nymphaeaceae and is essentially a lotus that does not grow any floating leaves. Its elongate and reddish to green undulate leaves make it look superficially similar to a Cryptocoryne when smaller, but it soon attains a size rivaling many larger Echinodorus . Red and green (with reddish leaf undersides) forms exist, with the green one attaining a slightly larger size. As with other Nymphaeaceae , restricting the roots by potting the plant can keep the plants smaller for longer. It is rather undemanding and good for suitably sized aquariums of almost any type as long as it receives good light and water that is not too cold (under 75 degrees Fahrenheit or 24 degrees Celsius). It is usually able to obtain sufficient nutrients from the water column, although it does benefit from root feeding (which may not always be advisable given its eventual size). Although not very sensitive to nutrient deficiencies, B. longifolia does unfortunately suffer the attentions of snails. Even in tanks where snails are not usually a problem, it may become filled with holes, so be prepared to deal with snails if necessary. Its leaves are rather delicate and should not be subjected to brisk currents. One final point worth mentioning is that this species is given to occasional rest periods, during which plants will die back for a few weeks.

Propagating B. longifolia is as interesting as the plant itself. New plants occasionally form at the base of a larger plant's bulb, but propagation through seed is far more productive. In fact, B. longifolia is one of the easiest plants to reproduce through sexual propagation. Healthy plants routinely send up flower stalks that somewhat resemble those of poppies and will self-pollinate whether they reach the surface and flower or remain closed and don't (cleistogamy). As seeds start to develop, the enlarged area grows and when the seeds are mature, starts to dissolve. It is highly recommendable to cut off the flower stalk when that happens so that it does not make a mess of the aquarium. Inside the pod is a white jelly-like substance that encloses numerous thorny and tan-colored seeds. Separate them from the jelly and transfer them to an area that receives unimpeded light and is protected. A sandy area in a tank with sedate fish or a dish in an emersed setup are ideal. Even scattering them about the foreground of an established tank will result in a fair number of specimens appearing over the next few months. As the seeds sprout, they are even more vulnerable to snails than ever. Once they have grown to a few inches high, seedlings are ready for transplanting.

B. longifolia can really only be fully appreciated when given a lot of room to spread out. Aquariums of seventy five gallons or more are the most suitable. As with many large Echinodorus , they can be rather difficult to aquascape around. Even so, they can be very effective as a specimen plants it the background or sides of large aquariums. It is unfortunately overlooked as a candidate for discus tanks, where its love of warm water makes it right at home.