Lotus is one of the most majestic plants to have in a garden. Even though lotus is a plant usually grown in ponds, it is possible to grow them in small water containers or in bowls. Bloomed lotus plants will magnify the beauty of your garden several times. They are very easy to grow once you understand the basic care of them. Lotuses can be grown in the main pond, a separate small pond, or in decorative pots or containers.
Lotus can be grown from both tuber or seed. Your tuber should be firm and have a healthy growing tip. Be very careful not to damage the tips as they are quite fragile and critical to growing the plant. If you are planting them in containers always choose round containers for lotuses so future runners don't get jammed in square corners. Plant your lotus tuber in the soil with the growing tip at soil level and pointed toward the center of the pot. Water over the pot or soil in the container should be at least 8"inches deep.
Even though the roots of the lotus are planted in the soil of the pond or container, the leaves float on top of the water surface. The Lotus flowers are usually found on thick stems rising several centimeters above the water.
Lotus growing tips
Even though the roots of the lotus are planted in the soil of the pond or container, the leaves float on top of the water surface.
To begin with, place lotus seeds in water and when roots emerge from the seeds pot them in 4 inch pots filled with good garden loam; a depression should be made and one seed should be set in each pot. Cover the root gently with soil or gravel. When leaves started to grow, place the plant in water. And when the plant is big enough you can plant them in containers or ponds.
All lotus plants, including bowl lotus require a minimum 6 hours direct sunlight. This plant demands full and hot sun. As lotus is a river edge grower, sunlight is part of its genetic inheritance.
Lotus cannot live without water. When they dry out, they will die. Therefore always be careful to provide water in the ponds and containers.
Remove old leaves and spent flowers. Cutting the stem below water level may drown the plant. So never cut the stems below water level.
If growing in bowls or containers re potting in every 2 years is necessary.
In the first year fertilize your plant sparingly, but remember that over fertilizing will soil your plant.
Facts about lotus
The colors available are white, yellow, pink, and even bi-color. They are very fragrant and the perfume will permeate the evening air. The flowers, which last 3 to 5 days, close up at night. It is reported that the seeds remain viable for centuries! There are reports that folks were able to germinate lotus seeds left in the tombs of the pharaohs after 3,000 years. The lotus flowers, seeds, young leaves and rhizomes are all edible. In Asia, the petals are sometimes used for garnish, while the large leaves are used as a wrap for food. Various parts of the sacred lotus are also used in traditional Asian herbal medicine.
By: Saneesh Michael
Source: http://living.oneindia.in/
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