This spectacular red aquarium/paludarium lily is an actual “centrepiece” plant that can grow to be quite large and produce lovely flowers!
The Red Tiger Lotus Aquarium Lily (Nymphaea Zenker) is a stunning red bulb plant native to Africa. As the name implies, it is distinguished by its triangular leaves and its deep red coloration. Under ideal conditions, it can grow 30+ inches tall and 20+ inches wide. If kept in shallow enough water or under emersed conditions, it will occasionally flower, making it an excellent plant for aquariums.
It is straightforward to care for Dwarf Aquarium Lily. If the bulb base is completely buried in the substrate, it will rot. Just 1/4 of the bulb should be buried in the substrate. Furthermore, this warm water plant will quickly deteriorate if the temperature is too low.
The Red Tiger Lotus Aquarium Lily will grow moderately if adequately cared for. It spreads via shoots, and once new growth has its roots, it can be cut and replanted. Finally, it will go through dormant periods to shed its leaves for a few weeks before growing new ones.
In this article, we will take you to step by step through planting a Red Tiger Lotus Bulb. If you follow the tips, you will be able to plant your plant easily and provide your new plant with a healthy environment to thrive peacefully.
So, without further ado, let us get started.
Planting the Red Tiger Lotus Bulb: What to Consider?
The following recommendations may help you keep your Red Tiger Lotus Bulb healthy and peaceful:
- Water temperature: Red tiger lotus can thrive in temperatures ranging from 22 to 28 degrees Celsius (71 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit). Lower temperature conditions frighten this plant, resulting in dormancy and deterioration.
- pH: A pH range of 6.0 to 8.0 is ideal for this species’ healthy growth and development.
- Hardness: Red tiger lotus can grow in both soft and hard water. On the other hand, the plant prefers water hardness of 2 – 15 dGH.
- Lighting: The red tiger lotus does not require a lot of light. It can grow in low-light tank setups as well. Regardless, medium–high lighting is still recommended because, like many other plants used in the hobby, the Red tiger lotus will grow to be more compact and dense in this condition.
- Substrate: However, many aquarists believe that an iron-rich clay gravel substrate is the best substrate for cultivating this species because it can support its nutrient needs and extensive root system. However, many aquarists believe that an iron-rich clay gravel substrate is the best substrate for cultivating this species because it can support its nutrient needs and extensive root system. However, many aquarists believe that an iron-rich clay gravel substrate is the best substrate for cultivating this species because it can support its nutrient needs and extensive root system. However, many aquarists believe that an iron-rich clay gravel substrate is the best substrate for cultivating this species because it can support its nutrient needs and extensive root system.
- CO2 and fertiliser application as supplements: Without a doubt, tiger lotus can survive without CO2 or additional nutrient applications. Although it is not required, you may want to consider low-dose CO2 injection and root tab fertilisers or liquid plant fertilisers for vibrant and lush-looking plants.
How to Plant Red Tiger Lotus Bulb – Step By Step Guide
Now let’s get down with our main event and learn about how to plant; And try to follow our instructions and advice step by step-
Step 1: Red Tiger Lotus Planting and Propagation
It is simple to grow Red tiger lotus is available in bulbs with or without leaves; however, these bulbs should not be completely buried in the substrate to avoid rot. Place the firm, healthy bulbs on the surface of the substrate, burying half of them in the substrate. If you bury the bulb too profoundly, it will rot.
Tip: If you don’t know where the top is, let it float in your tank until new shoots appear. It may take some time (from a few days to several months!), depending on the condition of the bulb.
A thick root system will form beneath the substrate, and growth will continue. Deep (at least 5 cm or 2 inches) and well-fertilized substrates are preferred by red tiger lotus.
The red tiger lotus can reproduce in two ways:
- Propagation is by seeds produced by the plant after the flowers have wilted, which is uncommon (in aquariums).
- Common (in aquariums): By separating the bulb from the plant itself, which can be done once the bulbs/shoots have fully developed and formed their roots. The plant will detach from the bulb at this point, or it can be manually removed and replanted in the aquarium to grow another one.
