Nelumbo - Lotus: Planting, Growing and Caring

Botany and description

The botanical genus Nelumbo, commonly referred to as Lotus, belongs to the Nelumbonaceae family. It consists of perennial aquatic plants that play a crucial role in mythologies and cultures worldwide, typically symbolising purity and spiritual awakening due to their ability to emerge immaculate from muddy waters. The two species of the Nelumbo genus are commonly called Lotus, although the term “Lotus” may also refer to other aquatic plants from different families, such as the Blue Lotus (Nymphaea caerulea), so dear to Tintin, and the Egyptian Lotus (Nymphaea lotus). The Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) and the American Lotus (Nelumbo lutea) are among the most common names for the two “true” lotuses of the Nelumbo genus.

• Nelumbo nucifera, known as the Sacred Lotus, Oriental Lotus or Indian Lotus, is the most widespread and well-known species. Cultivated for over 3,000 years, it holds significance in Asian religious and cultural traditions. It thrives in the calm, shallow waters of ponds, lakes and marshes. Its natural range extends across South and Southeast Asia, from India and Nepal to China and Japan, reaching as far as northern Australia.
• Nelumbo lutea, the American Lotus or Yellow Lotus, is native to North America and northern South America. This species is adapted to more temperate climates and is distinguished by its bright yellow flowers. It is found in similar aquatic habitats but is suited to the climatic conditions of temperate regions in North and South America. Its distribution covers a wide range, from the eastern United States to some South American countries like Colombia and Venezuela.

Nymphea lotus (top left), Nelumbo lutea (bottom left), and Nelumbo nucifera (right).

Lotus plants are characterised by their rhizomatous root system anchored in the muddy bottoms of water bodies, with sturdy stems that rise above the surface. These plants can reach significant heights (sometimes up to 1.50 m above the water level), depending on water depth and growing conditions, with leaves and flowers standing well above the water’s surface. Note that there are now dwarf varieties of Sacred Lotus whose flower stalks will not exceed 50 cm. They are ideal for very small ponds.

The flowering of Nelumbos, from June to October, is a breathtaking spectacle, with solitary, large and vibrant flowers that open early in the morning and close in the late afternoon. The flowers, which can vary in colour from pure white to pink and yellow depending on the species and variety, last three days before beginning to fade. They are followed by a distinctive showerhead-shaped fruit containing numerous seeds. Insects, mainly bees and butterflies, are attracted by the bright colours and fragrance of lotus flowers. While foraging for nectar, they contribute to the plant’s pollination.

Flowering of Nelumbo nucifera

The pollination method of Nelumbo is unique. The flowers generate heat during the first two days of flowering, which helps attract pollinators by increasing the volatility of floral scents. Insects, mainly beetles, play a key role in the pollination process.

Lotus seeds are contained in unique capsules that emerge at the centre of faded flowers, resembling small inverted showerheads. They are known for their remarkable longevity, with some seeds remaining viable for hundreds of years. Lotus seeds are also valued for their nutritional and medicinal qualities. The seeds are also an important food source for certain birds and mammals.

Lotus fruit

The leaves of Lotus plants are nearly as remarkable as their flowers. Rounded, with a diameter that can reach up to 60 cm, they stand tall on rigid stems above the water’s surface. Their surface is hydrophobic, meaning they can repel water, keeping the leaves dry even after rain – this is what is called the “Lotus effect”. This Lotus effect refers to the ability of Lotus (Nelumbo) leaves to remain clean and dry despite their aquatic and muddy environment. This property stems from the unique microscopic and nanoscopic structure of the leaf surfaces, which creates superhydrophobicity, repelling water and dirt particles. When a water droplet falls on a Lotus leaf, it doesn’t spread but rather forms a bead that rolls easily across the surface, carrying away dust and dirt particles, a phenomenon often called self-cleaning. This natural self-purification mechanism has inspired numerous applications in nanotechnology and smart materials, leading to the development of paints, coatings, and textiles that mimic the Lotus effect for their self-cleaning properties.

