What are the propagation methods for lotus root? A detailed explanation of the latest techniques

Lotus root is an aquatic plant, also known as pond lotus, hibiscus, etc. It prefers a warm, humid climate and needs plenty of sunlight, fertile and deep soil, and an environment with adjustable water levels. Propagation methods include lotus seed propagation, whole lotus root propagation, daughter lotus root propagation, lotus root head propagation, lotus root node propagation, terminal bud propagation, lotus whip cuttings, and more. Let us take a look together below!

Lotus seed propagation

Lotus seeds are covered with a hard shell. First, crack the sunken end of the shell, then soak it in water at 26-30°C to promote germination. Once the sprout emerges, it must still be kept in water to prevent dehydration and shrinkage. When it grows to 4 leaves and 1 whip, it can be planted out in the field. Because lotus seed propagation grows slowly in the early stage, seedlings must be raised in a protected area 1 month in advance in order to form lotus roots with commercial value in the same year.

Whole lotus root propagation

Whole lotus root propagation means planting the entire main lotus root together with the daughter lotus roots and grandchild lotus roots at a certain row and plant spacing. Insert the top end into the mud, leave the tail tip exposed above the mud surface, and insert it diagonally.

Daughter lotus root propagation

Daughter lotus roots refer to the side branches that branch off from the main root. Daughter lotus roots may have one node, two nodes, or even four nodes. This is related to where the daughter lotus root is attached on the main lotus root. The closer the daughter lotus root is attached to the lotus root head, the fewer nodes it has; the closer it is to the lotus root tip, the more nodes it has. Regardless of which node the daughter lotus root is on, it can be cut off and used alone as a lotus root seed for propagation.

Lotus root head propagation

Lotus root head propagation means cutting off the top node of the main lotus root to use as seed, or cutting off the top node lotus root head of a daughter lotus root to use as seed.

Lotus root node propagation

Lotus root node propagation means cutting a 5-6 cm section from a node to use as seed. This uses the axillary buds on the lotus root nodes for propagation.

Terminal bud propagation

Terminal bud propagation means cutting off the terminal bud of the main lotus root or daughter lotus root together with the basal node and inserting it into a soft mud seedling bed. When inserting the cutting, if the temperature is still low, it needs to be covered with plastic film. Only after adventitious roots grow from the basal node of the terminal bud, 2-3 small leaves grow at the top, and the outdoor temperature has stabilized above 15°C can it be planted out in the field. Planting method: bury both the adventitious roots and the lotus whip in the mud, with the small leaves exposed above the water surface. After planting, attention should be paid to shallow water irrigation to raise the mud temperature and promote early growth.

Lotus whip cuttings

After the buds on the lotus roots in the field extend into lotus whips and grow to the branching stage, dig up two-node lotus whip sections with terminal buds (keeping two leaves on them) intact and transplant them into the field. When planting, bury both the bud tips and the lotus whips shallowly in the mud, and the lotus leaves should extend above the water surface.