Tiger lotus reproduction

[clb2196]

I got some tiger lotus from a member on here. They're gorgeous! They're also the first bulb plant I've owned. How do they reproduce? I assume I can't cut a stem and replant it, right? Thanks. :)

[jpappy789]

From http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/plantfinder/details.php?id=47


Propagation of N. lotus 'Red' can usually only be achieved if the plant is allowed to form a handful of floating leaves and subsequently develop one of its night-blooming flowers. The seeds that develop after the flower has wilted germinate easily. Bulb division, as well, is possible but is rare, and is only successful if the severed portion contains a crown from which leaves have already developed.

[clb2196]

Ok cool, one of them already has some floating leaves- they're growing like crazy! I'll keep an eye out for a flower.

[KarlTh]

I find they produce daughter plants fairly readily.

[clb2196]

I find they produce daughter plants fairly readily.

Oh, that'd be cool too! I have 2 plants and put them in one tank, but I really want some in the other tank too and I couldn't decide. :lol:

i was very impressed by how fast they're growing! They were not even to the top of my 10 gal when I got them, now they're to the top of the 36 gal, and there are about 7-8 new leaves on each. Adds a really nice touch to the tank.

[jamesstill84]

I've had my Lotus for about 6 months and it has lots of leaves, but not one of them is over 2 inches long. :(

[rsanz]

I just got a couple Tiger Lotus plants from the LFS. Really awesome plants! They've taken off in my tank, though I'll probably keep them short by trimming tall leaves (I'm using them in the foreground).

[clb2196]

I just got a couple Tiger Lotus plants from the LFS. Really awesome plants! They've taken off in my tank, though I'll probably keep them short by trimming tall leaves (I'm using them in the foreground).

Yeah I have 2, and I want to keep one foreground too. They're just so nice I want to make sure they're shown off. :)

[DoctaQ]

i got what i think is a dwarf one some time ago, i pulled it up to give to a friend and there was a tiny bulb stuck to the original one, i kept the little one but kinda got sloppy about the tank so i dont think its grown since then

[gustavo85]

I've had my Lotus for about 6 months and it has lots of leaves, but not one of them is over 2 inches long. :(

I kind of envy you. My tank is just a 38 Gallon and the leaves are like 4-5 inches it covers everything!! And it grows sooo tall sometimes that I have to cut it.

[The Zigman]

If you decide to sell a few of the daughter plants, please keep me in mind...

[Yoemen]

good luck with the bloom, I had one shooting up once and accidentally cut it during the trim, haven't seen one sense.

[theredchaser]

I've kept a few of these and it seems if the plant is content having small leaves, then it won't really ever develop the huge ones. I always plant new bulbs/sprouts in a pot first to make sure the root system has a chance to grow first. Once it has a good root system, replant it with a root tab and watch its bollocks grow. :nilly:

If you trim the new leaves reaching for the top, the plant will be "trained" to remain short. If you let the leaves float to the surface, then all the new leaves will be floaters. You have to be careful since 1 plant can cover half a 55 gallon once it reaches the surface, so all your plants underneath will be shadowed. On the other hand its a nice shelter for your fish.

Here's one of mine. The largest leaf is around 6 to 7 inches. I just recently replanted this one and the newest leaves are always bigger than the oldest ones, and the old leaves tend to rot away from being overshadowed.

[jamesstill84]

Wow! that's a beautiful plant! I wish mine would grow! I'm getting some Root Tabs soon, so maybe that'll get it going. :D