!!! Warning, contact with lotus foliage may cause skin allergies !!!

Lotus leaf: waterproof!

In addition to the Lotus effect on their leaves, lotuses have developed adaptations for living in aquatic environments, such as airy tissues (aerenchyma) in their stems, allowing oxygen transport to submerged roots. The leaves and stems of lotus provide shelter and a food source for many aquatic animals, such as fish, frogs and insects.

Nelumbos don’t just beautify water bodies; they play an important ecological role in oxygenating water and providing habitat for various aquatic life forms. Although lotuses are widely cultivated, their natural habitat is threatened by habitat loss, pollution and climate change. Conservation of these species and their natural environment is crucial for their long-term survival.

Did you know?: in the natural habitat of lotuses, certain fish species, like the Corydoras catfish, clean lotus roots of parasites and algae, thus contributing to their health.

Lotus cultivation dates back millennia, especially in Asia, where they are grown for their beauty as well as their culinary and medicinal uses. Indeed, all parts of Nelumbo nucifera are edible and used in various Asian cuisines. Moreover, Lotuses have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments, thanks to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Nelumbo nucifera is also sacred in several religious traditions, such as Buddhism and Hinduism. This has played a crucial role in the distribution and conservation of these plants.

Good to know: The lotus can help purify water by absorbing pollutants and oxygenating the environment. Lotus roots can also stabilise banks and prevent erosion.

The lotus is frequently associated with Buddhism

The “Lotus seas”

The concept of “Lotus seas” in Asia evokes images of vast expanses of water covered with Nelumbo nucifera, the Sacred Lotus, creating aquatic landscapes of exceptional beauty that attract tourists and photographers from around the world. Although there are no literal “seas” composed solely of lotus, several lakes and ponds across Asia are famous for their spectacular expanses of flowering lotus during the appropriate season. Here are some emblematic examples:

• West Lake in Hangzhou, China: West Lake is famous for its flourishing lotus gardens that attract visitors during summer. The beauty of these lotus flowers, combined with the region’s rich history and culture, makes this place a sought-after destination for those seeking serenity and natural beauty.
• Anapji Pond in Gyeongju, South Korea: Although smaller compared to other water bodies, Anapji is renowned for its picturesque view where lotuses bloom abundantly, adding to the historical atmosphere of the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom.
• Kamalapur Lake near Hampi, India: Located near the historic ruins of Hampi, this lake transforms into a lush field of lotus flowers, attracting not only pilgrims visiting nearby temples but also those seeking the natural splendour of blooming lotuses.
• Thale Noi Lake in Thailand: Part of the largest freshwater swamp in southern Thailand, Thale Noi is particularly famous for its rich wildlife and flora, notably its pink lotus fields stretching as far as the eye can see. It’s a popular destination for ecotourism and birdwatching in addition to the beauty of the lotuses.

Hangzhou Lake, China

These “seas” of lotus are not only important for their visual beauty but also play a crucial role in the local ecosystem, providing habitat for numerous bird, fish and insect species. Moreover, they are intertwined with local culture and spirituality, the lotus being a symbol of purity and rebirth in many Asian traditions. The blooming of lotuses is often celebrated in these regions with festivals and cultural events, highlighting the importance of this plant in the lives of local communities. Of course, mass tourism will soon destroy these last privileged places.

Our most beautiful varieties

Single-flowered Large Lotuses

Double-flowered Lotuses

Dwarf Single-flowered Lotuses

Nelumbo nucifera Red and White - Pale Pink and White

Nelumbo nucifera, better known as the Oriental Lotus or Sacred Lotus, is a large and beautiful Asian aquatic plant famous for its wide peltate leaves perched well above the water's surface and its large pastel pink flowers with a delightful fragrance.

