Nelumbo

This large group of beautiful, aquatic perennials is commonly known as Lotus. These plants are suited for growing over most parts of the United States. They need enough summer warmth (two or three months of 75� - 85� F. temps.) to cause them to bloom. Lotuses won't do as well in the Deep South and Southwestern regions because there is too much heat and humidity. There are only two wild species of Lotuses; the rest are hybrids. N. lutea is native to the U.S. and N. nucifera is native to the Philippines, the Orient, northern Australia, Egypt, and the Volga River delta at the Caspian Sea. Lotus flowers are open for 3 days and some change colors in that time. The height, foliage and blossom size differs between the varieties. They produce large, bluish-gray, peltate leaves, which stand above the water when full-grown; they range in width from 12 to 30 inches. The flowers can grow anywhere from 4 to 12 inches across. They may grow from 21/2 to 6 feet high. There are some dwarf varieties that produce 2- to 4-inch blossoms and grow 10 to 12 inches; these plants are great for planting in containers. The seeds heads of these plants are very attractive and are commonly dried and used in floral arrangements. N. Chawan Basu is a beautiful variety with white petals edged and veined with dark pink. N. Angel Wings has white petals that roll inward at the edges. Its large leaves are deeply cupped and wavy looking. N. Perry Super Star is an interesting kind that begins as a rich pink color, changing almost completely to yellow by the second day, and turning cream tipped with pink by the third day. N. Pekinensis Rubra has lovely red petals that fade to dark pink after the first day. Other Lotuses will be mentioned in the varieties section with a brief description of their blossom's colors.

Pot Cultivation

Lotuses need wide, round containers in which to grow because their roots spread. A square or corrugated-sided container shouldn't be used because the growing tip of the tuber, which is very brittle, will grow into the corners and break, most likely causing the plant to die. For standard-sized Lotuses, a container 3 to 4 feet in diameter and 10 to 12 inches deep will be fine; dwarf varieties may be planted in smaller containers. Since these containers are large and not so easily moved, Lotuses are often planted in containers that act as their "ponds". Set six aquatic fertilizer tabs evenly on the bottom of a container and cover with several inches of dirt. Place the tuber on the surface of the soil with the cut edge of the tuber against the edge of the pot. Put a flat rock on top of the tuber and carefully fill the container so that 2 or 3 inches of water covers the rhizome. Keep the pot in a warm, sunny location and add water as it evaporates. When the plant raises 5 or 6 leaves above the water, a thin layer of gravel or soil may be placed over the tuber. Don't cover the growing tip. The container may then be placed in the pond just below the surface, if desired. The plant should be fertilized sparingly the first year as too much may cause the foliage to "burn". A plant that is established can be fed every 3 or 4 weeks during their growing season. Care must be taken when inserting fertilizer tabs, because the growing tip and new growth can be damaged. The tubers may be lifted after the plant has died back in the fall. Store them in a cool, frost-free location until late spring. To help prevent mildew and rotting, store them in living sphagnum peat moss.

Propagation

While they are still dormant, cut the tubers into pieces containing at least one growing eye each. These may then be planted. Seeds may also be used to increase your plants. The seeds must first be scarified by rubbing them gently on medium-grade sandpaper until the creamy inner seed coat can be seen. Don't rub into this or you will kill the seed. Place the seeds into a glass of non-chlorinated, warm water. The seeds that float should be thrown away since they are probably not fertile and will only cloud up the water. Change the water every day while you are waiting for them to sprout. Once you see the root emerge, 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. If you waited too long and the leaves started to grow, keep them free of soil as you cover the root. The seed should be set in warm water up to 2 inches deep; no more that that. Provide with as much light as possible until the water in your garden warms up to at least 60� F. At this time, plant your Lotuses in larger containers without drainage holes. Lotuses started from seeds will probably not bloom the first year.