How to Grow Lotus: Detailed Guide to Planting Methods and Precautions
The lotus is a very beautiful flowering plant, and its presence is commonly seen in parks. One after another delicate pink lotus flowers stand upright on the clean, clear water surface, and this scene has surely captivated many people! Many ancient poems also frequently praise the beauty of the lotus. In fact, the lotus can also be grown as a potted plant! Now let's learn about lotus cultivation techniques together with the editor!
How to Grow Lotus
1. Superior varieties
It is best to choose highly ornamental varieties such as Manjianghong, Little Fairy, and Table Lotus. These varieties have a smaller plant form, bloom more profusely, and have vivid flower colors, making them suitable for cultivation. If planting with seed lotus roots, choose roots that are undamaged, growing well, and have intact terminal buds.
2. Container
The choice of flower pot requires careful consideration. Usually, choose a flower pot with a diameter between 30 and 60 cm and a height not exceeding 50 cm.
3. Soil requirements
For planting lotus, it is best to use soil rich in humus, usually pond mud. You can also use garden soil, loess, and sandy soil mixed evenly in a 4:3:3 ratio for preparation. Never use sewage sludge.
4. Cultivation method
Place the seed lotus root flat or with the top tilted downward at an angle of 20 to 50 degrees, and bury the seed lotus root into the mud along the inner wall of the container. Be careful to leave the tail end exposed outside the mud. Only one seed lotus root is needed per flower pot.
5. Watering
In the early stage of lotus growth, do not water too much; maintain a water depth of 3-5 cm. As the temperature continues to rise, after the lotus emerges from the water, maintain the water depth at 16 cm. In winter, after the lotus enters dormancy, keeping shallow water is enough, and there is no need to add water frequently. Never underestimate this management step; whether the lotus grows well depends entirely on it!
Lotus Planting Methods and Precautions
If lotus seeds are to be sown, they must first be nicked, because lotus seeds are really too hard. So after nicking them to expose the seed coat, soak them for several days, and after leaves grow out, sow them.
When sowing lotus, note that its sowing temperature requirements are relatively high. Generally, germination begins at 8——10°C and growth begins at 14°C. Therefore, when sowing, the temperature is best above 15°C.
Note that summer is when lotus grows most vigorously, so its water demand at this time is very high. At this time, the flower pot must not lack water, and the water level should preferably not submerge the leaves. In addition, in summer, lotus also has a relatively high demand for fertilizer, so fertilizer should be supplemented in time to avoid poor growth.
Growth Habits of Lotus
Lotus is an aquatic plant and likes relatively stable, calm shallow water. Lakes, marshes, swamps, and ponds are suitable sites for it. The water requirement of lotus depends on its variety. Large-strain varieties such as Ancient Lotus and Red Thousand Petals are suited to somewhat deeper water, but it must not exceed 1.7 m. Small and medium-strain varieties are only suitable for water depths of 20-60 cm. At the same time, lotus is very sensitive to water loss. In summer, if water is not supplied for only 3 hours, the lotus leaves grown in a water vat will wither; if water is stopped for one day, the leaf edges will scorch and the flower buds will wither back. Lotus is also very fond of light and needs a full-light environment during its growth period. Lotus is extremely intolerant of shade, and when grown in semi-shade it will show a strong phototropic tendency.
How to Manage Lotus After Flowering
1. About fertilizing: After the plant has flowered, it has certainly consumed a lot of nutrients. To ensure sufficient nutrition for subsequent growth and fruiting, we need to supplement a little artificially. Generally, fertilizers rich in P and K can be applied.
2. About fruiting: After the lotus has flowered, pollination has generally already occurred, and seed pods will soon form. In most cases, lotus roots begin to grow around that time. Therefore, during this period, the lotus stems must never be allowed to fill with water. Otherwise, the lotus roots may rot.
3. About temperature: We have already mentioned the specific period after flowering above. Therefore, during this period, the temperature will gradually decrease, and winter will soon arrive. So we can carry out some cold-protection measures in advance to help it safely pass through the low-temperature period. For example, if it is potted, it can be placed indoors. If not, it can be buried below the frozen soil layer.
As mentioned above, there are many lotus varieties, and the cultivation method for each variety will differ slightly, so choosing a variety is very important. Lotus is not only beautiful in appearance, but also has extremely high edible and medicinal value. Its flowers, leaves, seeds, lotus roots, and so on can all be eaten, and its nutritional value is extremely high.