The tiger lotus, which comes from Africa, is often cultivated in aquariums in this country. Under good conditions it grows very luxuriantly. The red-colored version in particular sets high-contrast accents. But life completely underwater requires a little care.
What conditions does the tiger lotus need in the aquarium?
The tiger lotus, a type of water lily from Africa, thrives in the aquarium under certain conditions: medium lighting intensity, a temperature of around 23 °C, nutrient-poor substrate such as sand, soft water with 10-40 mg/l CO2 and slightly acidic as well as a permanent water flow. Green and red tiger lotus varieties can be easily propagated through daughter tubers.
Green Tiger Lotus
The Green Tiger Lotus has bright green leaves that usually have irregular, reddish-brown spots. With a height of up to 50 cm, this plant from the water lily family is ideal for planting in the middle of the pool and in the background. The green tiger lotus does not form floating leaves under water, or rather they are removed at the beginning. In an open pool, on the other hand, white flowers can even appear above the water, but they only open at night and spread their intense scent.
Tip
If you keep the green tiger lotus short with regular pruning, its foliage will develop even denser.
Ideal keeping conditions in the aquarium
The Green Tiger Lotus is undemanding to keep and care for:
- average illuminance is enough
- ideal temperature is around 23 °C, not higher!
- nutrient-poor substrate is preferred (preferably pure sand (€6.00 on Amazon))
- soft water, rich in CO2 (10-40 mg/l) and slightly acidic
- permanent, clear water flow
Tip
If you want to propagate this tiger lotus yourself, you can use the daughter tubers it forms.
Red Tiger Lotus
With its growth height of up to 60 cm, you can also plant the red tiger lotus in the front and back areas of the tank. The circular underwater leaves are strongly colored red, especially in young plants, which is why young specimens are particularly desirable in the aquarium. They can be easily propagated through runners and daughter tubers.
The floating leaves are strong and can be clearly distinguished from the underwater leaves. When they appear, underwater leaves will no longer sprout. This allows the plant to float close to the surface of the water and also form flowers that open at night. If you don't want flowers to bloom, you have to stop the floating leaves from forming early.
High light requirements and nutrient-rich soil
Caring for the red tiger lotus is more demanding because it requires significantly more light and a nutrient-rich substrate. Otherwise its requirements hardly differ from those of the Green Tiger Lotus.
Is a rest break outside the aquarium necessary?
In its area of origin, the tiger lotus regularly experiences dry periods during which it takes a break. It is controversial whether he also needs a break in an aquarium. Some aquarists take the plant out for a limited time. Others say they have no problems staying in the water for long periods of time.
