Lotus (Nelumbo) – charm on the water

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Plant type: aquatic perennial.

  • Homeland: the homeland of the yellow lotus is the United States, and the walnut lotus originates from the Philippines, Eastern countries, Northern Australia, Egypt, the Volga River delta near the Caspian Sea.
  • Growing environment: artificial reservoirs, ponds, containers.
  • Flowering: present.
  • Lighting: It is desirable to provide full sunlight.
  • Humidity level: high.
  • Aroma: yes. Due to the pleasant aroma, the foliage and flowers of these plants are widely used in cooking.

Description: This is a large group of beautiful, aquatic perennials. These flowers require quite a lot of summer heat (two or three months at 23-29°C) to bloom. Lotus will not grow well in the far south and northwestern regions because these areas are too hot and have high levels of humidity. Of the wild species, only two were found: the rest are hybrids. The flowers of this unusual plant are open for three days, and some of them are even able to change color. Height, foliage shape and flowering are different for different species. From them appear large, bluish-gray, shield-shaped leaves, which are located above the water after their full formation. Their width ranges from 30 to 75 cm .

White Lotus in the photo

Their flowers can form anywhere from edge to edge (from 10 to 30 cm) . The height is from 75 to 180 cm . There are also dwarf species that form flowers from 5 to 10 cm , while they themselves grow from 26 to 30 cm ; these flowers are quite popular as container flowers. The lotus flower, described above, has rather attractive seeds, after they are completely dried, they are used for floral decorations.

Care and Planting: Lotus require wide, round containers as their root system grows widely. Square or wavy containers should not be used because the growing tuber shoots, which are very brittle, will grow into corners and break, which may even cause the flower to die. For standard size plants, containers 90 to 120 cm in diameter and 25 to 30 cm deep will be most suitable; dwarf species can be kept in smaller containers. As a rule, planting containers are quite large and not so easy to move, lotuses are often planted in them as in “ponds”. Lotus grown in a container will do best under the following conditions: place 6 sets of water fertilizer in the bottom of the pot and cover them with a few centimeters of soil. Place the tuber with the cut edge on the surface of the soil. Place a flat stone on top of the tuber and carefully fill the pot with water so that 5-8 cm of water covers the rhizome. Place the container in a warm, sunny location and add water as it evaporates. When the flower has 5-6 leaves above water, a thin layer of gravel or soil can be sprinkled over the tuber. The main thing is not to close the growing shoots. The pots can then be placed directly into the pond under the water surface.

Photo of a lotus on the water

Fertilizers: Lotus practically does not need top dressing. It should be fertilized only in small quantities. Excessive abundance of fertilizers can lead to “burning out” of the foliage. During intensive growth, the plant can be fertilized every 3-4 weeks . During the application of top dressing, one must be very careful, as the growing shoots can be damaged.

Propagation: While the plants are dormant, cut the tubers into pieces containing at least one growing bud. Then they can be planted. Seeds are also used for propagation. The seeds must first be scarified by lightly rubbing against medium-hard sandpaper until the cream-coloured inner skin is visible. Dip the seeds in a glass of dechlorinated warm water. Floating seeds should be discarded immediately, as they most likely will not germinate and only cloud the water. During the entire time that the lotus seeds sprout, it is recommended to change the water every day. As soon as you notice roots appearing, plant them in 10 cm pots with good garden loam. A hole must be dug for the seeds, and each must be planted in separate pots. Gently cover the roots with gravel or soil. If you have waited too long and the leaves have begun to sprout, then they should also be covered with soil, as you covered the roots. There should be as much light as possible. Lotus can be placed in garden water only when it warms up to at least + 15 ° C. Also, lotuses can be planted in larger containers without holes for drainage. If the plant is grown from seeds, then it may not bloom in the first year.

Additionally: a lotus, the flower of which dies, should be removed from the ground (tuber) and placed in a cool, frost-protected place until late spring. To avoid rotting and the appearance of downy mildew, tubers can be stored in sphagnum or peat.

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Monday, November 6, 2023