Planting a tiger lotus in your aquarium requires a gentle approach to ensure its healthy growth. Here’s how to do it:
Placement and Bulb Preparation
Tiger lotuses tend to grow quite large, so plan for their mature size when selecting a spot in your tank.
- Location: Place the tiger lotus in the midground or background of your aquarium. This provides ample space for its broad leaves to spread out.
- Bulb Insertion: The tiger lotus is typically sold as a bulb. You need to bury it correctly to prevent rot.
- Partially Bury: Gently push one-third of the bulb into the aquarium substrate.
- Expose Shoots and Leaves: Ensure all shoots and leaves are completely above the substrate.
- Do Not Bury Fully: Never bury the entire bulb as it will rot and die.
Additional Tips for Success
- Substrate: Use a nutrient-rich substrate to encourage healthy root development and growth.
- Lighting: Provide moderate to high lighting. This encourages lush leaf growth and vibrant color.
- Water Parameters: Maintain stable water parameters suitable for freshwater plants, especially soft to moderately hard water.
- Patience: It may take a few weeks for the tiger lotus to start growing noticeably. Be patient, and you will eventually see beautiful leaves emerge.
Key Points
Here's a quick summary of how to plant a tiger lotus:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Placement | Midground or background of the aquarium |
| Bulb Depth | One-third of the bulb is pushed into the substrate |
| Expose | Shoots and leaves must be above the substrate |
| Avoid | Burying the entire bulb |
| Additional Care | Nutrient-rich substrate, moderate to high lighting, and stable water parameters |
By following these steps, you can successfully plant and enjoy the beauty of the tiger lotus in your aquarium.
