Tiger water lily – an elegant underwater water lily

The striking hues and elegant leaves of the tiger water lily lend an air of refinement to any aquarium. This gorgeous aquatic plant not only makes your tank look better, but it also helps to keep your fish in a healthy environment.

The tiger water lily is a favorite among aquarists who wish to add a natural and striking focal point to their underwater world because of its characteristic tiger-like patterns on the leaves. Fish can find shade and cover from its large, floating leaves, and the substrate is stabilized by its roots.

Tiger water lilies are a fantastic way to enhance the aesthetics of your tank and establish a vibrant aquatic ecosystem, regardless of your level of experience with aquariums.

Spread

Water lilies can be found naturally in all regions of the equatorial, temperate, tropical, and subtropical climatic zones. Swamps and river backwaters are home to plants.

Some breeders think that the marshy regions of West Africa are the Tiger Nymphaea’s native habitat. However, the majority concur that this hybrid was made artificially.

Growing and care

Since this is a medium-complexity plant, novices should first gain experience with easier-to-maintain crops.

Overarching suggestions and observations:

• It can be grown in a tropical herb garden or in pots.
• The optimal height of the water column is up to 50 cm.
• It is advisable to plant this solitary plant in the background or center.
• In winter, the Tiger Nymphaea stops growing and does not form floating leaves.
• The length of the petiole changes depending on the intensity of lighting. The dimmer the light, the longer the cuttings become.

• Transplanting from one aquatic environment to another negatively affects the plant. This is especially true for the red-leaved form. Development slows down, and the area of ​​the leaf blades decreases. The active growth stage begins only after 2 weeks. Transferring the plant to a new location within one aquarium does not negatively affect its decorative qualities.
• It is important to regularly trim old leaves, as this reduces the activity of photosynthesis.

The plant will yield one leaf every week if it is grown in a pot.

Optimal water parameters

Nymphaea Tigers are independent of water changes and prefer old water that has a high concentration of humic acids.

Suggested hydrochemical parameters:

• pH – 6-6.8;
• temperature – 24-28 °C;

• total hardness – 2-4 °dH;
• carbonate hardness — 1-10°KH.

This culture slows down and stops producing flower stalks when the temperature falls below 22°C. Three days of cooling to 20°C poses a death threat.

The environment’s preferred active reaction is somewhat acidic. The water’s hardness affects the water lily’s ability to grow. It ought to be supple. Underwater leaf formation starts quickly in a hard environment and adds to the aquascape’s thickness.

Lighting requirements

Tiger Nymphaea is best in bright light. A lamp powered by 0.5–0.6 W per 1 l is ideal. Twelve hours are the suggested daylight hours.

Lack of light causes the cuttings to lengthen, the color of the leaf blades to become less saturated, and the bush to lose its shape.

Since this type of water lily prefers direct sunlight, artificial lighting should be set up with the help of phyto- or fluorescent devices like LB.

Soil quality

This indicator is crucial. Nymphaea receives many useful elements through the root system, therefore, it prefers soil with a lot of organic matter. It is advisable to use a deep layer of silted soil.

Since the roots are quite fragile, small pebbles should be used as a substrate. Diluting the soil with garden soil or humus is contraindicated, since.. they change the chemical composition of the aquatic environment.

Need for feeding

Liquid mineral supplements are necessary for Tiger Nymphaea during its active growth phase.

Application frequency: twice a month, following a water change, use 2 g per 100 l of water. Iron salts must be added on a regular basis to enrich the aquatic environment.

The tiger water lily, with its vivid leaves and exquisite blooms, is a visually arresting and refined addition to any aquarium. Aquarium enthusiasts love this submerged water lily because it not only makes the tank look beautiful but also gives aquatic life the vital oxygen and shelter it needs.

Features of reproduction

Nymphaea has two modes of reproduction:

Vegetatively. Lateral shoots, 15 to 20 cm long, depart from the rhizome at a shallow depth. Shoots are separated from the mother plant when at least 5 leaves are formed on them.

Using seeds. With proper care, the water lily blooms in the summer. Pollination is carried out with a soft brush. Ripe material is placed in separate containers with sand covered with a small amount of water. Then the shoots are placed in an aquarium or in pots.

Since the latter reproduction method is more complicated, the first method is preferable.

The tiger water lily gives an air of distinct elegance to any aquarium, providing aquatic life with a natural habitat in addition to aesthetic appeal. It can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your tank by becoming the focal point of your underwater world with its vivid leaves and gorgeous blooms.

This plant can grow and yield many benefits, including better water quality and a cozy habitat for your fish, if given the right care and attention. Because of its adaptability and resilience, it’s a fantastic option for both novice and seasoned aquarium enthusiasts.

Your aquarium will look better and be more balanced and lively with the addition of a tiger water lily, which also promotes a healthier ecosystem.

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Tiger Water Lily or Nymphaea

Nymphaea "tiger lotus"

Tiger water lily – (Nymphaea lotus)

Tiger water lily (Nymphaea "tiger lotus")

TIGER NYMPHAEA. MAINTENANCE IN THE AQUARIUM.