Nelumbo nucifera

The Nelumbo nucifera flower is a beautiful and unique addition to any garden. Also known as the lotus flower, it is native to Asia and has been sacred in many cultures for centuries. The flowers are large and white, with a delicate circlet of petals surrounding a central cup. The cup is often filled with water, which reflects the light and creates a stunning effect.

Lotus flowers typically bloom in the summer, and they can often be found growing in ponds and other bodies of water. In addition to their beauty, lotus flowers are also known for their medicinal properties. The petals and seeds of the flower have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. Today, the lotus flower is still prized for its beauty and its many benefits.

Nelumbo Nucifera

The sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is an aquatic plant that has been cultivated for thousands of years due to its beauty and divine symbolism. It is the national flower of India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, and its seeds can remain viable for an exceptionally long time; 1300-year-old seeds from a dried lake in northeastern China are the oldest known sacred lotus seeds to germinate. Sacred lotuses have long been thought to be related to water lilies but molecular research has revealed that they are actually related to plane trees (Platanus) and Protea.

This plant thrives best in warm climates but is actually quite hardy. It prefers water temperatures of 23-27 °C for at least 5 months to develop well; however, in warm climates, it can be invasive. Consequently, the sacred lotus is both a beautiful and resilient plant that has been revered by cultures around the world for millennia.

Description

Nelumbo nucifera, also known as Sacred Lotus or Indian Lotus, is a perennial aquatic plant that is native to parts of Asia and Australia. The plant gets its common name from the large, peltate leaves that float or rise above the water surface on 1-2 m long petioles. The leaves are soft green to blue-green in color and can reach up to 20-90 cm in diameter.

The leaf edge is intact and corrugated, with a central depression where the petiole and leaf blade meet. From this central point, the veins radiate towards the leaf margin. In addition to its striking leaves, Nelumbo nucifera is also notable for its fragrant flowers, which bloom in a variety of colors including pink, white and yellow. These beautiful flowers make the Sacred Lotus a popular choice for aquascaping and ornamental ponds.

The lotus is a beautiful flower that grows in marshy areas of Asia. It has large, white or pink petals and a yellow center. The lotus is also unique in that it has a hydrophobic property called the lotus effect. This means that water literally glides off the leaves and takes dirt with it, making the leaf self-cleaning.

The flowers of the lotus are 10-23 cm in diameter and stand on long peduncles. The receptacle is an inverted cone, 5-10 cm in diameter. When the seeds are ripe, the fruit hangs head down so that the seeds fall into the water. The lotus is a beautiful and unique flower that is well adapted to its marshy habitat.

Usage

The lotus plant is a sacred symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism, often representing purity and enlightenment. The plant grows in muddy water and produces beautiful white flowers that float on the surface. The leaves of the plant are large and paddle-shaped, and the flowers have a distinctive seedpod. Nelumbo nucifera is the scientific name for the lotus plant, and it is native to Asia.

In China, the lotus is a symbol of summer and the East, while in India it represents inner peace and spiritual awakening. The flowers of the plant are used in traditional medicine, and the leaves are eaten as a dietary staple in some parts of Asia. Today, the lotus is cultivated for ornamental purposes around the world. It is a popular choice for water gardens, and its unique flowers make it a stunning addition to any floral arrangement.

1. Culinary: flowers, seeds, rhizomes and young leaves are edible. Older leaves are not eaten but used to wrap food.
2. Medicinal: All plant parts have been used medicinally for at least 1,500 years.
3. Decorative: the sacred lotus has been cultivated for millennia for its beauty.
4. Religious: in Buddhism, the lotus symbolizes beauty, purity, and divinity. In Hinduism, the sacred lotus represents the sun and it is associated with mother goddesses as a symbol of fertility.

Nelumbo Nucifera Nomenclature

Common names

• Lotus, Hindu lotus, Indian lotus, oriental lotus, sacred lotus, bean of India

Synonyms

Nelumbium nuciferum, Nelumbo caspica, Nelumbo komarovii, Nelumbo nucifera var. macrorhizomata, Nelumbo speciosa, Nymphaea nelumbo

Etymology

• Nelumbo: new Latin from the Sinhalese nelumba
• Nucifera: from the Latin nux (nut) and -fer (bearing)

Origin

Tropical Asia

Ponds, lakes, lagoons, marshes, shallow edges to 2.5 m depth

Hardiness

USDA zone 4-10

Care

Nelumbo nucifera, also known as the lotus plant, is a beautiful aquatic plant that can add a touch of elegance to any pond or water garden. While the lotus is relatively easy to care for, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to keep your plant healthy and thriving.

