tiger lotus help needed

[wickerman]

Hi
i have a tiger lotus and up till now,its been growin low leafs
but now its sending up surface leaves.
i have 3wpg lighting ,diy c02
Thing is,ive heard u can stop this plant sending up surface leaves,by cutting the leafs stems back.
How far do i cut the stem back and also do i wait till the leaf is on the surface..or do i have to cut it back ,while its on its way to the surface?

i love this plants look,but dont want it too grow tall
ps...will cutting the surface leaves,encourage lower leaves to grow?

[djlen]

Cut them back close to the crown when they get higher in the tank than you want them to be.
I have found them to be easier to train if you keep after them and don't let any of the leaves touch the surface. One of mine, growing in my ten only grows about 10" high and is easily managed in that tank. It just takes persistence.

Len

[wickerman]

Thanks len