Nelumbo Nucifera Mini Lotus Single S13

Nelumbo Nucifera Mini Lotus Single S13.

Nelumbo is a genus of aquatic flowering perennials in the Lotus family (Nelumbonaceae), comprising only two modern species, the most famous of which is Nelumbo nucifera. The genus is widely distributed in stagnant and slow-moving water bodies of Asia, Australia, and partially North America, where the plant has become a cultural symbol and an object of veneration.

Lotuses are perennial herbaceous plants with a long fleshy knotty rhizome rooted in muddy bottoms. Large peltate leaves, 30-60 cm (11.8-23.6 in) in diameter, on long petioles 1-2 m (3.3-6.6 ft) in length rise high above the water surface. Green leaf blades are covered with a glaucous waxy coating, thanks to which they possess water-repellent properties.

Flowers on long peduncles 1-2 m (3.3-6.6 ft) in length are solitary, fragrant, with numerous petals, often pink, white, or cream in color, reaching 20-35 cm (7.9-13.8 in) in diameter. It blooms profusely. The edible fruit is an aggregate of nuts embedded in an enlarged receptacle.

Lotus seeds possess phenomenal germination viability - cases have been recorded of the germination of seeds whose age exceeded 1000 years.

Nelumbo nucifera is a striking plant with a vigorous rhizome, developing in stagnant and slow-moving water bodies. Flowers are large, up to 25 cm (9.8 in) in diameter, with delicate pink or cream-colored petals. Leaves are peltate, water-repellent.

Lotuses are classified according to several characteristics: plant height, flower diameter, petal count, petal color, and flower shape itself.

Full characteristics are provided in the table:

Flower type

(by petal count)

Petal color

(determined by the 1st day's flowering and can change over 2-3 days)

Mini lotus is a compact plant whose height usually does not exceed 30-60 cm (11.8-23.6 in). The dimensions are much smaller compared to standard lotus, and the leaves are proportional to the size - smaller in diameter and located closer to the water surface. Some cultivars have leaves with a waxy coating or velvety texture.

Mini lotuses bloom faster than large cultivars. With good care, flowering can be observed already in the first season after planting even in small containers up to 20-30 cm (7.9-11.8 in) deep. Flowering is lush with flowers about 5-10 cm (2.0-3.9 in) in diameter.

Mini lotuses are less demanding regarding water depth and tolerate planting in limited space well.

Seeds require mandatory scarification before sowing, as their dense coat is practically impermeable to moisture. For this, the outer coat is carefully filed or sanded with sandpaper, trying not to damage the inner part of the seed. After scarification, seeds are soaked in clean room-temperature water for 12 hours, then removed and dried in the sun during the next midday. This cycle of soaking and drying is repeated daily for 10-14 days.

At the final stage of treatment, seeds are placed in warm water (from +28 °C (82 °F)) with the addition of growth stimulators such as SUPERthrive, Epin, HB-101, or Zircon. After preparation, seeds are sown in individual containers up to 10 cm (3.9 in) deep filled with moist coarse peat with an upper layer of sand creating additional drainage. The sowings are gently pressed in and placed in a warm, well-lit spot with a temperature of 22-28 °C (72-82 °F).

First sprouts can appear already in 2-4 weeks, however some seeds are capable of going dormant and germinating only after several months or even up to 2-3 years. Sprouted seedlings quickly gain mass, and during growth it is recommended to regularly remove lower aging leaves to stimulate the formation of new shoots. At the initial stages, young plants are especially sensitive to temperature fluctuations and lack of light, so it is important to observe stable growing conditions.

Special notes: Full sunlight and warmth are important for lush flowering. Young plants in the first year may not bloom. It does not tolerate cold water and drafts.

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Thanks to high adaptability to varied conditions, Lotus can be grown as an indoor crop provided necessary warmth, sunlight, and aquatic rest are ensured. For flowering, it requires warm and sunny conditions.

It likes sunny locations and warm water (above 20 °C (68 °F)). It requires fertile and heavy soil at the bottom, regular feeding with fertilizers for aquatic plants, and regular clearing of dead leaves. The optimal planting depth is 40-70 cm (15.7-27.6 in).

It overwinters in a deep pond or in a cool but non-freezing room at a temperature above 5 °C (41 °F).