How to grow potted lotus and points to note
As an alternative way to enjoy them, many people like to grow lotus in pots. However, growing lotus requires attention to methods and techniques, so how do you grow potted lotus and what should you pay attention to? Let me introduce it to you below.
Potted lotus has made it much more convenient for people to enjoy lotus flowers, ending the traditional pond cultivation method. The scorching summer is the season when lotus flowers are in bloom, providing a better ornamental effect for public areas and adding more pleasure to life. Let me introduce the cultivation methods.
Lotus has relatively high soil requirements, and fertile clay loam rich in humus is best. Soil that is too heavy and sticky affects the elongation of the lotus rhizome and the swelling of the lotus root, while loose soil is prone to wind damage and hinders root development, neither of which is good for lotus growth. Generally, pond mud can be used as soil, or loess and sandy soil can be mixed and stirred together. The soil pH should be about 6.5-7.5, and it should not be too acidic or too alkaline.
In the vat or pot for planting lotus, first put in 3/5 pond silt, then add a small amount of water and stir it into a thin mud. Then cut three sections as one plant, keeping the terminal bud, middle bud and tail bud intact. Generally, it is appropriate to plant two seed lotus roots per vat or pot. Within 3-5 days after planting, there is no need to add water to the pot or vat. Wait until the mud surface shows cracking, then add a small amount of water so that the seed lotus roots are firmly held in the mud and can sprout easily. As floating leaves appear and the temperature rises, and standing leaves grow, gradually add water to the vat or pot until it reaches the rim. The planted vat or pot lotus should be kept in a wind-sheltered, sunny place with flat terrain. The arrangement of vats and pots should consider both the growth needs of the lotus and convenience of operation and economical use of space. The distance between vats is generally 70cmx70cm, with a walkway of about 100cm; the distance between pots is 50cmx50cm, with a walkway of about 80cm.
Lotus likes strong light. Being able to receive seven or eight hours of sunlight each day can promote more flower buds and continuous blooming. Do not cultivate it in a shaded place, otherwise it will be reluctant to bloom and the flowering season will be short. Therefore, lotus is best grown in the open air. For home cultivation, lotus can be placed in a courtyard or in a sunny position such as a rooftop or balcony. However, bowl lotus is delicate. In the Yangtze River basin area, May and June often bring continuous overcast rain and very low temperatures. Once it suddenly clears and the temperature rises, the tender small lotus leaves often wither along the leaf edges and die. Therefore, at noon it should be moved to a shady place to avoid the intense sun.
The above is what I have introduced for everyone, and I hope it can serve as a reference. I remind everyone that growing lotus needs to be combined with actual conditions.