How to grow potted lotus? Detailed guide to cultivation methods and precautions

  We all know that in the hot summer season, the lotus in the pond is especially lush and flourishing. Growing lotus in pots brings a feeling that is closer to daily life. How do you grow potted lotus? Below, the editor will introduce the techniques for growing potted lotus.

  Lotus can be grown in vats or in pots. The size of the vat or pot should not be too large; the mouth diameter is generally 55-65 cm and the depth is 30-40 cm. To grow lotus well in a vat or pot, pay attention to mastering the management of three aspects: planting the lotus root, monitoring the water, and topdressing fertilizer.

  Planting the lotus root

  In the vat or pot for planting lotus, first put in three-fifths pond mud, and use decomposed soybean cake, peanut bran, or dried pig manure as base fertilizer, then add a small amount of water and stir into a thin mud. The lotus root selected for planting must be fresh and vigorous daughter lotus roots, each with 3 nodes, and with a terminal bud. Within March to April, plant the daughter lotus roots head-to-tail in the thin mud in the vat or pot; the buds between the nodes must face upward, and be careful not to break the buds. The tail of the lotus root should protrude above the mud layer. Do not add water within one week after planting; just keep a certain humidity. This allows the planted lotus root to cling closely to the mud and sprout easily. As floating leaves appear and upright leaves grow, gradually add water to the vat or pot until it is finally filled.

  Managing water

  Lotus is an aquatic flower and is extremely intolerant of drought, especially during the flowering period, which is precisely the high-temperature season of midsummer. If water is not replenished into the vat or pot in time, it will cause "blind flowers." Experience has shown that the most important point in growing lotus is to keep the water clean. If the water is found to be turbid, replace it with clean water immediately.

  Topdressing fertilizer

  Lotus grown in vats or pots is limited by the vat or pot, so nutrient absorption will be affected, and timely topdressing is needed. Generally, about 1 month after planting, topdress once; when 1-2 upright leaves appear, topdress again. A thin, decomposed human manure and urine is suitable as fertilizer. Afterward, during the flowering period, it is best to apply liquid fertilizer once a week.

  It is worth noting that lotus can carry out photosynthesis well only under sufficient light. Therefore, the vat or pot should be placed in a sunny and well-ventilated place, and it is best to ensure 7-8 hours of sunlight per day. In addition, to encourage lotus to bloom more, be sure to promptly cut off spent flowers.

  In addition, lotus requires fertile clay loam rich in humus. Soil that is too heavy and sticky affects the extension of the lotus stolon and the enlargement of the lotus root. Loose soil is prone to wind damage and hinders root development, and neither is conducive to lotus growth. The soil used is usually lake or pond mud, or a mixture of 4 parts garden soil, 3 parts loess, and 3 parts sandy soil, mixed evenly. The best soil pH is 6.5-7.5.

  Lotus likes strong light and should receive 7-8 hours of light per day. This can make its flower buds numerous and keep it blooming continuously. Avoid cultivating it in shade. When viewing it indoors in flower, it should not stay indoors for more than three days. Lotus is best displayed outdoors. For household potted lotus, it must be placed on a balcony or in a courtyard.

  In the vat or pot for planting lotus, first put in 3/5 lake and pond silt, then add a small amount of water and stir into a thin mud, then cut three nodes as one plant, keeping the terminal bud, middle bud, and tail bud intact. Generally, it is suitable to plant two lotus roots in each vat or pot. After planting, there is no need to add water to the pot or vat for 3-5 days. Wait until the mud surface shows cracking before adding a small amount of water, so that the planted lotus root is held firmly in the mud and can sprout easily. As floating leaves appear and the temperature rises and upright leaves grow, gradually add water to the vat or pot until it reaches the rim.

  For lotus cultivated in pots or vats, apply 200 g-500 g of chicken manure as base fertilizer according to the size of the pot or vat. Lotus cultivated with this fertilizer produces more flowers, more vivid colors, and higher lotus seed yields than lotus cultivated with pig manure, cow manure, or human manure and urine as base fertilizer. That is all for the introduction to potted lotus cultivation techniques; I hope it will be useful to you.