Growing lotus at home is simple and easy, and before you know it, it will fill a whole large tub.
Potting soil: Growing lotus requires rich pond mud or paddy field mud as the growing medium. Temperature: The most suitable temperature for lotus growth is 22-35°C. Light: It needs plenty of sunlight, at least 7 hours a day. Fertilizing: Lotus loves fertilizer, but if too much is applied it will burn the plant, so apply light doses frequently.
1. Soil
Lotus needs rich pond mud or paddy field mud as the growing medium; never use industrially polluted soil.
2. Temperature
Lotus has fairly strict temperature requirements. At 8-10°C it will sprout, and at 14°C the rhizome will begin to grow; when planting early, the temperature needs to be above 15°C, otherwise growth will be very slow. High summer temperatures are also unfavorable for its growth and development. The most suitable temperature for lotus growth is 22-35°C.
3. Light
It needs to receive plenty of sunlight, at least 7 hours a day, which can promote the growth of more flower buds. Do not keep it in a dark environment, as this can easily shorten the flowering period or even prevent it from blooming. Growing lotus outdoors is best; it can be placed in a courtyard or on a balcony, as long as it is a spot with good light.
4. Fertilizing
Lotus loves fertilizer, but if too much is applied it will burn the plant, so apply light doses frequently. In summer, the amount of fertilizer should be appropriately increased, because summer is the flowering period for lotus. If the lotus leaves are very yellow and have no disease spots, it indicates that the plant is lacking nutrients and should be fertilized in time, roughly once every 15-20 days.
5. Points to note
1. Diseases: Lotus may develop rot disease and leaf blight, but neither is very serious. Once discovered, spray with a fungicide promptly.
2. Pests: Aphids, bagworms and others may appear. Catch them promptly, remove the diseased leaves, clear weeds as timely as possible, and carry out appropriate disinfection.