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The Red Tiger Lotus Aquarium Plant: A Complete Guide and Care Tips
Are you looking for an aquatic plant that will add a splash of color to your aquarium? Look no further than the red tiger lotus (Nymphaea zenkeri).
This beautiful plant is easy to care for and will provide a stunning centerpiece for any tank.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about caring for the red tiger lotus in your aquarium.
Appearance and Characteristics
The red tiger lotus is a flowering plant that is native to West Africa.
It has striking red and green leaves that can grow up to 16 inches tall.
The leaves are oval-shaped with wavy edges, which give them an elegant appearance.
When the plant blooms, it produces delicate white or pink flowers on long stems.
Care Requirements
The red tiger lotus is an easy-to-care-for aquatic plant that is suitable for beginners.
Here are the care requirements:
- Lighting: To promote healthy growth and vibrant colors, provide moderate to high lighting (around 3 watts per gallon).
- Filtration: The red tiger lotus prefers clean water with good water flow.
A filter rated at least twice the volume of your tank is recommended.
- Fertilization: Use a liquid fertilizer containing iron and other micronutrients every week or two.
- C02 Injection: Carbon dioxide (C02) injection can help promote growth in some tanks but isn’t essential for this species.
- Temperature: Keep your aquarium temperature between 72-82°Fahrenheit(22-28°Celsius).
- Water Parameters: Maintain a pH level between 6.0-7.5 and a slightly hard water with a range of hardness around 3-8 KH (carbonate hardness).
Propagation
The red tiger lotus can be propagated easily by dividing the rhizome or tuber into sections and replanting them into the substrate.
You’ll want to wait until you see several leaves growing from each section before replanting, which typically takes 4-6 weeks.
Potential Issues
The red tiger lotus is generally hardy but may encounter some common issues like most aquarium plants such as:
- Melting Leaves: This can occur if there is too much change in lighting or nutrient levels in the tank, causing old leaves to die and newer growths to emerge.
- Nutrient Deficiencies: The plant can experience yellowing leaves due to iron deficiency, usually caused by insufficient supplementation.
- Pest Infestations: Snails and other pests may feed on or damage the plant’s leaves; keeping an eye out for pests while performing regular tank maintenance will help avoid these issues.
In Conclusion
If you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for aquatic plant that adds color and elegance to your aquarium, the red tiger lotus is an excellent choice.
With moderate lighting, good filtration, and regular fertilization under optimal temperatures & water parameters that we have discussed above , this beautiful plant will thrive in your tank for years to come.
Just keep an eye out for potential issues like melting leaves or nutrient deficiencies so that you can address them quickly and keep your plant healthy.
