The tiger water lily occupies a special place in the world of aquatic plants. It is often called the queen of the aquarium for its incredible beauty and graceful contours. It is not just a plant, but a real underwater water lily, capable of transforming an ordinary aquarium into a living corner of a tropical pond.
Its main decoration is its leaves. Young, growing near the surface, they amaze with their deep velvety green color and bizarre dark streaks reminiscent of a tiger's skin. Over time, as they descend lower, they acquire a delicate pinkish or even wine-red hue. This play of color creates a stunning three-dimensional picture in the aquarium.
Growing tiger water lilies is an exciting and manageable task, even for beginners. They do not require any special conditions, but they do need a little attention. All they need is good lighting and nutritious soil, and they will reward you with vigorous growth and a luxurious appearance, becoming the main decoration of your underwater garden.
Distribution
In natural conditions, water lilies are found everywhere in equatorial, temperate, tropical, and subtropical climate zones. The plants grow in river backwaters and swamps.
Some breeders believe that the homeland of the Tiger Water Lily is the swampy areas of West Africa. But most agree that it is an artificially created hybrid.
Growing and care
This plant is of medium difficulty, so beginners are advised to practice on easier-to-care-for plants first.
General recommendations and observations:
- It can be grown in a tropical herb garden or in pots.
- The optimal water depth is up to 50 cm.
- This solitary plant is best planted in the background or center of the pond.
- In winter, Nymphaea tigrina stops growing and does not form floating leaves.
- The length of the petiole varies depending on the intensity of light. The dimmer the light, the longer the petioles become.
- Transplanting from one aquatic environment to another has a negative effect on 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. Moving the plant to a new location within the same aquarium does not adversely affect its decorative qualities.
- It is important to regularly prune old leaves, as this reduces photosynthetic activity.
If you grow the plant in a pot, it will produce one leaf per week.
Optimal water parameters
The tiger water lily loves old water with a good concentration of humic acids and does not depend on water replacement.
Recommended hydrochemical parameters:
- pH — 6-6.8;
- temperature — 24-28 °C;
- total hardness — 2-4 °dH;
- carbonate hardness — 1-10°KH.
If the temperature drops below 22 °C, this culture slows down in development and stops producing flower stalks. Cooling to 20 °C for 3 days threatens death.
Preferred active reaction of the environment — slightly acidic. The growth of water lilies is determined by water hardness. It should be soft. In a hard environment, rapid formation of underwater leaves begins, which contributes to the thickening of the aquascape.
Lighting requirements
The tiger water lily prefers intense lighting. The optimal lamp power is 0.5-0.6 W per 1 liter. The recommended duration of daylight hours is 12 hours.
With a lack of light, the color of the leaf plates becomes less saturated, the cuttings lengthen, and the bush loses its shape.
Since this water lily loves direct sunlight, it is advisable to provide artificial lighting using phyto- or fluorescent devices such as LB.
Soil quality
- This indicator is crucial. Nymphaea receives many useful elements through its root system, therefore, it prefers soil with a large amount of organic matter. It is advisable to use a deep layer of silted soil.
- Since the roots are quite fragile, fine pebbles should be used as a substrate. It is contraindicated to dilute the soil with garden soil or humus, as they change the chemical composition of the aquatic environment.
Need for feeding
During the active growth phase, Nymphaea tigrina needs liquid mineral fertilizers.
Add 2 g per 100 l of water twice a month after changing the water. The water environment should be enriched with iron salts with the same regularity.
Features of reproduction
Nymphaea propagates in two ways:
- Vegetatively. Side shoots 15 to 20 cm long grow from the rhizome at a shallow depth. Separate the shoots from the mother plant when they have formed at least 5 leaves.
- With seeds. With proper care, the nymphaea blooms in summer. Pollination is carried out with a soft brush. The 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.
The latter method of propagation is more difficult, so it is better to use the first method.
The tiger water lily is an unusual aquatic plant with bright green leaves speckled with dark veins, like the pattern of a tiger's skin. It floats on the surface, and under the water it has long stems and roots that cling to the ground. It blooms rarely, but beautifully — with white or slightly pinkish flowers raised above the water. It likes calm ponds with warm, clean water and good lighting. It is a real gem for ponds and aqua design, adding natural charm and a feeling of comfort.
Name variations
The tiger water lily has several name variations:
- Tiger water lily;
- Red tiger water lily;
- Lotus water lily;
- Tiger lotus;
At the same time, it is important to remember the names of the different varieties.
The tiger water lily is not just a plant, but a real gem of the underwater world. Its velvety leaves with a bizarre pattern and delicate flowers can turn an ordinary aquarium into a picturesque corner of nature. It brings a special depth and sophistication to your home pond.
Although caring for this plant requires some attention, it generously rewards your efforts. When its flower blooms above the water, it becomes clear why the nymph is called the queen. It is a sight worth striving for, creating a unique atmosphere of calm and comfort.
If you are looking for a bright accent for your aquarium, this water lily is an excellent choice. It will not only decorate the space, but also help create a healthier environment for fish. The tiger water lily is a small miracle that allows you to touch the beauty of wildlife without leaving your home.
