Chapter 1: Introduction
【Child】Professor, I heard that there’s a beautiful aquatic plant called Lotus. It reminds me of the Lotus Eaters from the Odyssey, who forgot their homes and lived in a dreamy haze. Can you introduce me more about this enchanting plant, and how it can be incorporated into our aquariums?
【Professor】Ah, my dear child, I’m delighted by your interest in the Lotus (Nelumbo). It is indeed a breathtaking plant with an enchanting presence, much like the Lotus Eaters you mentioned. In this conversation, we’ll explore its characteristics, cultivation, and necessary precautions to include this mesmerizing plant in our aquatic havens.
Chapter 2: Characteristics
【Child】Professor, just like the Sea of Poppies from “Alice in Wonderland,” I imagine the Lotus to have magical qualities that can charm the one who beholds it. Can you describe its appearance and traits, which make it a captivating addition to the underwater realm?
【Professor】You have quite an imagination, my dear! Well, the Lotus is indeed a magical addition to any aquarium. Its leaves are large and round, with a gentle curve that makes them appear almost like floating lilypads. The plant’s colors range from deep green to shades of red, depending on the variety. The flower, of course, is the crowning glory – a delicate, cup-shaped blossom with numerous petals surrounding a golden center.
As for its growth habits, the Lotus is a hardy plant that can be positioned at various locations in the aquarium. In smaller tanks, it can act as a focal point, reaching a maximum height of around 15 inches (38 cm). In larger aquariums, it elegantly spreads across the water’s surface, providing shelter and shade to fish and other aquatic life.
Chapter 3: Cultivation
【Child】So, professor, is cultivating the Lotus like trying to grow Beanstalks up to the giants’ realm? Or is it more like tending to the delicate and fragile flowers that Matisse painted?
【Professor】(chuckles) I would say that it leans more towards cultivating Matisse’s flowers, though with the proper care, it’s not as challenging as Jack’s beanstalk endeavor. Lotus plants can be kept by beginners as well as experienced aquarists. The crucial factors are providing ample light, maintaining appropriate water parameters, and offering sufficient nutrients through substrate and fertilizers.
Lotus plants appreciate moderate to high light levels and benefit from supplemental CO2, though it’s not absolutely necessary. Water parameters should be balanced, with a pH of 6.0-7.5, GH of 2-12, and kH of 2-8. A nutrient-rich substrate is essential for their sustained growth, and additional liquid fertilizers can be helpful.
As for propagation, the Lotus can reproduce both underwater and above water via the production of daughter plants, which can be separated and planted separately from the main plant.
Chapter 4: Precautions
【Child】Professor, if Lotus plants were as cunning as Shakespeare’s Iago, what precautions should I take to avoid their mischief in my aquarium?
【Professor】Fear not, dear child, for the Lotus is not the schemer that Iago was! However, it’s wise to consider some precautions when introducing them to your underwater kingdom. Keep in mind their size and growth habits, for a single Lotus can dominate smaller aquariums. Also, be cautious when pairing them with overly curious or plant-chomping fish, as some may find the Lotus too tempting a prize to leave unspoiled.
Chapter 5: Summary
【Child】As we leave this conversation, professor, I feel like I’ve stumbled into a secret garden filled with rich knowledge about the captivating Lotus. What final words of wisdom do you hold for me?
【Professor】My dear child, the enchanting Lotus plant is a delightful, alluring addition to any aquarium. By understanding its characteristics, providing proper care, and taking necessary precautions, your aquatic realm can become a haven for fish, while evoking a sense of wonder and tranquility, much like the realm of the Lotus Eaters themselves.