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.
I find they produce daughter plants fairly readily.
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).
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.![]()