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Sacred lotus

Nelumbo nucifera

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Sacred lotus · Nelumbo nucifera

Vietnam's national flower: round leaves above the water and softly scented pink blooms.

Care and placement

Needs at least 6 hours of sun, still water above 21 °C, a wide pot without drainage holes, loam with compost; a heavy feeder.

Draft mature dimensions

Maximum height (cm): 150 cm · Maximum spread (cm): 100 cm

Things to consider

PFAF notes lotus seeds, rhizomes and leaves are eaten in many places; eat only cooked and from clean water. Still water in pots breeds mosquitoes: add small fish or refresh water regularly.

Unknown evidence does not mean safe. Decorative plants are not automatically edible.

Information is compiled from multiple reputable sources for reference. If you spot an error, please contact us so we can check and update it.

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How to grow and care for it

  1. Planting and pot

    Use a wide, round pot without drainage holes (at least about 45 cm across and 25 cm deep); square pots break rhizomes in corners. Fill with loam mixed with compost, set the tuber in a central hollow and cover with soil leaving the pointed tip exposed. Tubers flower sooner than seed (2–3 years).

  2. Light

    At least 6 hours of direct sun (8 ideal); water above about 21 °C.

  3. Watering

    Keep water about 5 cm above the soil for new plantings (5–10 cm), 15–30 cm once established; still water, no fountains. Ponds: lower the container gradually to 40–60 cm (smaller cultivars 15–22 cm).

  4. Feeding

    A heavy feeder: slow-release aquatic fertilizer every 4–6 weeks in the growing season; one source feeds only once a year in winter.

  5. Pruning

    Remove yellowed leaves and spent flowers at the stalk base to keep the water clean.

  6. Propagation

    Divide rhizomes at the start of the growing season (each piece with an eye) or sow seed with the hard coat nicked; PFAF and NC State list both.

  7. Pests and common problems

    NC State: aphids and red spider mites; watch for snails; treat by hand or with organic products. Moving water slows growth.

  8. For more flowers

    For many flowers: maximum sun, warm still water, a roomy pot, steady feeding and the right water depth. Large softly scented pink flowers rise above the water on tall stalks.