Joined: 27 Aug 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 21
Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 7:53 am Post subject: Indoor Water Plants
I asked this in the general discussion area and didnt get much of a response. So maybe you guys could help me here.
I have researched some information on Lotus flowers but its hard to get feedback on how I could keep Lotus flowers in an indoor water garden. Nothing large and immobile. Does anyone have experience with this? I could use some suggestions. If you have an idea please post.
This is a great site for aquatic plants. I know many aquarium keepers that have Lotus and they do really well with them.
If you want to give it a try here is what I would do if you want to keep it simple.
Get a 5 gallon fish tank for ease of moving it around. Get a compact florescent light fixture of at least 25 watts if not more. If you want to keep it well above the plant then 35-40 watts should work well. Screw in compact light will work also but make sure to get the 6500K rated ones. add 50% more wattage if you use them. Get a simple air pump or a small waterfall pump to circulate the water and keep it fresh and oxygenated. Use a really good aquatic plant soil such as Eco Complete for best results or get a small river run gravel and use that. Now the important part. Get a good supply of root tabs and use them as indicated and whenever the plant blooms. This plant eats a ton of nutrients through the roots and will suffer if there is a lack of nutrients in the substrate. Pond tabs should work just fine as they are larger and will last longer.
For flowers, let the leaves grow to the surface and it will flower.
I have never done this but know many who keep this plant fully submerged in aquariums with great results. I think what I gave you will work but it will be some trial and error to keep humidity up and prevent the leaves from drying out if they outgrow the tank.
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