This water garden beauty thrives in different landscape settingsheres what you’re gonna wanna know.
Native to Asia and Australia, the lotus is considered sacred by the Buddhist and Hindu religions.
Water gardeners prize it because it’s both beautiful and easy to grow.
Credit: 213tmp
Choose a container sized to suit the size of the plant.
While still on land, fill the pot halfway with heavy garden soil.
Spread a 2- to 3-inch-deep layer of coarse sand over the soil surface.
Credit: 213tmp
Next, set a lotus tuber crosswise on top of the sand with growing points sticking straight up.
Embed the tuber into the sand and weigh it down with stones to keep it from floating.
Fill the container with water until it reaches just above the growing tips and wait.
Once the lotus breaks dormancy and starts shooting out leaves, lower the pot into the pond.
Eventually, the tuber will send roots into the soil, and stems will emerge.
Dont usepotting mix, especially if youre trying to grow your lotus from seeds or tubers.
Keep the soil in the container slightly moist so the tubers don’t dry out.
Place the tubers outside again in the spring only after the last hard freeze has taken place.
As the weather and water warm in late spring, the plants will push up new leaves.
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If the containers were overwintered inside, place them back in the water.
Fertilizer
Overfertilizationor fertilizing too earlycan be counterproductive for your lotus plant.
Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions for specific ratios.
Spring is the best timeframe to start fertilizing.
Pruning
Lotus will benefit from periodical pruning so it can maintain its health and beauty.
Working carefully so as not to damage growing points, remove the tubers from the soil.
Discard the soil and any dead tubers.
Replant with fresh soil and submerge the pot again.
To treat them, start by removing debris, and snip off any dead or yellowy leaves.
Some people keep fish in ponds as a way to clean the water and prevent pests.
However, they prefer tropical, warm climates, ideally where temperatures don’t drop below 67 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you live in cold zones, it’s best to take the guppies inside.
How to Propagate Lotus
Propagate lotus plants through root division.
Bury each section into a new pot filled with fresh soil and resubmerge into water.
Keep in mind that lotus tubers multiply with gusto when planted directly in the mud of a natural pond.
To manage and minimize unwanted propagation, keep on top of the seasonal pruning and trimming.
Zones 3-10
‘Double Rose’ lotus
This gorgeous variety unfurls fully double, rich rose flowers.
The plants grow 6 feet tall and wide.
It grows 4 feet tall and 5 feet wide.
Zones 4-11
‘Mrs.
The plants grow 5 feet tall and 6 feet wide.
The plant grows 5 feet wide.
Best for zones 8 to 11.
Dwarf Papyrus
This aquatic perennial offers texture and unique form to any water garden.
It will complement the lotus plant given its rounded fluffy top with yellowish florets.
It grows up to 18 inches and can be invasive in warm climates.
Its recommended to pot your dwarf papyrus before placing it along the edges of your pond or lake.
Dwarf papyrus thrives in full or partial sun.
Move it to overwinter indoors if you live above zone 8.
Best for zones 8 to 12.
Best for zones 5 to 9.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lotus flower may be the ultimate reward for anyone growing a lotus plant.
), it should bloom for many years to come.
The lotus plant has positive meanings and symbolisms depending on religions or cultures.
In general, it represents purity, rebirth, and awakening to a more spiritual life.
Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, University of Florida.
