The Tiger Lotus, scientifically known as Nymphaea lotus, is a striking aquatic plant popular in both home aquariums and outdoor ponds for its broad, often reddish, lily pad-like leaves. It begins life as a bulb, which contains the stored energy needed for initial growth. Successfully cultivating the Tiger Lotus requires careful preparation of the bulb and its environment, followed by a specific planting technique. This guide details the process to establish a healthy, vibrant aquatic display while ensuring the bulb does not rot.
Preparing the Bulb and Substrate
Carefully inspect the Tiger Lotus bulb, which is the plant’s energy storage organ. A healthy bulb must feel firm; any softness or mushy spots indicate rot and should be trimmed away before planting. If the bulb has long, trailing roots or damaged leaves from shipping, prune them back to encourage fresh, robust growth once submerged. Some growers recommend soaking the bulb in water for up to 24 hours prior to planting to stimulate initial root growth.
The Tiger Lotus is a heavy root feeder, meaning it draws a significant amount of its nutrition directly from the planting medium. For aquariums, the ideal substrate is nutrient-rich aquatic soil or a mixture of sand and gravel supplemented with specialized root tabs placed beneath the planting site. For outdoor ponds, heavy garden soil capped with a layer of sand or fine gravel is often the most effective medium. The substrate layer should be at least two to three inches deep to accommodate the plant’s extensive root system.
Proper Planting Techniques
Once the bulb and substrate are prepared, the precise planting method is critical for success and preventing the bulb from decaying. Avoid completely burying the bulb, as this leads to suffocation and rot. Gently push the bulb into the substrate so that only one-third to one-half of its mass is covered by the soil or gravel. The growing point, or crown, which is the area from which the new leaves will sprout, must remain exposed above the substrate.
Use planting tongs to carefully manipulate the bulb by its roots, guiding them into the soil until the bulb is partially settled. If the bulb is initially buoyant and floats, secure it lightly with a small rock or wait for it to become waterlogged so it settles into position.
Potted Planting
If planting in a pond or small aquarium where the large root system needs containment, use a submerged pot or container. This technique allows for a rich, specific soil mix, such as iron-rich clay aggregate, and confines the plant’s vigorous growth. The potted container is placed on the bottom of the aquatic environment, ensuring the bulb remains partially exposed at the soil line. This method is useful for controlling the plant’s size in smaller environments.
Initial Care and Managing Growth
After planting, providing the correct environment is necessary for the bulb to sprout and establish itself. The Tiger Lotus thrives in tropical water conditions, with a temperature range typically maintained between 72°F and 82°F (22°C to 28°C). This warmth supports the metabolic rate required for the plant’s rapid growth.
Lighting intensity directly influences both the plant’s growth rate and its coloration. Moderate to high lighting is recommended, especially if you have a red variety of Tiger Lotus, as stronger light encourages the production of red pigments. If you are not using a nutrient-rich soil, supplementing the substrate with root tabs monthly or bi-monthly is highly beneficial. Iron supplementation, in particular, helps to enhance the deep crimson hues of the red varieties.
The Tiger Lotus exhibits a dual growth habit, producing both submerged leaves and long-stemmed floating lily pads that reach the water’s surface. To maintain a compact, bushy appearance in an aquarium, promptly trim the long runners heading toward the surface. Removing these runners signals the plant to focus energy on producing smaller, submerged leaves. Allowing floating pads to remain will shade the water below and slow the growth of other submerged plants.