How to plant lotus

Bowl lotus likes sunlight, is not shade-tolerant, likes heat, and the suitable growth temperature is 20-30℃. Growth stagnates when the temperature drops below 15°C. Bowl lotus likes moisture and is afraid of dryness, and prefers a relatively stable, still water environment. During the growing process, avoid sudden clear skies or strong winds after rain. Hot summer is its peak growth period, with buds sprouting at 8℃-10℃, lotus root whips starting to elongate at 14℃, growth and development temperatures at 23℃-30℃, and flowering above 28℃. Let's learn how to plant water lilies.

1. Prepare the container and soil

Choosing a suitable container is the first step in growing water lilies. There is no need to buy expensive special flower pots. Ordinary pickled fish bowls, defective soup bowls or Bobo chicken bowls are all good choices, and these containers are usually more affordable. Make sure the container has no drainage holes in the bottom and is between 12 and 15 cm deep and 25 to 30 cm wide. For soil, it is recommended to use pond mud, garden soil or special lotus soil without fertilizer, especially for beginners. This can avoid the problem of water change caused by excessive soil fertility.

2. Planting time

The cultivation of bowl lotus requires suitable temperature, which should be kept at least above 20 degrees to ensure its rapid growth. Hot summers and plenty of sunshine are key to the growth of water lilies. Bowl lotus usually blooms from June to July. If it is not provided with sufficient sunlight, you may only be able to appreciate the leaves. It needs at least eight hours of direct sunlight a day, so an outdoor balcony, patio, or yard is ideal. The maintenance of indoor balconies is relatively difficult.

3. Seed selection

Although many flower lovers like to grow water lilies from seeds, the cheap water lily seeds available online are often lotus seeds, which usually only grow leaves but do not bloom. There are fewer seeds of real water lilies, and it is difficult for novices to distinguish the authenticity. It is recommended that novices directly purchase seed lotus roots or potted seedlings that have already grown leaves, which can reduce the difficulty of maintenance.

4. Planting techniques

When planting bowl lotus, pay attention to the direction of the head and tail of the lotus root. Bury the head of the lotus root in the soil, leaving the tail above the water to prevent it from rotting. If you are not sure about the head and tail of the lotus root, you can ask the seller. After planting, add clean water, the water level should not exceed the top of the tail of the seed lotus root, and place it in a sunny place. Don't rush to fertilize when the leaves are just starting to grow.

5. Treatment of water pests

If there are insect pests or mosquito eggs in the water, you can sprinkle a small spoonful of white medicine (such as dinotefuran or imidacloprid) in the water to solve the problem. If you have children or pets in your home, you need to be extra careful when using this method, or choose to change the water regularly.

6. Fertilization timing

When the water lily grows more than 6 to 7 leaves and the leaves are completely above the water surface, you can start applying appropriate amounts of fertilizer. Pay attention to controlling the concentration and frequency of fertilization to avoid fertilizer damage caused by excessive fertilization. You can use the compound fertilizer provided by the merchant, adding 6 to 7 grains each time.

7. Promote continuous flowering

It is recommended to pinch off the first flower of the water lily. This will preserve nutrients and you will be able to continue to enjoy the flowers when the plant is healthier. Make sure the leaves are healthy and sufficient in number, replenish nutrients in time, and provide sufficient light, and the water lily will continue to bloom.

The above is an introduction to the key points of growing water lilies. Through these steps and techniques, you can enjoy its beautiful flowers.