Hey Lykkers! Have you ever marveled at the elegance of a lotus flower floating on water?
Let’s dive into the world of the Lotus Flower (Nelumbo nucifera) and uncover its fascinating characteristics and the joy it can bring to any water garden.
1. Understanding the Lotus Flower
We begin by appreciating the unique beauty of the lotus flower, known for its large, round leaves and breathtaking blooms that rise above the water. Often found in ponds and water gardens, this stunning flower has symbolized purity and rebirth in various cultures. Its resilience and beauty make it an ideal plant to admire in our water gardens.
2. Choosing the Right Conditions for Growth
To grow the lotus successfully, we need plenty of sunlight—at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Lotus flowers thrive in tropical and subtropical climates, so if we live in a cooler region, growing them indoors or in a greenhouse can be beneficial. Warm temperatures and full sunlight help the lotus to grow tall and produce vibrant blooms.
3. Planting Lotus Tubers
Planting a lotus begins with selecting healthy tubers. We should choose tubers that are firm and have visible growing points, as these will be the starting point for the plant’s leaves and flowers. Place the tubers in a wide, shallow container with heavy clay soil, and avoid standard potting soil, which can cloud the water.
4. Placing the Lotus Tubers in Water
Once we’ve planted the tuber in soil, we carefully lower the container into a pond or water garden. The water should cover the tuber by 2-4 inches initially. As the plant grows, we can gradually increase the water depth, but we should always ensure that the leaves stay above the water's surface.
5. Fertilizing for Healthy Blooms
To encourage lush growth, we add fertilizer specifically designed for aquatic plants every three to four weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much can harm the plant or encourage algae growth. Balanced feeding helps produce those vibrant, majestic blooms we all admire.
6. Watching for Blooming Season
In late spring to early fall, we’ll see our lotus flowers bloom. Each bloom lasts about 3-4 days, and fresh blooms will continue to appear throughout the season. The sight of these delicate flowers unfurling each day adds a sense of tranquility to our water garden.
Lotus Flower: Benefits & Uses
Video by Ryan Taylor (Natural Remedies)
7. Maintaining the Lotus Plant
As the seasons change, we need to take care of the plant by trimming away dead or yellowed leaves. This keeps our lotus healthy and prevents decay from affecting the water’s quality. If we live in colder regions, moving the tubers indoors or covering them during winter can help them survive for the next season.
8. Appreciating the Longevity of Lotus
With proper care, lotus plants can live for decades. Watching them grow year after year brings a unique joy and reminds us of their resilience and beauty.
