Nymphaea Red Lotus Bulb

[cbfreder]

I picked up one of these from the LFS a few days ago. It had just begun germinating, but my yoyo was interested in it and ate (?) the leaves off it and rolled it around. He seems to have lost interest, so I think I am ok.

Information seems pretty sparing compared to more common plants. Anyway, does anyone have any experience with these lilies? I used to work at a pond store and lilies seemed pretty low maintenance there--but this is NC summer sun and heat. Are they hardy in the aquarium? Should I plant the bulb in the substrate, leave it on top and let it root itself, or stick its roots in the ground? Should I expect lots of trimming to keep it underwater? I'd kinda like to see lily pads in my tank, is that an option?

You guys are the best,
Brandon

 

[Lupin]

I have them in my tank. Leave the bulb exposed but plant the roots of the lotus. You have to snip any leaves reaching the surface unfortunately or else, you risk letting the younger leaves die.
These plants are quite easy to grow and will grow very fast.

P.S. Yoyos and clowns often have tastes for plants. I had to move them after they demolished several plants by consuming them.

 

[fishyz]

I once had dwarf waterlilies in one of my tanks and I let the leaves grow to the top of my tank but my anglefish would always tear them ub as soon as they did. There's a LFS near me that has lilies or lotus (I don't know which) and it does not seem like they cut the leaves off when they get to the surface and they look nice and healthy growing like that.