• Flowering time July to October
• Height at maturity 70 cm

See the product sheet

Lotus des Indes, Lotus sacré -blanc-

Nelumbo nucifera 'Stellar White' is a large and magnificent white Lotus, vigorous, floriferous and easy to grow. It displays wide single and 'dancing' flowers with airy white petals surrounding a beautiful bouquet of stamens.

• Flowering time August to November
• Height at maturity 70 cm

See the product sheet

Nelumbo nucifera Pink - Sacred lotus

Nelumbo nucifera rose is a perennial aquatic plant, with large almost round leaves at least 20 cm in diameter, carried in their centre by long petioles of 1 to 2 m, well above the water's surface.

• Flowering time July to November
• Height at maturity 70 cm

See the product sheet

Nelumbo nucifera Qingling Honlian

A lotus whose foliage stands between 1.20 m and 1.70 m above the water's surface. Its single cup-shaped flower displays a deep pink colour tending towards red that remains stable over time.

• Flowering time July to October
• Height at maturity 70 cm

See the product sheet

Nelumbo Moling Qiuse

Nelumbo 'Moling Qiuse', considered one of the most beautiful yellow lotuses, is a modest-sized Chinese cultivar, rare in cultivation and highly sought after for its magnificent double, ruffled flowers in shades of yellow, pleasantly fragrant.

• Flowering time July to October
• Height at maturity 70 cm

See the product sheet

Nelumbo Double Bonheur

Nelumbo 'Double Bonheur' is a small-sized lotus rare in cultivation. This doesn't stop it from growing vigorously and flowering generously, with adorable double corollas in crumpled pink and white bristle.

• Flowering time July to November
• Height at maturity 70 cm

See the product sheet

Nelumbo nucifera White - Sacred Lotus

Nelumbo nucifera 'White', or Sacred White Lotus, is a large and beautiful perennial aquatic plant, decorative for its wide almost round leaves carried well above the water's surface and its long summer flowering of double white flowers.

• Flowering time July to October
• Height at maturity 1,50 m

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Nelumbo Tricolore

The foliage of this lotus rises 30 to 50 cm above the surface, its almost round leaves measure 10 to 15 cm in diameter and its 10 to 12 cm flowers appear from June to September. These are flat cups with petals edged in pink on a background that changes from white to pale yellow.

• Flowering time July to November
• Height at maturity 70 cm

See the product sheet

Nelumbo Angel Wings

The foliage of this miniature lotus rises 30-50 cm above the surface, its peltate leaves measure between 10 and 15 cm in diameter and its flowers bloom abundantly from June to September. These are 10 cm white flowers, with slightly spiralled petals, adorned with yellow stamens, which exude a light aniseed fragrance.

• Flowering time July to October
• Height at maturity 70 cm

See the product sheet

Nelumbo Pygmaea Red - Sacred Lotus

The foliage of this lotus rises 50-60 cm above the surface, its almost round leaves measure about 20 cm in diameter and its 10 cm flowers appear from June to September. They are single, with petals of a pink tending towards red, well open on yellow stamens.

• Flowering time July to November
• Height at maturity 55 cm

See the product sheet

Nelumbo Pygmaea Cream - Sacred Lotus

A lotus that rises 50-60 cm above the surface. Its round leaves measure about 20 cm in diameter and its 10 cm flowers appear from June to September. These are almost single cups, in peach to cream colour, with yellow stamens.

• Flowering time July to November
• Height at maturity 55 cm

See the product sheet

Planting a lotus

Where to plant?

The Nelumbo nucifera thrives in calm aquatic environments such as ponds, garden pools or large troughs. The water should be shallow, ideally between 30 and 60 cm deep, to allow the stems to support the leaves and flowers above the surface.

This aquatic plant requires full sun exposure to grow well. Ensure the chosen location receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

A rich, muddy soil at the bottom of the pond is ideal. You can use a specific aquatic plant mix or add clay and organic compost to enrich the substrate.

Please note: Choose a sheltered site or use natural or artificial barriers to reduce wind exposure.

When to plant?

