Nelumbo nucifera , also know as Padma or Kamala , sacred lotus , Amerind white lotus , or simply lotus , is one of two extant specie of aquatic flora in the kinfolk Nelumbonaceae . It is sometimes colloquially called a piss lily , though this more often bear on to members of the family Nymphaeaceae . The Lotus has an ancient and rich account , originating in Asia , particularly from regions like China , India , Vietnam , and Japan . It ’s profoundly imbed in the culture of these countries , symbolise purity , mantrap , and metempsychosis , especially in Buddhism and Hinduism .
Lotus plants are adapted to grow in the flood plain of slow - impress rivers and delta areas . Stands of lotus expend hundreds of 1000 of ejaculate every year to the bottom of the pool . While some sprout right away and most are eat by wildlife , the remain seeds can remain torpid for an wide period of time as the pool silts in and dries out . During outpouring conditions , sediments containing these seeded player are broken assailable , and the torpid ejaculate rehydrate and begin a young white lily dependency .
Lotus is the interior peak of the Republic of India . Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP ) , the large political party in the world with around 200 million active members , use lotus as its company symbol . BJP , in the yesteryear , have used lotuses in multiple colors – pink , white , blue , red and saffron , in their party flagstone .
Characteristics
Cultivation
stain : Lotus plants require a rich , loamy , or Lucius DuBignon Clay - heavy soil . Garden soil mixed with aquatic planting soil or corpse is urge . They do n’t thrive in stark sand or to a fault acidic soil .
Container or Pond :
Water Depth : For optimal growth , the rhizomes should be plant in H2O about 6 - 18 inches deep . As the plant life grows , the H2O point can be adjusted to accommodate the growing of the stems and leaves .
Planting : Plant the rhizomes with the growth gratuity pointing upward and the absolute majority of the rhizome bury in the dirt , leave alone the bakshish just above soil stage . Cover the filth with gravel to keep it in situation . Early leap is ideal when water temperatures are above 60 ° F ( 15 ° C ) .
sun : Lotus flora need full sun for at least 6 hours a day to expand and bloom copiously .
Temperature : They prefer warm pee , with temperatures between 70 - 80 ° F ( 21 - 27 ° C ) being optimum for maturation . They can survive in cooler water supply but might not bloom as smartly .
Fertilization : Use a plant food specifically formulated for aquatic plants . Apply fertilizer pad of paper into the mud around the rhizomes . Fertilize monthly during the grow time of year .
Maintenance :
blighter and disease : Nymphaea lotus are comparatively hardy but can suffer from pest like aphid , caterpillars , and mallet , and diseases like leaf spot . Good water timbre and circulation help foreclose many issues .
Overwintering : In climates with cold winters , the works will give way back , but the rhizomes will survive in the clay . In containers , move to a pond or dig out a hole in the dry land where they can winter , or bring the container indoors , ensuring it does n’t freeze down .
