How To Plant Tiger Lotus Bulbs
Today, we will exist talking about yet some other unique constitute in the hobby: The Red tiger lotus. This wonderful plant is a lily pad or water lily from the genus Nymphaea.
The Red tiger lotus has attractive and charming broad pointer-like red leaves / lily pads which adds a whole new aesthetics to an aquarium. There are lots of pros associated with this plant: care level and maintenance are piece of cake, it is hardy and perfect for introducing a whole new dissimilarity in a tank filled with green plants.
In this article, I will be talking virtually everything you need to know almost this interesting found; a detailed care guide and how you tin can hands cultivate 1 in your aquarium.
Quick Notes virtually Red Tiger Lotus
| Mutual Name | Reddish tiger lotus |
| Scientific Proper name | Nymphaea zenkeri |
| Difficulty | Like shooting fish in a barrel |
| Lighting | Medium to Loftier |
| Optimal pH | 6.0 – 8.0 |
| Optimal GH | 2 – fifteen |
| Optimal Temperature | 22 – 28 C (71– 82 F) |
| Substrate | Needed |
| Growth Form | Stem |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Placement in Tank | Mid-ground or background |
| Summit | 15 – sixty+ cm (~five – 25+ inches) |
| Fertilizers | Non needed to low |
| CO2 | Not needed to low |
| Propagation | Daughter plants via bulbs or seeds |
Origin of Red Tiger Lotus
Ruby-red tiger lotus (Nymphaea zenkeri) is a angiosperm of the Nymphaeaceae family unit which is native to Southeast Asia and West tropical regions of Africa. This species is also known as tiger lotus or Nymphaea lotus. It is scientifically classified as follows:
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Lodge: Nymphaeales
Family: Nymphaeaceae
Genus: Nymphaea
Species: Nymphaea zenkeri
Habitat of Cherry Tiger Lotus
Crimson tiger lotus can be establish dwelling in ditches of stagnant water, the sidelines of lakes, ponds, and other areas of stagnant water. The relatively shallow water in its native habitat has made the establish quite tolerant of h2o temperature, lighting, and dissolved CO2 in the h2o.
Description of Red Tiger Lotus
Ruby tiger lotus possesses cute and mannerly pointer-shaped or center-shaped cherry leaves, these red leaves can develop striped variegation under intense lighting weather condition.
They will extend pointer-shaped lily pads to the surface of the water, producing blueish or white flowers; it is these flowers that when they wilt, the fruit bears seeds that serve as a propagative means of the tiger lotus.
The seeds develop into bulbs which roots in the substrate and growth of a new plant begins. Note: The blossoms are usually white, but due to selective breeding and hybridisation, there are varieties that will produce bluish or red flowers.
The elevation of the tiger lotus ranges from 15 – 60+ cm (~five – 25+ inches) and tin can abound taller under optimal weather condition. Red tiger lotus exhibits a fast growth charge per unit blueprint, with its strong root system that spreads all over the tank if they are not properly independent (nosotros will talk more about this subsequently in the article).
Tank Requirements and H2o Parameters
Red tiger lotus is a unique constitute species and it is tolerant of a wide range of water temperatures and other h2o parameters.
Tank size:
This plant species tin can thrive in a variety of tank sizes, fifty-fifty suited for nano tanks if properly maintained. However, the recommended minimum tank size is 10 gallons (~40 liters).
Water type, Temperature, Hardness, and pH:
Water temperature: Cherry tiger lotus tin thrive in water temperatures with degrees 22 – 28 °C (71 – 82 °F). This establish dreads lower temperature atmospheric condition which oft results in dormancy and deterioration.
pH: H2o pH of six.0 – 8.0 is optimal for the healthy growth and evolution of this species.
Hardness: Red tiger lotus can easily tolerate soft or hard water. Still, the plant will appreciate water hardness of 2 – 15 dGH.
Lighting:
Blood-red tiger lotus is non too demanding when information technology comes to lighting. It is capable of growing fifty-fifty in low-light tank setups. Regardless of this fact, it is still recommended medium – high lighting considering only like many other plants used in the hobby, Ruby tiger lotus is likely to grow to be more meaty and dumbo in this condition.
Read more virtually it in my article "Avant-garde Guide to Planted Tank Lighting" .
