Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is an emergent pond plant that grows with its roots in the soil at the bottom of the water feature and its leaves and flowers on the surface of the water. It is originally from the tropical areas of Asia. It is the national flower of India and Vietnam.
Appearance
The lotus, often erroneously referred to as a water lily, comes in a variety of shades from white to bright pink. The plant has two round shaped leaves that float on the water. The flower is on a stalk above the leaves. Lotus range in size from tiny to large, with the largest ones having leaves measuring 60 cm in diameter.
Uses
This plant is used as an ornamental plant in water gardens and ponds. The flowers, seeds, young leaves, and roots are all edible. The distinctive seeds, which look like the head of a watering can, are widely sold as decorations.
Cultivation
The lotus plant is an aquatic perennial that does best in full sun. It requires dirt at the bottom of the water feature to grow its roots in, so is not a good choice for a bird bath or other cement water feature.
Water Requirements
The water to grow your lotus must be non-chlorinated and warm. Lotus prefers still water to moving water. The water must be deep enough to cover the rhizome and allow room for the lotus to float above the mud in the bottom of the water feature.
Growing From Seed
To grow a lotus flower from seed, first soak the seeds in a container of warm water. If the seeds float, discard them as they are probably not fertile. The seeds that sink are fertile. Change the water every day in the container.
When the seeds sprout, place them in a small pot filled with garden soil. Cover the seeds but let the sprout remain above the soil line. Place the pot in about two inches of warm water to keep the seed hydrated properly. When the water temperature outside is at least 60 degrees F, plant the sprout in a larger pot without drainage holes and set it in the mud at the bottom of the pond. You can plant the plant directly in the mud, but lotus will spread to cover the surface of the water feature if you do that. Lotus started from seed will probably not bloom the first year.
Growing From Rhizomes (Tubers)
The easiest way to grow a lotus plant is to plant the rhizome directly in the soil at the bottom of your water feature. However, the lotus will spread so you can plant it in a large container with no holes in it and set that container in the mud to keep the plant from taking over the water feature.
Maintenance
Lotus plants should be fertilized sparingly the first year, with pond tabs stuck in the pot or beside the rhizome in the mud. After the first year, lotus may be fertilized every three to four weeks during the growing season with pond tabs. Use two pond tabs for small lotus and four pond tabs for large lotus plants. In the fall, cut off the yellowed foliage above water level, leaving just the root of the lotus. Make sure the water level of the water feature is high enough to prevent the water from freezing down to the roots of the lotus.
Pests and Diseases
Aphids and caterpillars are problems for lotus flowers. Use a powder that is designed to be used with water features to treat these pests. Liquid pesticides will burn the leaves and pollute your water feature. This is especially important if you have koi or other fish in your water feature.
Lotus Varieties
There are several varieties of lotus, with a range of colors and forms.
- American Lotus (Nelumbo lutea) is a wildflower native to North America. It grows everywhere from Canada down into the southern United States. It has very fragrant, pale yellow flowers, and leaves that grow to about a foot in diameter. It's cold-hardy and low maintenance.
- Angel Wings Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera 'Angel Wings') is a medium-sized lotus that produces multiple white flowers. Because the leaves don't grow as large, this variety is a good option for small ponds, tubs, or other back yard water features.
- Green Maiden Lotus (Nelumbo 'Green Maiden') is a dwarf lotus that is hardy to USDA hardiness zone 4. It is a perfect option for a smaller pond or water feature, where you can easily see the way the blossoms change over time; opening pink and gradually changing to creamy yellow.
- Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) blooms in bright pink and has large, saucer-like leaves. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, and can even become somewhat invasive if it's growing in a place where it's particularly happy, so that's something to keep in mind.
Cultural Significance
The lotus is sacred to many Asian religions, considered widely to be one of the most sacred plants in the entire world. It has long been used as a symbol of sexual purity and non-attachment.
The Buddha is often pictured holding or sitting on a lotus flower. Hindu Gods are also often pictured sitting or standing on lotus flowers. The lotus blossom is the national flower of India.
Because of the way the plant grows, submerging completely beneath the water's surface during the dark of night, only to emerge clean and in full bloom in the morning, the lotus has become symbolic of spiritual awakening and enlightenment.
For Egyptian cultures, the lotus flower represents the universe. Also, because of the way the plant seemed to die, only to live and bloom again, they believed that a lotus blossom could bring the dead back to life.
Aside from the flower itself, the various colors of lotus blossoms have symbolism.
- White lotus blossoms symbolize purity among Buddhists.
- Yellow blossoms symbolize spiritual ascension.
- Pink lotus blossoms often symbolize enlightenment.
- Red blossoms symbolize passion, selfless love, and generosity.
- Purple lotus blossoms often symbolize self-knowledge or self-awakening.
- Blue lotus flowers are rather rare, and symbolize wisdom.
Beautiful Sacred Flowers
Lotus are beautiful and sacred flowers. They make a nice addition to any water feature with a dirt bottom and still water. Plant your sacred lotus today and enjoy its blooms all summer.
