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Hi,
I got a small tuber of tiger lotus with three small leaves and a few roots two days back. I have no idea how to plant it. Just left it on the gravel in an area with maximum direct light. It has grown two small new leaves; one from the old "branch" and one straight out of the tuber.
Should I leave it like that? I would like to plant the tuber in the gravel.
Moreover, I have 3 wpg, diy CO2 and PMDD+root fertilization. Are these condition suitable for the plant to grow?
Thanks in advance.

I'm pretty sure that you can partially bury the bulb, but no more than 1/2 or so, you want some of it peeking up above the substrate. At least I think that's right. Hopefully someon will pop in here and agree or correct me.

---

Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

Hi,
Here are a couple of sites out of dozens, that might
help. First, yes plant the roots leaving the upper bulb
exposed. The plant seems to like bright light and is
a heavy root feeder so plant tablets, or sticks in a
plant friendly substrate seems necessary:
http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/general-aquarium-plants-discussions/18707-wet-thumb-forum-tiger-lotus.html

This site will give you some general information on the
plant:
http://www.floridadriftwood.com/nymphaea_lotus.htm

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Thanks guys, that was really useful.
The sites say that this plant is a heavy root feeder. I think this rules out my second option of attaching the bulb to the driftwood. I've buried it to half (as suggested by Matt) in the gravel.
And is my lighting adequate for this plant? I was thinking of upgrading to 5wpg only for this plant. But if it can do with 3wpg, i can save some green

Hi,
I did not read the sites throughly, but scanned them.
I suspect that 3 watts would be fine. I would advise
against going to 5wpg until you get more "plant time"
under your belt (experiance). 5 wpg could produce the
mother of all algae outbreaks if you don't balance the
tank correctly between light, plants (types),
plants (quantity), plants (size) and nutrients. You could
easily wind up with an "algae farm" instead of a lush
aquarium.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Algea.......huhhhhh. Im already dealing with all types of algea. Its finally started disappearing but I really feel its the worst nightmare an aquarist could have. It almost made me quit the idea of having a planted tank.

I've suddenly started feeling my new tiger lotus is going to make it with 3wpg

hey there - lotus are my thang - i love them!! - i have two types of green, and one red, and they all grow like the plague. bury the roots, but not any other part of the tuber or stems. these plants propogate by sending out runners, so only the roots of the new plants ever enter the substrate, then they basically strengthen and pull the plant closer to the soil. if you bury the plant it will start to rot. it can't be grown on driftwood, and it needs to be fed at the roots, as mentioned, so buy some fert tabs for it. they hate being moved, and will put a halt on growth for a while to punish you if you move them. choose a big space for it as it will grow very large, will shade out other plants, and will send lily-pad leaves to the surface. they are superb plants. enjoy.

justin

Hi Justin,
Im using substrate fertz. I've buried half of the tuber in the substrate. I think it should be ok.
Can you tell me how much lighting are u using?
Thanks

Hey there,
I have red lotus here.
Great plant.
I keep mine in my 10g tank with 4.6 wpg
of light. I also keep one in my 25g tall tank
with 0.8 wpg of light. Both do really really well.
The one in the higher lights constantly is sending out new
plants. Once they root well, I snap them off the bulb and slide them over in the gravel to grow on their own - eventually they will make their own bulbs.

Keep water level leaves trimmed down to keep the plant
young, and if it flowers thats it its done.

I think they are a very adaptable plant,
suitable for any light and so long as there is no
fish or critters that will eat it.

I use Jobes plant spikes for lush houseplants
and ferns in the gravel, added about once every
5-6 months.
I also dose liquid ferts, Flourish (not excel),
and a locally made fert which is way better
than flourish as it doesnt cause algae to grow,
which the flourish does to a huge extent.



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0.8 wpg? wow...I must not worry about having just 3wpg then...
With 6 days of experience with this plant, I've learnt the same as u mentioned. Its quite adaptable and grows really quick. I bought it with 3 small leaves and tonight I counted 9! The new ones are more red than the older ones.
Whats the average size of a fully grown submerged leaf?

Thanks for the info.

Once fully grow, Dwarf Lotus
can achieve heights of 36 inches or so,
and leafs at maturity can hit 8-10 inches across.
Ive never let my Lotus get that big, I keep the biggest
leaves trimmed off to keep the bulb young and
prevent flowering and death of the plant.


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