The ideal time to plant Nelumbo nucifera is in spring, after the risk of frost has passed. This gives the plant the entire warm season to establish itself, grow and potentially flower. In regions with cold winters, wait until the water temperature reaches at least 10°C before planting, which is typically in late spring. The Sacred Lotus grows best when water temperatures are between 21°C and 30°C. Planting too early, when the water is still cold, can slow growth or damage the plant.

Hardiness zone

Hardiness zone: The Nelumbo nucifera is generally hardy in USDA zones 4 to 10. This means it can withstand cold winters, though protective measures are needed in colder zones.

1. In zones 4 to 6, it’s crucial to ensure the rootstocks don’t freeze. Plants should be submerged at sufficient depth in water or moved to a frost-free space during winter. The recommended depth to prevent rootstock freezing is at least 30 to 40 cm below the water surface, depending on climate severity.
2. In zones 7 and above, Nelumbo nucifera can remain in place through winter, as long as rootstocks stay underwater and are protected from frost. In areas where water might freeze to the bottom, additional precautions are needed to insulate plants or move them to warmer locations.
3. Winter protection: For zones prone to harsh winters, it’s recommended to cover the aquatic area with an insulating layer, like a tarp or floating insulating material, to minimise frost effects. Another method is to remove rootstocks from water before the first frost and store them in a cool, damp place, such as a basement or garage, where they won’t freeze.

Lotus flowers, fruits and leaves

How to plant?

• Container choice: Choose a wide, deep container (at least 40 litres) with drainage holes. Fill it three-quarters full with specific aquatic compost. Lotuses need space to spread their rootstocks, so select a container at least 40 to 60 cm in diameter and depth.
• Substrate preparation: Use a nutrient-rich clay soil mix. You can add some organic compost to enrich the substrate, but avoid chemical fertilisers that might harm plant growth.
• Rootstock planting: Place the lotus rootstock on the compost surface without burying it. Position the buds facing upwards. Add gravel or pebbles to secure the rootstock (and incidentally prevent fish from disturbing the substrate) and cover the pot with water.
• Adding water: Fill the container slowly to avoid disturbing the planted rootstock. Water should cover the soil by about 5 to 10 cm. Avoid completely submerging the buds, as they need air to develop.
• Positioning: Place the container in a spot receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Solar warmth is essential for lotus growth and flowering.

Care of Nelumbo

Water Level

Maintain an adequate water level. Lotus prefer to have their roots and base submerged, with approximately 20 to 30 cm of water above the soil. Add water regularly to compensate for evaporation.

Fertilisation

Use a specific aquatic plant fertiliser to nourish your Lotus. Fertilise moderately, following the manufacturer’s instructions, typically once a month during the growth season. Avoid over-fertilising, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.

Pruning

Regularly remove yellowed or damaged leaves and faded flowers to encourage new shoot growth and maintain the plant’s aesthetic appearance. This also helps prevent diseases and insect infestations.

Winter Protection

Here are several methods to protect your Lotus during the cold months:

• Increase water depth: In areas where ponds do not freeze to the bottom, ensure the pot containing the Lotus is placed at a sufficient depth so the rootstocks remain below the frost line. A minimum depth of 40 to 60 cm below the water surface is often recommended.
• Use a greenhouse: If you have a small greenhouse, you can move the container holding the Lotus inside to protect it from frost. Ensure the space is well-insulated and the temperature remains above freezing.
• Move the Lotus indoors: For Lotus planted in containers, another option is to move them to a frost-free indoor space, such as a garage or basement, where they can overwinter. Keep the container in a small amount of water to prevent the rootstock from drying out completely, but reduce watering to keep the rootstock just moist.
• Extract and store rootstocks: A more labour-intensive method involves extracting the rootstocks from the soil or container before the first frost, gently cleaning them, and storing them in a cool, damp location over winter. The rootstocks can be wrapped in damp newspaper or placed in moist sand to prevent drying out.

