Lotus

PLANTS WITH FLOATING LEAVES: NELUMBO (LOTUS)

Lotus tubers are long and shaped something like a banana. They are very fragile so must be handled very carefully. The slightest damage will affect regrowth.

Fragility
Lotus are extraordinary plants but they do require special attention. They like warm water so ifthe spring is unusually cold, they may become dormant and likely to rot. Rough handling can break off the growth bud and the lotus will die. Planting too deep (either in the soil or in the water) is a frequent cause of loss.

Container
A large, round container without a hole is essential for planting a lotus. Choose a pot of at least 40 can diameter A lotus needs lots of space.

Soil type
Good brown soil (heavy top soil) covered with a 4 cm layer of sand.

Fertilization
Lotus are greedy plants. Plan on giving 8 to 12 tablets of fertilizer, 4 times per summer.

Planting
Lower the pot into the right position then lay the lotus tuber on the top of the container and push it gently into the sand. Do not bury the growth bud. Make sure that over the summer the lotus does not have more than 7 to 10 cm (3" to 4") of water above the top of the pot.


	Wintering over Lotus are zone 5 plants. They can winter over in ponds of over 75 cm in depth. Late in the fall, the plant should be lowered to the deepest part of the pond. A lotus must have at least 40 cm of water above the top of the container.

It can also winter over in the cold room. Once the foliage has turned yellow, bring it into a cool area in the house to protect it against frost. From March on, the first stems wl ill begin to appear if the lotus is placed in a area with lots of light. It can be moved into the pond after mid-May.

Quantity
The lotus is a plant which adds a very special touch to your pond. There is no rule about how many your pond can take. That is up to you.