Title: Red Tiger Lotus
mango4jade - August 1, 2005 12:34 PM (GMT)
Common Name: Red Tiger Lotus
Scientific Name: Nymphaea lotus ‘zenkeri’ var Red
Light: Low to Very High
Co2:Not essential to growth
Level of Difficulty: Difficult
This stunning plant forms reddish green leaves atop thick green stems, with one leaf per stem. It grows from a bulb and develops an enormous root system. When young, it will form many fully submersed leaves. In time, it will send out longer shoots which, upon finding the surface, let out large, beautiful leaves that hang at the water’s surface. Once the first leaf has found the water level, the plant will continue to put up many floating leaves. These leaves, while very beautiful, will block significant amounts of light. If the aquarist would like to try to avoid these leaves, it is suggested that no leaves be allowed to reach the surface. This effectually trains the plant to stay with its lower lying, submersed leaves. Even if the plant has previously been allowed to reach the water level, systematically cutting back its floating leaves will encourage lower growth. When cutting floating leaves (or submersed) follow the long stalk back to the base of the plant and cut as close to the base as possible. The constant pruning of this plant, if it is desired to stay low, can be tedious.
The Red Tiger lotus has one of what must be the most breathtaking flowers. They are a nightblooming flower (adding to their allure and exoticism) and are nearly the size of a compact disk. They are a vibrant pinkish magenta color with a deeper pink center. They will last only a few days under the right circumstances. The probability of these flowers occuring depends largely on whether or not the plant is allowed to mature to the surface of the water with floating leaves. The flower will begin as a thick stalk that approaches the surface, with a bud at the end. This stalk is generally very fast growing.
An open aquarium provides an optimal setting for observing the wonderful floating leaves and showing off any flowers.
A nutrient rich substrate is an important component for growing this plant as it relies almost exclusively on its massive root system for nourishment. Co2 is not necessary, but as with most plants, will benefit the lotus if available.
This plant is also used as a pond plant.
Because of the sheer size that this species can obtain, it is best suited for only large or very large aquariums when adult. When young, and if kept trimmed, it can last quite a while in a medium sized tank but will require a lot of care and may eventually become too large despite efforts to prevent it.
Photo 1: Red Tiger Lotus inside tank
Photo 2: Surface leaves
Photo 3: Lotus Bud
Photo 4: Lotus Flower
Scientific Name: Nymphaea lotus ‘zenkeri’ var Red
Light: Low to Very High
Co2:Not essential to growth
Level of Difficulty: Difficult
This stunning plant forms reddish green leaves atop thick green stems, with one leaf per stem. It grows from a bulb and develops an enormous root system. When young, it will form many fully submersed leaves. In time, it will send out longer shoots which, upon finding the surface, let out large, beautiful leaves that hang at the water’s surface. Once the first leaf has found the water level, the plant will continue to put up many floating leaves. These leaves, while very beautiful, will block significant amounts of light. If the aquarist would like to try to avoid these leaves, it is suggested that no leaves be allowed to reach the surface. This effectually trains the plant to stay with its lower lying, submersed leaves. Even if the plant has previously been allowed to reach the water level, systematically cutting back its floating leaves will encourage lower growth. When cutting floating leaves (or submersed) follow the long stalk back to the base of the plant and cut as close to the base as possible. The constant pruning of this plant, if it is desired to stay low, can be tedious.
The Red Tiger lotus has one of what must be the most breathtaking flowers. They are a nightblooming flower (adding to their allure and exoticism) and are nearly the size of a compact disk. They are a vibrant pinkish magenta color with a deeper pink center. They will last only a few days under the right circumstances. The probability of these flowers occuring depends largely on whether or not the plant is allowed to mature to the surface of the water with floating leaves. The flower will begin as a thick stalk that approaches the surface, with a bud at the end. This stalk is generally very fast growing.
An open aquarium provides an optimal setting for observing the wonderful floating leaves and showing off any flowers.
A nutrient rich substrate is an important component for growing this plant as it relies almost exclusively on its massive root system for nourishment. Co2 is not necessary, but as with most plants, will benefit the lotus if available.
This plant is also used as a pond plant.
Because of the sheer size that this species can obtain, it is best suited for only large or very large aquariums when adult. When young, and if kept trimmed, it can last quite a while in a medium sized tank but will require a lot of care and may eventually become too large despite efforts to prevent it.
Photo 1: Red Tiger Lotus inside tank
Photo 2: Surface leaves
Photo 3: Lotus Bud
Photo 4: Lotus Flower