→ Read also: Lotus, Nelumbo: How to Protect It from Cold and Overwinter It?

Diseases and parasitic pests

Foliar Spots

Several types of fungi can cause spots on the Lotus leaf, appearing as brown or black marks. These fungal infections are favoured by high humidity (which is logical for a pond plant), but especially by poor air circulation.

Black Aphids

These small insects suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to deform and slowing the growth.

→ To learn more about combating aphids, read this advice sheet.

Propagation

Dividing Rootstocks

Division is generally carried out in spring, before the plant begins its active growth cycle. Gently extract the rootstock from the mother plant. Use a clean, sharp knife to divide the rootstock into sections, ensuring each section has at least one healthy growth bud (eye). Immediately plant the rootstock sections in rich, muddy soil at the bottom of a container filled with water, making sure the buds are facing upwards. Containers should be placed in a sunny spot.

Sowing

Seeds can be sown in late winter or early spring, when temperatures begin to warm. Lotus seeds have a hard integument that requires scarification (lightly splitting the shell) to allow water to penetrate. This can be done by gently rubbing the seed against sandpaper or using a nail file to create a small notch.

Place the seeds in a container of warm water. Change the water daily until germination occurs, usually within 7 to 14 days. Seeds that float after a few days are non-viable and can be removed. Once the seeds have germinated and the first leaves appear, transplant them into pots of mud under shallow water, taking care not to submerge the young seedlings.

Lotus seeds, with their hard integument, require scarification

Propagation by Cuttings of Stems

Although less common than division or sowing methods, propagation by cuttings of stems is possible with Nelumbo nucifera. This method involves cutting stem segments with a node and planting them in a moist medium until new roots develop.

How to pair lotus plants?

Ensure that the plants chosen to accompany your Lotus share similar requirements in terms of sunlight and water quality. The Lotus thrives in sunny spots, so all companion plants must also flourish in full sun. For a harmonious aesthetic effect, select aquatic plants whose colours complement or pleasantly contrast with the pink Lotus flowers. For instance, yellow flag irises (Iris pseudacorus) with their bright yellow flowers can provide a charming contrast, while plants with dark green leaves accentuate the beauty of Lotus flowers. Let’s not overlook marginal plants to frame your pond and provide an attractive backdrop for the Lotus. Plants like sedges (Carex sp.) or rushes (Juncus sp.) can add texture and colour while stabilising the banks.

Within the pond, one might choose a classic yet exceptionally beautiful Pink Sacred Lotus. As companions, opt for a ‘Fire Opal’ water lily whose flower echoes similar tones. Some water irises diverge significantly from the classic yellow flag iris, such as Iris laevigata ‘Rose Queen’ or the Japanese Iris ‘Darling’, which bloom in two distinct shades of pink.

Below the water’s surface, vegetation is equally important. Spiked watermilfoil is perfect for greening and oxygenating the pond, as is rigid hornwort, which has equally beneficial effects.

Finally, let’s not forget the pond’s edges: Juncus effusus ‘Spiralis’ with its twisted stems will add an original vertical accent, while the broad leaves of some ‘Jurassic Park’ hostas will bring a striking “welcome to my jungle” effect.

‘Fire Opal’ water lily, Nelumbo nucifera ‘Pink’, Juncus effusus, giant hosta, rigid hornwort and Iris laevigata ‘Rose Queen’

Anecdotes

One of the most astonishing anecdotes about the Lotus is the discovery of Nelumbo nucifera seeds nearly 1,300 years old in a dried-up lake in northeastern China. These seeds, once planted, germinated and gave rise to new plants, proving the remarkable longevity and viability of Lotus seeds.

The Lotus effect, stemming from the ability of Lotus leaves to stay clean and dry thanks to their microscopic structure, has inspired scientists in the development of self-cleaning materials. This property has led to the creation of paints, window coatings, and even fabrics that mimic the natural ability of Lotus leaves to repel water and dirt.