If you want to learn how to grow lotus flower, you’ve come to the right place. This simple step-by-step guide will show you that cultivating these stunning blooms is easier than you might think. With a bit of patience and the right conditions, you can grow lotus plants in your own water garden or container.
Lotus flowers are symbols of purity and resilience. They grow in muddy water but produce clean, beautiful flowers. This guide breaks down everything from choosing a tuber to winter care.
How to Grow Lotus Flower
Growing lotus starts with understanding their basic needs. They are aquatic perennials that need full sun, warm water, and plenty of space. Let’s get into the details to ensure your success.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Gathering your supplies before you begin makes the process smooth. You don’t need anything too fancy, but a few key items are essential.
- A healthy lotus tuber or viable seeds.
- A wide, shallow container without drainage holes. A minimum width of 18-24 inches is good for most varieties.
- Heavy clay soil or aquatic planting media. Do not use lightweight potting mix.
- Gravel or small stones to top-dress the soil.
- A warm, sunny location that gets at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
- A source of water, preferably dechlorinated.
Choosing Your Lotus: Tuber vs. Seed
You can start lotus from a tuber or a seed. Each method has its pros and cons, especially for beginners.
Starting from a tuber is the fastest way to get flowers. You’ll often see blooms in the first summer. Look for a firm tuber with at least one growing tip. Avoid any that are soft or smell bad.
Growing from seed is rewarding but slower. Seeds need to be filed or nicked before soaking. They can take several years to produce their first flower. It’s a test of patience, but very satisfying.
Step-by-Step Planting Instructions
Follow these steps carefully for the best results. Timing is crucial—plant your lotus after the last frost when temperatures are consistently warm.
1. Preparing Your Container and Soil
First, place your container in its permanent sunny spot. It will be very heavy to move once filled. Fill it about 2/3 full with heavy clay soil. You can buy aquatic soil or use plain topsoil from your garden.
Add water slowly to create a muddy consistency, about 3-5 inches deep above the soil. Let it settle for a day.
2. Planting the Lotus Tuber
This is the most critical step. Handle the tuber gently to avoid breaking the growing tip.
- Gently place the tuber on the surface of the muddy soil. Do not bury it completely.
- Weigh it down slightly with a small stone or a bit of clay. The tip should be pointing upwards and just at the water’s surface.
- As the first leaves grow, slowly add more water over the next few weeks. The leaves should always float on the surface.
If you plant the tuber to deep, it may rot before it can sprout. This is a common mistake to avoid.
3. Initial Care After Planting
Keep the water warm and clear. Top it off as it evaporates, using water that has sat out to dechlorinate. In a week or two, you should see coin leaves, then aerial leaves.
Do not fertilize until you have several aerial leaves standing above the water. Early fertilization can burn the young plant.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Once your lotus is growing, care is relatively simple. Consistency is key to getting those magnificent flowers.
Sunlight and Water Temperature
Lotus crave heat and light. They need a minimum of 6 hours of direct sun. More is better. The water temperature is also important for growth and flowering.
If your water is to cold, growth will stall. In cooler climates, a black container can help absorb heat. Just make sure it’s in full sun.
Fertilizing for Success
Lotus are heavy feeders. Use aquatic plant fertilizer tablets for best results. Push them gently into the soil near the tuber’s roots every 3-4 weeks during the growing season.
Stop fertilizing in late summer to allow the plant to prepare for dormancy. Over-fertilizing late can cause soft growth that won’t survive winter.
Managing Pests and Problems
Luckily, lotus have few pests. Aphids can sometimes be an issue. A strong spray of water from a hose will usually knock them off the leaves.
The main problem is rot, which happens from poor water quality or planting the tuber incorrectly. Always ensure your leaves are above water and you have enough sunlight.
Winter Care and Dormancy
As days shorten, your lotus will begin to yellow and die back. This is normal. They are entering dormancy.
In cold climates, the tuber must not freeze. If your container is deep enough (the tuber is below the freeze line), you can leave it outdoors. In shallower pots, move the container to an unheated garage or cool basement.
Keep the soil just barely damp over winter. Do not let it dry out completely. In spring, return it to the sun and add warm water to wake it up.
Common Questions Answered (FAQ)
How deep should the water be for a lotus?
Start with 3-5 inches of water above the soil for a new tuber. For established plants, 6-12 inches is ideal. Dwarf varieties can thrive in as little as 2-6 inches.
Can I grow lotus in a small pond?
Absolutely. Lotus are perfect for ponds. Just plant them in a container first, then submerge the container in the pond. This controls their spread and makes maintenance easier.
Why isn’t my lotus flowering?
The most common reasons are not enough sun, insufficient fertilizer, or a container that’s to small. Lotus also need warm water temperatures to initiate blooms. Ensure you’re meeting all these needs.
How do you grow lotus flowers from seed?
File the hard seed coat until you see a pale layer, then soak the seed in warm water. Change the water daily. Once it sprouts and grows a stem and leaves, plant it gently in soil, similar to a tuber. Remember, blooming may take a few years.
What’s the difference between lotus and water lilies?
Lotus leaves and flowers stand tall above the water, while water lily leaves and flowers float on the surface. Lotus also have distinctive seed pods and different growth habits.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your leaves are yellowing during the growing season, it might need fertilizer. If the plant looks weak and leggy, it needs more sunlight.
Algae can be a nusiance in the container. A layer of gravel on the soil surface helps block light and prevents algae growth. You can also add a few water snails as natural cleaners.
Remember, the first year is about establishing the plant. Even if you don’t get a flower, a healthy tuber will come back stronger next season. With proper care, you’ll be rewarded with incredible blooms that are worth the wait. Their beauty and fragrance are a true highlight of any summer garden.