[glibby]

This might be a little off but I enjoy growing plants in a couple of small ponds as well as aquariums. I do have a couple of Nelumbos planted in those ponds but they take up space. Now there are the Chinese Dwarf lotuses that remain small and I wanted to try them. The problem is the adds I see are very contradictory as to how big their "minature", or "bowl" or "small" actually grow. At one time I had one minature that grew over 3 foot tall but I believe the newer imports might remain under 18" tall. Can any tell me the name of one and where I might purchase one? George

 

[trenac]

The most common one found for the aquarium is the Nymphaea lotus, then there is a newer one Nymphaea micrantha. The first you can get from your LFS or fellow hobbyist, the second from a plant specialty store or hobbyist. You can keep these growing shorter by keeping the leaves/stems pruned back before they reach the surface.

 

[Mud Pie Mama]

I think George is actually inquiring about true Lotus: Nelumbo, whose leaves rise up completely above the water.
Like here:
http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=X780

Not Nymphaea - the Water Lilies, which have leaves which float like saucers on the water's surface. And we torture, for our aquarium pleasure, to remain forever juvenile & submerged.

Lilypons Water Gardens in Maryland has been in business for decades. Their website has three pages dedicated just to Lotus, Nelumbo (including several minis):
http://www.lilypons.com/departments.asp?dept=7

Although, I can't say which is the best dwarf. Or best supplier for low pricing.