Substrate:
The plant volition exercise just fine in a well-fertilized or nutrient-rich substrate. However, lots of aquarists believe that the ideal substrate for cultivating this species is an iron-rich clay gravel substrate every bit it can support its nutrient needs and abundant root system.
Personally, I think that any food-rich substrate on the market place (like ADA Amazonia soil, Caribsea Eco-Complete Aquasoil, Seachem Flourite Black Sand, etc.) will exist an first-class choice for Red tiger lotus.
Read more about it in my article "Top five Substrates For Planted Aquariums".
Supplements:
CO2 and fertilizer application: Definitely, tiger lotus tin can practice without CO2 and boosted nutrient application. Although this is non mandatory, you might want to consider CO2 injection in low amounts and root tab fertilizers or liquid plant fertilizers for vibrant and lush looking plants.
Note: Don't oversupply if yous practice not want very huge plants in your aquarium.
Important: If you keep shrimp in the tank with the Red tiger lotus, I would highly recommend reading my articles:
CO2 in a Planted Tank Guide
CO2 in a Shrimp Tank
How Copper Affects Dwarf Shrimp
Shrimp Safe Plant Fertilizers
The point is that a high level of CO2 and Copper (most fertilizers contain copper) is extremely unsafe to the shrimp.
Planting and Propagation of Carmine Tiger Lotus
Growing Ruby tiger lotus in aquariums is easy. This plant is available in bulbs with or without any leaves, these bulbs must not be completely buried in the substrate to preclude rot. Place the firm healthy bulbs on the surface of the substrate, burying about 1/2 of the bulbs in the substrate should exist enough. Practise not burry too deep, the bulb can kickoff rotting.
Tip: If you lot have no idea where the tiptop is, let it float in your tank until you lot get new shoots grow. Depending on the weather condition of the bulb information technology tin have some time (from a few days up to several months!).
A thick root system will develop underneath the substrate for and growth continues. Red tiger lotus appreciates deep (at least 5 cm or 2 inches) and well-fertilized substrates.
Red tiger lotus can propagate in two ways:
- Rare 1 (in aquariums): Propagation is by seeds produced by the found later the flowers must accept wilted.
- Common (in aquariums): Past separating the bulb and the plant itself, which can be done when bulbs / shoots has fully developed and formed roots of its own. At this fourth dimension the constitute will detach from the bulb or it can now be manually removed and replanted in the aquarium to grow another one.
Recommendation: Cherry-red tiger lotus should not be planted near sensitive plants in the aquarium because Red tiger lotus absorbs large amounts of nutrients from the tank water to support its growth. It volition swallow lots and lots of nitrates, iron, CO2, macro and micronutrients which can starve other plants cultivated close to it.
How to contain the root arrangement
The root system of the Red tiger lotus can be very large. Containing the seedling is a sure fashion in preventing the found's root system from taking over the aquarium substrate. Here are the things required to achieve this:
- A plastic container that tin agree at to the lowest degree four cups.
- A piece of fine nylon mesh fabric big enough to wrap the container.
- Safe band or fishing line.
- Four cups of the enriched substrate.
- Root tab fertilizer.
Follow these steps:
- Fill the plastic container with the chosen substrate and root tab fertilizer.
- Wrap the container tightly with fine mesh material.
- Cut a piece of angling line which will be used to tie the fabric. Eight inches will be sufficient.
- Being the fabric together and twist. When the excess fabric is twisted together, double it over itself and necktie with the prophylactic ring or fishing line.
- You tin can now place the container in the aquarium. The plastic container tin exist curtained using large apartment rocks and pieces of wood.
As a result, Red tiger lotus will grow through the mesh fabric but with the roots independent in the container.
Why practice nosotros use mesh for this? Because information technology is easier to add root tabs.
The point is that with this method the establish volition not get enough nutrients for a long fourth dimension. Eventually, it will consume everything in this container and nosotros will take to supplement the found with root tabs in the hereafter.
Maintenance and Care of Red Tiger Lotus
Red tiger lotus is totally undemanding and like shooting fish in a barrel to care for, still, a strict care routine should be adhered to in ensuring that it grows healthily.
