How Does Lotus Root Reproduce? A Detailed Explanation of Lotus Root Propagation Methods

Lotus root is an aquatic plant, also known as pond lotus, furong, and so on. It prefers a warm, humid climate and needs ample sunlight, fertile and deep soil, and an environment with adjustable water levels. Its 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's take a look together below!

Lotus Seed Propagation

Lotus seeds are covered with a hard shell. First, crack open the recessed 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 submerged in water to prevent dehydration and shriveling. 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 so that a lotus root of commercial value can form 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 granddaughter lotus roots at a certain row and plant spacing. The top end is inserted into the mud, the tail tip is left exposed above the mud surface, and it is inserted at a slant.

Daughter Lotus Root Propagation

Daughter lotus roots refer to the lateral branches that grow from the main root. Daughter lotus roots may have one node, two nodes, or even four nodes, which 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 attached to the lotus root tail, the more nodes it has. Regardless of which node section it is, any daughter lotus root can be cut off and used alone as a planting root 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, and the top node lotus root head of a daughter lotus root can also be cut off for 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 its basal node and inserting it into a soft mud seedling bed. When inserting the cutting, if the temperature is still low, plastic film cover is needed. Only when adventitious roots have grown from the basal node of the terminal bud, 2-3 small leaves have grown at the top, and the outdoor temperature has steadily remained 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 encourage early growth.

Lotus Whip Cuttings

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