1. Introduction
【Child】”Do you know, Professor, that Monet once painted the beautiful Water Lilies with passion? It made me wonder: can we have such lovely plants in our aquarium and enjoy the same kind of beauty in our living room too? Are there some magnificent underwater Water Lilies we can grow?”
【Professor】”Indeed, dear child, Monet’s Water Lilies were splendid! Your curiosity never ceases to amaze me! In the world of aquariums, we might not have the same lilies as Monet, but there is an aquatic plant that’s reminiscent of his masterpiece – the gorgeous Tiger Lotus! In this article, we will discuss its characteristics, cultivation, and precautions one must heed while planting it in an aquarium. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of aquatic plants together!”
2. Characteristics
【Child】”Tiger Lotus, that sounds so fierce yet beautiful like the tiger in William Blake’s Tyger Tyger! Professor, could you please tell me more about its appearance and characteristics?”
【Professor】”Absolutely, my young friend! The Tiger Lotus (Nymphaea zenkeri) is an aquatic plant native to tropical Africa. It has large, round leaves with a unique pattern and beautiful colors, ranging from dark red to green. Its underwater leaves can range between 4 to 8 inches (10-20 cm) in width, whereas its floating leaves can grow up to 11 inches (28 cm) wide. It may even produce stunning red or pink lily-like flowers if grown emersed.
As for its placement in aquariums, their bold appearance makes Tiger Lotus an excellent centerpiece in medium to large aquariums. When used in smaller tanks, you’ll want to regularly trim the leaves to avoid overshadowing other plants. The Tiger Lotus is a great plant for creating depth when placed in the middle or the back of your aquarium, which allows it to exhibit its full beauty and be a majestic addition to the underwater scenery.”
3. Cultivation
【Child】”I see. Now I am even more eager to have my own underwater lily! But, as in the story of the Little Prince, one must tend to their belongings with care. Am I ready for a grown-up task like this, Professor? Is the Tiger Lotus suitable for beginner aquarists like myself, or should it be left to the experts?”
【Professor】”Fear not, dear child! The Tiger Lotus is a hardy plant suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarists. However, it does have some specific requirements for optimal growth:
– Light amount/CO2: Medium to high light is recommended, along with a mild CO2 supply. But even if deprived, the plant will grow slower but still thrive.
– pH, GH, kH: The Tiger Lotus thrives in slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6-7.5, soft to moderately hard water with a general hardness (GH) of 3-12 and carbonate hardness (kH) between 3 and 15.
– Temperature: It prefers warm aquariums with water temperatures between 72-82°F (22-28°C).
– Bottom Sand/Fertilizer: A fine to medium-sized substrate is suitable for the Tiger Lotus to root well. It is a heavy root feeder, so adding root tabs or other fertilizers would benefit the plant tremendously.
As for propagation, you’re in luck, young one! The Tiger Lotus often produces runners, which develop into daughter plants you can split off and transplant. It can also produce seeds if it blooms and you’re patient enough to collect them.”
4. Precautions
【Child】”Thank you, Professor! I shall take good care of my underwater beauty. Nevertheless, I also want my other creatures to coexist peacefully around the Tiger Lotus, just like in the harmonious Garden of Eden. What should I be cautious about?”
【Professor】”Very well said, young one! When growing the Tiger Lotus, you should be aware of a few things:
– The plant’s large leaves may outcompete other plants for light, so be considerate when choosing tank mates and positioning your Tiger Lotus.
– As for aquatic inhabitants, plant-friendly fish and invertebrates are ideal. The plant’s leaves may become a target for ravenous herbivores.
– Lastly, as the plant can grow rapidly, remember to regularly trim the leaves to maintain your desired tank layout and balance within your aquarium.”
5. Summary
【Child】”So, to fully enjoy the beauty of my very own underwater lily, I should remember the cultivation conditions and keep an eye on the impact the Tiger Lotus has on other inhabitants of my underwater kingdom. I am ready, Professor!”
【Professor】”That’s correct, my eager friend! Growing the marvelous Tiger Lotus can provide a beautiful centerpiece in your aquarium reminiscent of Monet’s Water Lilies. By understanding the proper cultivation requirements and ensuring a balance between your lovely underwater garden and its inhabitants, you can create a harmonious aquarium Eden. I am confident that you will succeed in nurturing your aquatic plants and creating an artistic masterpiece within your own living room!”