Red tiger lotus should not be planted near sensitive plants in the aquarium because it absorbs large amounts of nutrients from the tank water to support its growth. It will consume many nitrates, iron, CO2, and macro and micronutrients, potentially starving other plants grown nearby.
Step 2 : What is the best way to keep the root system in check?
The root system of the Red tiger lotus can be pretty extensive. Keeping the bulb contained is a sure way to keep the plant’s root system from taking over the aquarium substrate. The following items are required to accomplish this:
- A plastic container with a capacity of at least four cups.
- An acceptable nylon mesh fabric length is large enough to wrap around the container.
- Fishing line or a rubber band
- 4 cups of enriched substrate
- Fertiliser for the roots.
Take the following steps:
- Fill the plastic container halfway with the substrate of choice and the root tab fertiliser. Wrap the container in fine mesh fabric tightly.
- Cut a piece of fishing line to be used for tying the fabric. Eight inches should suffice.
- Put the fabric together and twist it. When all of the excess fabric has been twisted together, double it over and tie it with a rubber band or fishing line.
- Now you can put the container in the aquarium. Large flat rocks and pieces of wood can be used to conceal the plastic container.
As a result, the Red tiger lotus will grow through the mesh fabric while keeping its roots contained within the container.
Why are we using mesh in this case? Because adding root tabs is simpler.
The point is that the plant will not get enough nutrients for a long time if this method is used. It will eventually consume everything in this container, forcing us to supplement the plant with root tabs in the future.
Step 3: Red Tiger Lotus Maintenance and Care
The red tiger lotus is entirely undemanding and straightforward to care for; however, a strict care routine should be followed to thrive.
This plant grows at an incredible rate. If left unattended, they can take over the tank. To avoid unnecessary overgrowth in the tank, keep a close eye on the plant and trim it.
Trim the plants regularly to prevent them from growing too tall in your aquarium to produce bushy / dense-growing Red tiger lotus.
Tip: When removing the leaves, cut them as close to the plant’s base as possible, as they are prone to rot otherwise.
The red tiger lotus can produce seeds, which will result in more lotuses in the aquarium. Many people dislike this, but there is something you can do. You must keep an eye on the plant and cut flowers before they wilt and turn into fruits. The issue is resolved!
It should be noted that nutrients fuel the plant’s rapid growth from the substrate, CO2, and medium–high lighting. In addition to regular pruning, these factors can be limited by confining the bulb and root structure to slow down the growth rate and prevent it from becoming too large for the aquarium.
Step 4: Trimming as well as “Training” Lotus Red Tiger
If allowed to form lily pads, these plants will flower. However, experienced aquarists recommend training the plant to grow below the water. To make it bushier, cut the pads off at the base. Allow the plant to expend energy to reach the top.
FAQ
How long does it take for tiger lotus bulbs to grow?
They not only grow faster than any other weed you’ve ever seen, but they also grow to be enormous. You can expect the bulb to have leaves the size of your hand in less than three weeks after planting it. It will quickly produce a large number of these leaves.
How quickly does the Red Tiger Lotus grow?
The red tiger lotus grows incredibly if given adequate lighting, even gaining a few inches per day. Furthermore, if one or two leaves reach the surface, the plant will “learn” that it can do so and try to do so regularly.
Can lotus grow solely on water?
Taller lotus varieties can grow in water depths of up to 18 inches, while dwarf varieties thrive in water depths of two to twelve inches. Lotuses can be left in the pond during the winter as long as the tubers are protected from ice.
Closing Words
These are the ways to plant the Red Tiger Lotus Bulb.
It is not just that they grow much faster than any other weed you are familiar with; they grow to enormous proportions. Large numbers of leaves will appear quickly. Large numbers of leaves will appear quickly. If you have any comments or questions concerning today’s story, please leave them in the comment section below. We will make every effort to respond to you as quickly as possible.
