In my experience red tiger lotus will always be a very deep red regardless of water/lighting conditions
This is sort of true. Nyphaea Zenkeri (Red Tiger Lotus) can and often does exhibit polymorphic coloration, even when grown if full bright light. Leaves can be a faded pink, bi or multi color red, white and pink, or red with variegated with light green. Some are even a deep chocolate brown. The reason? Usually depends if the plants are propagated from rhizome cuttings or seed. The inflorescence easily sets seed and often those seeds are cross pollinations with different species lilies growing near by. Only plants grown from vegetative cuttings will assure the same reliable color.
Yes, environmental factors affect coloration, too. But usually it is the genetic quality of plant stock that determines redness.
If water parameters are met, (enough nitrogen, potassium, etc.) and the lily receives adequate medium to bright light and still doesn't produce deep bronze/red leaves it is most likely a result of the actual plant stock.
But, hey. Nothing wrong with growing a pink leafed lily with big white splotches as long as it's vigorous and healthy.
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In my experience red tiger lotus will always be a very deep red regardless of water/lighting conditions
This is sort of true. Nyphaea Zenkeri (Red Tiger Lotus) can and often does exhibit polymorphic coloration, even when grown if full bright light. Leaves can be a faded pink, bi or multi color red, white and pink, or red with variegated with light green. Some are even a deep chocolate brown. The reason? Usually depends if the plants are propagated from rhizome cuttings or seed. The inflorescence easily sets seed and often those seeds are cross pollinations with different species lilies growing near by. Only plants grown from vegetative cuttings will assure the same reliable color.
Yes, environmental factors affect coloration, too. But usually it is the genetic quality of plant stock that determines redness.
If water parameters are met, (enough nitrogen, potassium, etc.) and the lily receives adequate medium to bright light and still doesn't produce deep bronze/red leaves it is most likely a result of the actual plant stock.
But, hey. Nothing wrong with growing a pink leafed lily with big white splotches as long as it's vigorous and healthy.