Soil: Nutritious loamy soil – The lotus prefers nutrient-rich loamy soil in order to grow and flower properly. If your pond does not have this type of soil, you can mix it yourself or purchase it from a gardening store.

Light: The lotus needs full sun in order to bloom and stay healthy. If your pond is in a shady area, you may need to supplement with artificial lighting.

Feeding: An established lotus plant should be fertilized monthly during the growing season with tablets or granules designed for aquatic plants. Over-fertilizing can lead to problems such as leaf burn, so be sure to follow the directions on the fertilizer package carefully.

Temperature: The lotus thrives best in warm water, with a temperature of 23-27 degrees Celsius being ideal. In colder climates, it is best to grow the plant at shallower depths where the

Planting depth: It is best planted near the water’s edge in a pond, where it should be planted at least 30 cm deep. Although it can grow to a depth of 2.5 m in warm climates, it is preferable to plant it at shallower depths where the water warms up fast in colder regions.

Overwintering: The Nelumbo Nucifera, also known as the lotus flower, is a beautiful aquatic plant that originates from Asia. Though often thought of as a symbol of purity and tranquility, the lotus is actually quite a tough plant that can adapt to a variety of growing conditions. In its native habitat, the lotus often grows in murky ponds and streams, where it can be difficult to get much sunlight. As a result, the plant has evolved to be quite tolerant of low-light conditions.

When grown in a pond or aquarium, the lotus will often float on the surface of the water, with its leaves and flowers extending upwards towards the light. The lotus is also quite tolerant of cold weather and can even withstand brief periods of freezing temperatures. However, if the plant is growing in shallow water that is likely to freeze during winter, it is best to either move it to a deeper part of the pond or bring it indoors until the danger of frost has passed. With proper care, the lotus can be a beautiful and long-lasting addition to any water garden.

Propagation

Seed, division.

Sowing instructions

The lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is a beautiful aquatic plant that is native to Asia. The plant has large, green leaves and lovely flowers that come in a variety of colors, including pink, white, and yellow. The lotus is often associated with purity and spiritual enlightenment, and it has been revered in many cultures for centuries. The plant grows best in warm, humid climates, and it requires a lot of water to thrive. If you live in an area with a climate that is conducive to the growth of the lotus, you can easily grow the plant at home. The following instructions will help you get started.

 Scarification is the first step in germinating lotus seeds. This process involves scratching or nicking the hard seed coat in order to allow water to enter. You can scarify the seeds by using a sharp knife or sandpaper. Once the seeds have been scarified, place them in a container of non-chlorinated water that is kept at a temperature of 25-30 degrees Celsius. Change the water daily, and discard any seeds that float to the surface, as these are likely to be dead. Germination usually occurs within 24 hours after scarification.

Once the seeds have germinated, you will need to plant them in a pot or container filled with aquatic plant soil. You can find this type of soil at most gardening stores. Plant the seeds about 2.5 cm deep, and keep the soil moist but not wet. Place the pot or container in an area where it will receive indirect sunlight, and keep the temperature around 25 degrees Celsius. The seeds should sprout within 2-3 weeks.

Once the seedlings have reached a height of about 15 cm, they can be transplanted into a larger pot or container. Be sure to use an aquatic plant soil, and plant the seedlings at the same depth as they were growing in the smaller container. Keep the soil moist but not wet, and place the pot or container in an area where it will receive indirect sunlight. The seedlings should continue to grow and bloom within a few months.

With proper care, the lotus can be a beautiful and long-lasting addition to any water garden.

• The seeds have a very hard coat, they should be scarified
• Place the seeds in non-chlorinated water of 25-30 °c
• Change the water daily
• Throw away the seeds that float, they are probably dead
• Once the seed germinates, repot in individual 10 cm pot filled with loam
• Germination time: after scarification, seeds germinate in 24h
• Place the pot in tepid water at a 5 cm depth
• Plant it outside when the water temperature is at least 15 °c, in a pot without drainage holes
• It will probably not bloom the first year

Division

In late winter, when the plants are in vegetative resting, the rhizome may be split. The rhizome of the plant can be divided in late winter when the plant is in vegetative rest. It is important to be careful not to damage the growing tip when dividing the rhizome.

Each piece of rhizome should have at least one growing tip. Cuttings can be planted in individual pots and covered with at least 10 cm of loam. The plants should be kept at 10-30 cm depth underwater. The sacred lotus is a beautiful plant that adds interest and color to any aquatic garden.