Barclaya Longifolia
Plant Profile
If you're hunting for a unique center-stage plant, Barclaya Longifolia (Barclaya longifolia), often called the Orchid Lily, is an exceptional find. Native to the soft-water streams of Southeast Asia, this rare bulb species belongs to the water lily family, but with a fascinating twist: unlike most lilies that send floating pads to the surface, Barclaya grows completely submerged! It forms an impressive rosette of long, wavy, ribbon-like leaves that radiate outward in deep maroon, olive, and copper-red tones. Reaching anywhere from 8 to 16 inches in height, it creates a sweeping, high-contrast display when placed in the midground or background alongside classic green stem plants and lush carpets.
*Important Note: Photo shows a bulb portion after 2 months of growth.
Key Features & Benefits
- Long, ribbon-like leaves with wavy edges display a stunning spectrum of copper, olive, and deep maroon red.
- Unique fully submerged water lily that stays completely underwater without sending floating pads to the top.
- Uncommon collector bulb plant that creates a dramatic, wide-spreading centerpiece in planted aquariums.
Care & Planting Instructions
- Gently press the bulb halfway into your aquarium soil, making sure the top half remains exposed to the water column to prevent rotting.
- Bulbs typically range from 0.5 to 1.5 inches upon arrival, so don't worry if it looks small at first, as it will grow larger and establish strong roots once placed in soft, slightly acidic water.
- As a heavy root feeder, Barclaya Longifolia thrives when provided with plenty of root nutrients; placing root tabs near the bulb in your aquarium soil will directly encourage faster growth and vibrant foliage.
- Provide moderate to high lighting; while adaptable, supplying pressurized CO2 and regular liquid iron dosing brings out the deepest maroon-red colors. See our guide to growing red aquarium plants.
- Keep water parameters stable and avoid sudden changes in water chemistry to prevent leaf melt during transition.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Barclaya longifolia |
| Common Name(s) | Barclaya Longifolia, Orchid Lily |
| Family | Nymphaeaceae |
| Plant Type / Taxonomy | Submerged Bulb Plant / Tuberous Rosette |
| Care Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Light Requirement | Moderate to High |
| CO2 Requirement | Optional / Recommended (Enhances leaf color and growth rate) |
| Placement / Usage | Midground / Background Centerpiece |
| Height / Size | 8–16”+ |
| Growth Rate | Medium |
| Water Parameters | pH 6.0–7.5 (Soft, slightly acidic water preferred) |
| Propagation Method | Side Shoots / Daughter Bulbs |
| Origin | Southeast Asia |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I plant a Barclaya Longifolia bulb properly?
Set the bulb gently on top of your aquarium soil and press it in just enough so that it stays anchored, keeping at least half of the bulb exposed above the substrate. Completely burying the bulb can block circulation and cause it to rot before sprouting.
2. What water conditions does Barclaya Longifolia prefer to sprout?
Barclaya Longifolia sprouts best in soft, slightly acidic water. Hard or highly alkaline water parameters can slow down sprouting and cause the leaves to turn bronze or dull, so maintaining soft water helps promote deep maroon-red leaves.
3. Why is my Barclaya Longifolia losing its leaves or going dormant?
Like many bulbous species in the water lily family, Barclaya Longifolia can occasionally undergo a rest or drop leaves if parameters fluctuate drastically. As long as the bulb remains firm in your aquarium soil, it will rest and send out fresh new foliage once conditions stabilize.