The Tiger Lotus (Nymphaea zenkeri) is a popular aquatic plant known for its striking appearance and vibrant reddish leaves. This guide provides information on successfully propagating Tiger Lotus to expand your collection or maintain existing plants.
Why and When to Propagate Tiger Lotus
Propagating Tiger Lotus offers several advantages for aquarists. Creating new plants allows for populating additional tanks or sharing with other enthusiasts. Propagation can also rejuvenate an aging parent plant, promoting healthier, more vigorous growth. It also helps manage the plant’s size, as Tiger Lotus can grow large and fast, potentially overshadowing other plants if left unchecked.
The optimal time for propagation is when the parent plant is healthy and actively growing, indicated by robust leaf production and the development of reproductive structures. These include new bulbs forming from the main bulb or adventitious plantlets appearing on leaves or stems. Propagating during strong growth ensures new plantlets establish successfully.
Propagating Tiger Lotus from Bulbs
Propagating Tiger Lotus from bulbs is a common and effective method, especially when starting with a new plant sold as a bulb. When acquiring a bulb, ensure it is firm and healthy, avoiding any that feel soft or squishy, as this can indicate rot. Some bulbs may arrive with small leaves already sprouting, which is normal.
Before planting, gently remove any rock wool or mesh wrapped around the bulb and rinse off debris. Proper placement in the substrate is crucial to prevent rot. Partially bury the bulb, leaving one-third to one-half exposed above the substrate surface. Burying the entire bulb can lead to rot, hindering its ability to sprout.
If unsure which side of the bulb should face upwards, float it in the tank until shoots or roots emerge, then plant it accordingly. Initially, the bulb might float, but it will eventually become waterlogged and sink as roots develop. Expect initial growth (small roots and tiny leaves) within one to two weeks, though it can sometimes take several months depending on the bulb’s condition and tank parameters.
Propagating Tiger Lotus from Adventitious Plants
Tiger Lotus plants can also propagate through adventitious plantlets, often called daughter plants or side shoots, which emerge from the parent plant. These plantlets typically develop on the leaves or stems of a mature Tiger Lotus. They are identifiable by their miniature leaves and a developing root system.
To propagate from these plantlets, wait until they have developed their own root system (typically at least an inch long) and are visibly healthy. Once the plantlet has sufficient roots, gently detach it from the parent plant. This often involves carefully clipping the connecting stem or runner. Separate the plantlet without causing significant damage to either the new plant or the parent.
After detachment, the new plantlet is ready for planting in the substrate. Place the plantlet into a nutrient-rich substrate, ensuring its roots are well-anchored. This method allows the parent plant to continue producing more plantlets while establishing new Tiger Lotus plants elsewhere in the aquarium.
After Propagation Care
Once Tiger Lotus plants have been propagated, consistent care is important for successful establishment and continued growth. Maintaining stable water parameters is a primary consideration, with optimal temperatures of 22-28°C (71-82°F) and a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. These conditions help prevent dormancy and support healthy development.
Adequate lighting is also important, as Tiger Lotus benefits from medium to high light levels to encourage vibrant coloration and robust growth. A daily light cycle of 10-12 hours is suitable. While not strictly necessary, a nutrient-rich substrate is highly beneficial, as Tiger Lotus is a heavy root feeder. Once established and actively growing, root tabs or liquid fertilizers, particularly those rich in iron, can further enhance its health and color.
Signs of successful rooting and growth include the emergence of new leaves, a deepening of leaf coloration, and overall plant expansion. Regular observation for these indicators helps ensure the plant is thriving in its new environment.