Description:
The Red Tiger Lotus known as the Nymphaea lotus var. 'Red, is a distinguished aquatic plant known for its striking appearance in aquariums and ponds. It boasts large, round leaves that can grow up to 15-30cm in diameter and the plant itself can grow 70-80cm tall, the leaves can be cut at the lower stem to keep the plan shorter and more bushy, if left to grow to the surface all the leaves will shoot for the surface and create lily pads. Initially dark brown, these leaves transition to a deep red or reddish-brown hue as they mature, particularly under higher light conditions. The plant features robust reddish-brown stems that anchor it firmly in the substrate, complemented by delicate, branching roots.
Growth Habit:
The Tiger Lotus is characterised by its distinctive bulb, which should be planted beneath the substrate to facilitate proper rooting and growth. Under favourable conditions, the Red Tiger Lotus exhibits vigorous growth. It sends lily-like pads to the water's surface and may produce delicate blooms, further enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
Aquascape Use:
The Red Tiger Lotus is favoured in aqua scaping for its dramatic colour contrast and impressive leaf size. It serves as a captivating focal point in midground or background placements, adding height and visual interest to aquatic layouts.
Caring for Red Tiger Lotus:
To ensure optimal growth and vibrant colouration of the lotus in your aquarium, follow these care guidelines:
- Substrate and Nutrients:
Provide the Red Tiger Lotus with a nutrient-rich substrate such as aqua soil and supplement with root tabs. This ensures the plant has access to essential nutrients for robust growth and health.
- Fertilisation:
Regularly use aquarium fertilisers to enhance coloration and promote healthy growth. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer bottle for precise dosing to avoid over-fertilisation.
- Iron Supplementation:
Dosing iron can intensify the red coloration of the Red Tiger Lotus leaves. Use a chelated iron supplement designed for aquatic plants, following recommended guidelines for safe and effective application.
- CO2 Injection:
Consider injecting CO2 into your aquarium setup to optimize growth and bring out the full vibrancy of the Red Tiger Lotus. CO2 supplementation can significantly enhance plant health and appearance.
- Maintenance:
Regularly monitor water parameters and plant health to ensure conditions remain optimal. Trim any yellowing or damaged leaves to promote new growth and maintain the plant's aesthetic appeal.
By following these care practices, you can cultivate a thriving and visually stunning Red Tiger Lotus in your aquarium, enhancing the beauty of your aquatic environment.
Compatibility:
While generally compatible with a variety of fish and invertebrates, care should be taken to ensure herbivorous species do not disturb the delicate leaves or roots of the Red Tiger Lotus.
- Species – Nymphaea lotus var. 'Red'
- Common Name – Red Tiger Lotus
- Origin – Africa
- Lighting – Moderate to High
- Tank Level – Mid to Back
- Care Level – Easy
- CO2 Requirements – Low
- Growth Rate – Moderate to Fast
- PH Range – 6.5 – 7.5
- Temperature – Tropical 23 – 27°c
- Size – Grows to approximately 20 – 80cm tall
- Propagation – Bulb, runners
- Float the Bag: Place the unopened bag containing your new plants in your aquarium, allowing it to float for 15–20 minutes. This helps the plants gradually adjust to the tank's temperature, reducing the risk of shock.
- Turn Off the Lights: Keep the aquarium lights off during this process. Dimming the environment minimizes stress and helps the plants acclimate more comfortably to their new surroundings.
- Rinse and Inspect: After temperature acclimation, remove the plants from the bag. Rinse them gently under room-temperature tap water to eliminate any residual shipping water, potential pests, or unwanted hitchhikers. Carefully inspect for any damaged or decaying leaves and trim them off to promote healthy growth.
- Optional: Quarantine: To prevent introducing pests or algae into your main tank, consider quarantining the plants in a separate container for a few days.
- Planting: Gently plant the rinsed and trimmed plants into your aquarium substrate. For rooted plants, bury the roots just enough to anchor them, ensuring the crown (where the roots meet the stem) remains above the substrate. For floating plants, keep them floating on the surface — their leaves and roots will adjust to your tank’s conditions naturally. For rhizome plants like Anubias or Java Fern, attach them to rocks or driftwood using thread or aquarium-safe glue, keeping the rhizome exposed to prevent rot.
- Monitor and Maintain: It's normal for new plants to exhibit some melting or leaf loss as they adjust. Maintain stable water parameters and provide appropriate lighting to support their acclimation. Avoid major water changes or adding new livestock for the first 24 hours to give the plants time to settle in.
For more detailed steps and tips, feel free to visit our Acclimation Guide to help make the transition as smooth as possible for your new fish and plants.
Red Tiger Lotus
Red Tiger Lotus
Low stock: 1 left
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