- This constitute exhibits a phenomenal growth rate. They are capable of taking over the tank if left unattended. You should observe the plant closely and trim it form time to time to prevent unnecessary overgrowth in the tank.
- To produce bushy / dense-growing Red tiger lotus in your aquarium, you need to trim the plants regularly, this volition prevent them from growing as well alpine. Tip: When you remove the leaves, cut them off as shut to the base of the plant as possible, every bit it is prone to rot otherwise.
- Ruby tiger lotus has the ability to produce seeds which will create more lotuses in the aquarium. Unfortunately, many detest this and there is something you can really do almost it. You demand to monitor the plant and cutting the surface leaves and flowers before they wilt and turn to fruits. No fruits, no seeds. Trouble solved!
- Information technology should be noted that the plant's rapid growth rate is fuelled by nutrients it gets from the substrate, CO2, and lighting (medium – high). These factors can be limited in addition to regular pruning, confining the seedling and root structure to 'deadening' downward the growth charge per unit a bit and prevent information technology from becoming as well huge for the aquarium.
Trimming and "Grooming" Carmine Tiger Lotus
Equally I take just said, these plants will blossom if allowed to class lily pads. However, experienced aquarists advise starting to train the plant to abound below the h2o right from the beginning. Cutting the pads off at the base to make information technology bushier. Practise not permit the plant to spend free energy to get to the acme.
Benefits of Red Tiger Lotus:
Aquascape : This beautiful, carpet plant is 1 of the best choices for aquascapes (especially for Dutch aquarium ). Ruby tiger lotus grows really nicely in the tanks and looks very cool to be used as a focal bespeak.
Prevents gas pockets :Red tiger lotus's root system will aid to break upward anaerobic pockets in the substrate.
Note: Hydrogen sulfide pockets (H2S, the gas smells similar rotten eggs) can be actually dangerous to your fish or shrimp.
Foraging identify : This institute will be an additional place for the growth of biofilm , which is an platonic first nutrient for newly hatched fry and shrimplets.
Shelter : Red tiger lotus will also provide shelter and hiding spots for shy fish and shrimp.
Oxygenation : As with all plants, it helps in oxygenating the water column in the aquarium.
Problems Associated with Red Tiger Lotus
- Outgrowth : The major problem associated with this species is that it grows too large and fast. Red tiger lotus is capable of growing very huge once it is supplied with plenty of light, CO2, and nutrients. Therefore, information technology is recommended to keep these factors counterbalanced and trim the leaves regularly to prevent the plant from taking most space in the tank.
- Losing its leaves : Red tiger lotus is capable of going into dormancy when exposed to depression temperature weather condition. While in this condition, the establish can shed all its leaves. The skilful news is that the plant will produce new leaves eventually and return to normalcy after a while. Proceed in mind that this is a seasonal plant and they likewise tend to die off before the bigger leaves start to grow. Give information technology a month or two, and you will be having pads on the surface.
- Relocation : Another trouble is that the root organisation of Red tiger lotus tin grow to be enormous. Therefore, if you ever decide to remove the establish, you should cutting it off instead of pulling it up. DO Not ever be tempted to pull it up. You will pull everything up!
- Burning marks on the leaves: Although high lighting will definitely speed up the growth of the Crimson tiger lotus, information technology can besides burn the lily pads. If your low-cal hangs low and you allow the plant to accomplish the surface of the tank.
- Block the lite : Crimson tiger lotus will constantly put out runners (long stems to reach the surface). One time they become to the peak, it will produce big leaves and grow similar crazy, equally it has admission to the CO2 in the temper. Remove lily pads every now and when, as they are blocking light for other plants in the tank.
- Suppress other plants: There is a rumor that Red tiger lotus can produce a chemical that volition suppress the growth of algae and slow other plant growth.
I cannot confirm or deny the said allegation. However, in my opinion, the problem lays in their huge root organisation and greediness for the nutrients. Red tiger lotus simply outcompetes other plants and can 'strangle' other rooting plants. The root system should exist contained, it helps to go on the found meaty. You tin also add Seachem Flourish root tabs (link check the price on Amazon) for everything else to keep them happy.
Note: First time most Allelopathy (Biological warfare) I read in Diana Walstad's book ( Ecology of the Planted Aquarium: A Practical Manual and Scientific Treatise for the Home Aquarist – link to bank check the price on Amazon ).
