Sacred Lotus - The Divine Plant of Ancient Cultures

In short: Sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) can be grown from seed indoors or in a pond. Scarify the seeds, soak them for 24 hours in water at about 20 °C, then keep them at 25–27 °C to germinate. Use a container at least 30 cm high with 25 cm of water and overwinter the plant at about 6 °C.

Indian Lotus - Sacred Plant

Indian Lotus - lat. Nelumbo nucifera - is a higher dicotyledonous plant from the lotus family (lat. Nelumbonaceae). It is the only representative of this genus from the lotus family. Previously, lotuses were classified as relatives of water lilies. After molecular analyses, they were reclassified as relatives of the Proteaceae family (lat. Proteaceae). Paradoxically, they share very few common morphological characteristics with this order of plants. Several species of water lilies (lat. Nymphaea) are incorrectly referred to as Lotus. Tiger lotus (lat. Nymphaea lotus) is often called Egyptian Lotus, and White Lotus and Blue Lotus are sometimes colloquially used for White water lily (lat. Nymphaea alba) and Blue water lily (lat. Nymphaea caerulea).

True representatives of Lotuses are:

American Lotus - (lat. Nelumbo lutea), which has pale yellow petals. This Lotus grows in the eastern regions of the USA, Central America and the Caribbean.

Indian Lotus - (lat. Nelumbo nucifera) - with white to pale yellow flowers. It grows from southwestern Asia, through the Philippines to Australia. In Europe, it occurs mainly around the Volga River basin and around thermal springs in Romania. In India, it is a common plant occurring in the Ganges River basin.

Indian Lotus is a magnificent aquatic plant. On the surface, it creates large, round, petiolate leaves that can be up to 0.5 m wide. Lotus leaves are metallically glossy and float on the water surface. Lotus flowers are up to 20 cm in diameter and protrude above the water surface. They are characterized by a distinctly beautiful fragrance and pink and white coloring.

Lotus flowers are similar in composition to roses. The flowers have a fleshy seed receptacle in the center, in which the ovules are embedded. From these ovules, hard elliptical nuts develop, about the size of a hazelnut. The dried lotus receptacle is very decorative.

Lotus flowers reach a diameter of up to 20 cm and are a symbol of beauty.

How to Grow Indian Lotus

Indian Lotus is a very undemanding plant that can be easily grown. It tolerates our climatic conditions well, but is more sensitive to frost, so we recommend suitable overwintering. Indian Lotus can also be grown indoors, on the south side of an apartment by a sunny window. For growing Lotuses indoors, a container with a depth of at least 25 cm is suitable. For one plant, a container with a diameter of 25 cm is sufficient, but at least 40 cm in diameter is recommended. Lotus is a beautiful and decorative plant with large pinkish flowers. These flowers reach a diameter of up to 20 cm and are a symbol of beauty.

Indian Lotus seeds should be scarified before sowing (abrade the surface with sandpaper or a file so that water necessary for germination can penetrate the seed) and left to swell in warm water for 24 hours. The water temperature in the bowl should be around 20°C. If the seeds don't double in size within 24 hours, scarify them more.

Lotus prefers water at 25-27°C during germination. Once the first sprout appears in the scarified seeds, transfer the seeds to a germination container with warmer water. Try to maintain this temperature during the growth of the Lotus plants as well.

Once the first two leaves of the Lotus appear - transfer the seed to an aquarium or container with muddy substrate or gravel. Lotus is a heat-loving, subtropical plant. It thrives excellently in heated greenhouses. Indoor growing is also temperature-appropriate. Lotus is suitable for winter gardens and ponds in them, or ornamental containers. It's an excellent plant for decorative relaxation corners.

TIP: If you decide to grow Lotus in a container, keep in mind that its height should be at least 30 cm and the water depth in it minimum 25 cm. Round pots and containers are most suitable. These allow smooth growth of Lotus along the container walls. The plant can be grown in a garden pond located in a sunny part of the garden.

Containers with Lotus should be moved to outdoor locations only after spring frosts. Lotus overwinters at 6°C. It needs nutrient-rich soil for cultivation. Like water lily seeds, we can place lotus at the bottom of a pond, in baskets weighted with stones. This makes them easier to remove for overwintering. We fertilize lotus with stick fertilizers, which we place at the bottom of the basket near the plant.

Lotus is a symbol of Buddhism, where Buddha himself sits on a blooming lotus spread on water. Generally, the lotus flower is a symbol of purity and beauty.

Indian Lotus - interesting facts

Indian Lotus is a very interesting and decorative plant. In many religions, it is a sacred and important symbol. It is still revered in Hinduism and Buddhism. However, it was already known in Egyptian mythology. Lotus is not just a plant for visual pleasure, but in some countries it is an important agricultural crop. Light, easily digestible dishes are prepared from the rhizome. The rhizome can also be ground into bread flour. The kernels from seed pods taste like chestnuts and can be consumed raw, boiled or roasted.

All parts of Indian Lotus are edible. It is advisable to heat-treat them. In Asia, Lotus petals are used not only as decoration, but also for wrapping food. Yellow Lotus served as food for American Indians. They prepared soup from the rhizomes. Lotus root is widely used in Chinese medicine. Lotus root is rich in vitamins and trace elements.

Lotus Seeds have perhaps the widest range of uses. You can consume them raw or cooked. Cooked seeds can be mashed into a paste. The seeds are like nuts. They can be roasted and behave similarly to popcorn. Lotus Seeds are very healthy and resilient. They retain their nutritional content. They are resistant to mold. Lotus was reportedly grown even from seeds over 1,300 years old.

Indian Lotus has tiny crystals on the surface of its petals that help liquid substances flow off the flower. Thanks to this property, the Lotus flower cannot be stained by liquid impurities. This ability has been researched and is now used in the clothing industry, especially in tailoring men's suits that cannot be stained by spills.

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Author: Hana Michalíková