Barclaya longifolia (Orchid Lily) care guide
Barclaya longifolia · Nymphaeaceae
Barclaya longifolia (Orchid Lily) (Barclaya longifolia) is an aquatic plant. It belongs to the Nymphaeaceae family. It is native to Indo-China to northwest Peninsular Malaysia – fully submerged in clear forest streams with soft, acidic water; a water-lily relative with no floating leaves. It needs medium to high light. Water temperature: 24°C – 28°C. pH: 5.5 – 7.5. Care difficulty: Moderate. Growth rate: moderate.
How do you care for Barclaya longifolia (Orchid Lily)?
| Light | Medium to High (strong light with CO₂ and fertiliser turns leaves deep red-maroon; low light leaves them bronze-green) |
|---|---|
| CO₂ | Helpful, not required |
| Temperature | 24°C – 28°C |
| pH | 5.5 – 7.5 |
| Placement | Midground or background, as a solitary plant (larger tanks) |
| Growth | Moderate |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Family | Nymphaeaceae |
How do you trim and propagate Barclaya longifolia (Orchid Lily)?
Just remove old or melting leaves at the base. Propagate by separating the daughter plants or side shoots that form on the tuber; it also sets seed in aquaria that can be grown on.
What problems affect Barclaya longifolia (Orchid Lily)?
All leaves dying back and growth stopping — a natural resting phase; melting leaves or a rotting tuber from sudden parameter changes or water that is too cold. Snails like to eat it.
How do you fix Barclaya longifolia (Orchid Lily) problems?
Leave the tuber in the substrate (or move it to a fresh spot) — leaves usually return; keep the water warm (not below about 24°C) and change conditions gradually. Press the tuber in shallowly, 2 – 3 cm at most, top at the surface; use a rich substrate, iron-rich root tabs and macro/micro fertiliser for red colour. A poor match for unheated tanks; it will not grow emersed.
Where does Barclaya longifolia (Orchid Lily) come from?
Indo-China to northwest Peninsular Malaysia – fully submerged in clear forest streams with soft, acidic water; a water-lily relative with no floating leaves
Sources
- Barclaya longifolia — Flowgrow Aquatic Plant Database
- Barclaya Longifolia Aquarium Plant — Buce Plant
- Barclaya longifolia — Wikipedia
- GBIF name match: Barclaya longifolia — GBIF
- Cây thủy sinh: Biệt Liên – Orchid lily – Barclaya longifolia — Cá Cảnh Thái Hòa (Vietnamese aquarium shop)
Care details checked against these sources on 2026-09-23.
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