1. Introduction
【Child】 Professor, do you know any aquatic plant that can make our plain aquarium look like a mystical, magical land just like Narnia?
【Professor】 Ah, your question reminds me of the enchanting landscapes from C.S. Lewis’s Narnia! I believe the plant you’re looking for is the Nymphaea zenkeri ‘Red.’ In the aquatic world, it’s quite a beauty that adds intriguing depth and color to any aquarium. Would you like to learn more about it?
【Child】Not only from this world, but my interest is as vast as the entire universe! Let’s talk about its characteristics first.
2. Characteristics
【Child】Can you tell me more about Nymphaea zenkeri ‘Red’s appearance? How does it look like in the world of aquatic plants?
【Professor】Nymphaea zenkeri ‘Red,’ commonly known as the Red Tiger Lotus, is a magnificent plant native to West Africa. It features large arrow-shaped leaves with a vibrant red color, resembling a cluster of two flaming phoenixes rising from the depths of the water.
【Child】What a splendid imagery! I can almost imagine a heart-warming scene in my aquarium where each leaf, like the flutter of a graceful dancer’s dress, sways under the currents.
【Professor】You have a vivid imagination! The Red Tiger Lotus exhibits an interesting growth habit as well. It can develop floating or submerged leaves depending on the conditions, further adding to its adaptability in various aquarium sizes. You can use it as a centerpiece for smaller aquariums or a mesmerizing accent in larger ones.
【Child】Wow, I can now envision my aquarium looking like the ocean from The Little Mermaid, filled with vibrant colors and life.
3. Cultivation
【Child】Would the cultivation of the Red Tiger Lotus be as easy as the day for the sun to rise or as challenging as climbing Mount Everest?
【Professor】Growing Nymphaea zenkeri ‘Red’ is like a walk in the park on a sunny day rather than scaling the heights of Mount Everest! It is a beginner-friendly plant that can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. Let’s break down the key factors:
1. Light amount/CO2: Moderate to high lighting is recommended for vibrant colors, though the plant can survive in low-light conditions. It does not require CO2 supplementation, but adding it can enhance growth.
2. Water parameters (pH, GH, kH): It can tolerate a varied range of pH levels from 5.5 to 7.5, GH of 4-12, and kH of 3-8.
3. Temperature: The plant thrives in warmer water, with temperatures between 72-82°F (22-28°C).
4. Substrate: A nutrient-rich substrate is ideal for its growth.
5. Fertilization: Weekly nutrient supplementation with iron and potassium will ensure optimal growth.
Propagation is relatively straightforward by separating the young plantlets that grow from the mother plant’s rhizome.
【Child】It seems like cultivating this magical plant won’t be as daunting as a quest in The Lord of the Rings, then!
4. Precautions
【Child】What are the precautions to be considered while raising this mystical plant in harmony with other aquatic creatures?
【Professor】Here are some precautions to ensure the kingdom of your aquarium remains a peaceful and magical realm:
1. Trimming: Prune floating leaves if they start to block light from reaching the other aquatic plants.
2. Compatibility: Nymphaea zenkeri ‘Red’ is suitable for a community aquarium with small to medium-sized fishes. However, ensure that the plant has ample room to grow without overshadowing its neighbors.
3. Replanting: When separating the plantlets, handle the rhizome with care to avoid damage.
Just like in any enchanted world, maintaining balance and harmony is the key to success.
5. Summary
【Child】We have traveled far and wide in the realm of aquatic plants today, Professor. Could you please give me a brief magical summary of our journey on Nymphaea zenkeri ‘Red’?
【Professor】Of course! Nymphaea zenkeri ‘Red’ is an enchanting aquatic plant, with its captivating large, arrow-shaped red leaves that can transform any aquarium into a mystical underwater world. It’s a beginner-friendly plant that can tolerate different water parameters and adapts to varying aquarium sizes. Cultivating and propagating it is a manageable task, like a leisurely stroll in the magical forest. With proper care and precautions, the Red Tiger Lotus will contribute to the harmony among the aquatic beings of your aquarium kingdom, creating a mesmerizing landscape worthy of fairytales.