You lot can likewise read my commodity "How to Prepare a Tank Using the Walstad Method".
Red Tiger Lotus and Tankmates
Scarlet tiger lotus is compatible with:
- Fish (similar Guppy, Molly, Swordtail, Angelfish, Loaches (Clown loach, Coolie loach), Discus, Platies, Tetras, Zebra Danio , Otocinclus Catfish , etc.)
- Shrimp (All varieties of Neocaridina ( Cherry Ruddy Shrimp,Bluish Velvet Shrimp , Snowball shrimp , Black Rose, Orangish Sakura, Green Jade, Rili Shrimp, etc) or Caridina species (for example, Crystal Ruby Shrimp, Caridina cf. babaulti ,Blue Tiger Shrimp, etc. ), Amano shrimp , Ghost shrimp , Bamboo shrimp, Vampire shrimp,). Basically, you can go on any shrimp species with it. They will love it!
- Snails (for example, Ramshorn snails,Nerite snails,Malaysian Trumpet snails, Japanese trapdoor snails,Mystery snails,).
Be careful with snails that can impairment or try to devour the plant. Check out the list of freshwater snails here .
You lot should avoid hostile and aggressive fish species that will waste material no time in fierce upwardly the plants and fighting other fish in the tank. They include Oscars, Cichlids similar Frontosa, Texas Cichlids, Cherry-red Devil, and Jack Dempsey.
Do not keep Red tiger lotus with crayfish or crabs. It is a well-known fact that these invertebrates are constitute destructive ( read my introduction to crayfish care ). They volition eat, cut, and uproot everything in the tank. Therefore, the best choice will be to have floater plants with them.
For compatible plants, yous tin plant Red tiger lotus together with, for case, Anubias , Anachris, Java fern , and Water wisteria . Ideally, it will be meliorate to cull plants, which will not compete with Cerise tiger lotus for the nutrients in the substrate, at least these plants should non be planted too close.
Buying Red Tiger Lotus
Red tiger lotus is widely available in fish and pet stores. Information technology is totally inexpensive and tin arrive every bit a bulb with or without any leaves attached while some come as juvenile plants with established roots and leaves.
Some vendors might attempt to sell dead bulbs to yous but this tin can be averted. Skilful Carmine tiger lotus bulbs should exist house and healthy-looking not soft and squishy. The roots and leaves (if any) should be abundant and fresh, devoid of damages.
However, do not panic if y'all purchased a Red tiger lotus establish which has leaves but does not take a bulb. As long as the roots and leaves look healthy, the plant should be OK.
After some time, you will find that the constitute has produced a new seedling beneath the surface. The bulb is really only a food storage during dormancy.
QuarantineRed Tiger Lotus
Unless you are completely certain that the found is safety, for example, it was grown in sterile/laboratory conditions (in vitro) and in vitro pot is not damaged or opened, do not forget to quarantine information technology before putting it into your aquarium!
- The establish can have parasites, pests like snails, or even predators ( dragonfly, damsefly nymphs , etc.).
- It could also be treated with chemicals (pesticide) to remove parasites, snails, etc. However, these chemicals are extremely poisonous to fish, shrimp, and other invertebrates.
To find out more, read my manufactures:
How to Remove Snails from a Shrimp Tank.
How to Quarantine and Disinfect Aquarium Plants.
Pesticides in Shrimp Tanks. Plants Quarantine.
In Determination
The search for plants to add together in a freshwater aquarium can exist confusing because there are endless choices. Nevertheless, Red tiger lotus is a perfect choice for creating an bonny centerpiece in your aquarium, and if you are seeking to incorporate a unique or different contrast and accomplish an overall pleasing wait in your aquarium.
This is a medium to high light institute and it can survive in low light likewise, and it doesn't require excessive maintenance. The Ruby-red tiger lotus is definitely a establish you would want to have in your tank especially if y'all are a beginner in the hobby.
Related articles:
- Top 5 Plants for Your Shrimp Tank
- Elevation 7 Floating Plants for Beginners
- ten Tips For Rooted Aquarium Plants
Foto past Andtheivy
Source: https://aquariumbreeder.com/red-tiger-lotus-care-guide-planting-growing-and-propagation/
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