Lotus is a beautiful plant that can be seen in some bodies of water. Its flower symbolizes beauty, innocence and tenderness. Also, this plant is often found in the religion and culture of various countries. Therefore, it attracts attention with its unusualness.
Most people will be interested to know how to grow lotus at home and whether it can be done.
Interesting information about the plant
Lotus is an amazing perennial plant. There are interesting facts that can amaze any person. Especially if he does not have sufficient knowledge about this flower. For example, plant seeds can be at the bottom of a reservoir for a long time and not germinate. This happens when there are adult flowers in the water. And only after they die, the process will go.
It is also interesting that the lotus exists on Earth for a long period of time. They appeared in the era of dinosaurs. And all this is due to the fact that their seeds are reliably protected by a hard shell. They can adapt to drought or prolonged exposure to water. It seems unbelievable, but it is a fact.
It is also interesting to know that there are two types of plants: yellow and Indian lotus. The first was found in North America, and the second (as the name implies) - in India. The lotus flower is considered a sacred symbol in Buddhism.
The petals of the plant are mainly white, yellow or pink. At the same time, the plant itself blooms for only 4 days. But the leaves of the plant can be both on the surface of the water, and under it. Moreover, those leaves that are visible, reach large sizes.
There are such small plants. They were brought out recently - these are miniature lotuses. They can easily be grown at home in a small vessel by anyone.
Cultivation methods
There are two main ways to grow a lotus. It:
- using seeds;
- using the root.
The second method is less popular, since it is longer. Therefore, most people want to grow lotus at home from seeds. Although, of course, everyone can choose the option that suits him best.
As you can see, the methods of growing lotus from seeds at home are diverse. Let's consider them in more detail.
Growing plants from seeds
Planting and growing lotus from the seeds of the house has its own characteristics. First you need to prepare the seeds. This must be done, as they are distinguished by their strength and hardness. Therefore, with the help of diamond files, small holes are made in them without affecting the embryo. This is scarification.
After that, it will be necessary to place the seeds in a vessel with warm water. It is important that the water temperature is more than 18 degrees.
Then you can watch how the first seedlings appear in a few days. If all goes well, then somewhere in 2-3 weeks it will be possible to plant seedlings.
Lotus planting
How to grow lotus at home? After the seeds germinate, they should be planted in special containers. There should be two, while one should fit into the other. They should have water at a level of 20 cm. In this case, the lotus will grow in such a capacity only in the first years, after which deeper dishes will be needed.
It will be necessary to put soil in the internal container. In this case, it must be ensured that it is not damaged by pests. It is also important that the earth does not float when placed in water. Therefore, it is best to arrange the soil with pebbles.
If it becomes a matter of choosing a pot for a lotus, then it is better to take one that will not pop up. For example, ceramic can come up.
If the water in the pond is warm, then you can immediately drop it here. But this should be done carefully - so that its leaves are above the water.
It is also worth noting that the aquarium is not the best place for the growth of these plants. This is due to the fact that the water here is often polluted, it will need to be changed constantly.
Root cultivation
To understand how to grow a lotus flower at home, you should consider the second method in more detail. Despite the fact that it is less popular, it also has its advantages. For example, plants grown in this way bloom earlier.
To grow a plant in this way, it is necessary to separate one process from an adult flower. Then it will need to be placed in soil with water. In this case, remember to replace the water. It must be changed regularly. Use only settled water. Now everyone should understand how to grow lotus at home in this way.
Growing Features
It should be noted that the plant is able to tolerate winter well in a pond. But for this it is important that its bottom does not freeze. If this is not possible, then you will need to get the plant out of the water and store in the cellar.
It must be remembered that this is a tropical plant. That is why it should be in a room with a temperature of about 25 degrees.
It is also advisable to grow flowers near the fountains. This is because the lotus loves moisture. You can not be afraid that drops of water can fall on its leaves.
You should pay attention to plant nutrition. If it is in a natural reservoir, then problems in this matter should not arise. But if it is in a special bowl or container, then it will be necessary to add manure to the ground.
Lotus can die due to algae that can grow in a pond. They lead to flowering water. That is why it is necessary to regularly monitor the water in the pond and use special tools that can cope with such a problem.
In addition, you need to pay attention to the fact that this plant loves light. Therefore, it should be grown only in a bright place. With the right temperature and good light, lotus flowers can please their owners all year round.
Plant care
It is important to pay attention to how the plant should be looked after. This is due to the fact that it is from this moment that its further growth will depend.
For such a plant, you need to choose a large pot. Also a great option would be an open pond. But this option is available to fewer people.
It should be noted that the plant may encounter such a problem as pests. They can lead to diseases of the lotus or its death. Therefore, you should take care of special means for processing leaves. But they can be used only in accordance with the instructions so as not to harm the plant.
For example, aphids can simply be washed off the leaves of a plant with plain water. But with other pests it is better to fight more radically.
It is important when planting a plant to pay attention to the fact that its leaves are not completely covered with water. Otherwise, it may lead to his death. This is an important point that should not be forgotten. This information helped to understand how to grow lotus at home.
conclusions
Growing lotus from seeds at home is not such a complicated process as it seems at first glance. The main thing is to know what to do and follow all the recommendations given in the article. Then soon it will be possible to observe the first results. A pond or pond will be a matter of pride for its owners. All friends and relatives will come here to see a beautiful white aquatic plant.
It is important to pay attention to the main points. Lotus likes:
It must be remembered that at low temperatures the plant can die. To prevent this, you need to immediately find the right place for the lotus in the apartment or near the house.