How to Germinate Red Tiger Lotus Bulbs in an Aquarium
A freshwater aquatic, the red tiger lotus (Nymphaea lotus 'Red') has reddish, triangular leaves that exhibit darker speckling. It grows well in an aquarium and produces low-growing leaves followed by runners with foliage that reach to the water's surface. The plant will produce night-blooming flowers if allowed to have floating foliage. The flowers readily create viable seeds. The freshwater aquarium enthusiasts usually start the plant by planting one of its bulbs in the aquarium's substrate. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Line the bottom of the aquarium with nutrient-rich substrate to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Fill the aquarium with freshwater. The water's pH should range from 6.2 to 7.
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Place the bulb on top of the substrate in the aquarium where you want the red tiger lotus bulb to take root. Consider planting the red tiger lotus toward the back of the tank for the best appearance.
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Affix lights on the aquarium that offer 3 to 4 watts per gallon. Leave the lights on during the daytime to encourage the bulb to germinate.
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Tips & Warnings
Trim away any runners that develop on the red tiger lotus to encourage the plant to produce a full appearance.
Consider placing the bulb in a pot filled with substrate, then put the pot and bulb into the aquarium to prevent it from spreading.
The red tiger lotus is an aggressive root system and readily spreads via bulblets and seeds.
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