What type of soil is used to plant lotus flowers
Today's focus is on introducing the type of soil used to plant lotus flowers and the correct tips for lotus flower maintenance related to flower cultivation. Next, the editor will explain.
The lotus flower holds a special significance in China, with its endless green leaves reaching to the sky and its uniquely red flowers reflecting the sun. Poets and literati throughout the ages have vied to describe the lotus, leaving behind many timeless verses. In many period dramas, they can be seen boating on the lake in summer to pick lotus flowers.
Pond lotus
Lotus flowers are often associated with growing in ponds and shallow waters, but they can also be cultivated at home. Lotus flowers kept at home are believed to have a good feng shui effect, attracting wealth and fortune. Next, let's introduce the method of cultivating lotus flowers at home.
1. Variety selection
Lotus flowers are suited to grow in relatively stable, calm bodies of water such as shallow waters, lakes, marshes, and ponds. As long as the water quality is not severely polluted, it can be a suitable growing environment for lotus flowers. The water requirement of lotus flowers depends on the variety; large varieties like the ancient lotus and "Hong Qianye" require deeper water but not more than 1.7 meters, while medium and small varieties are suitable for water depths of 20-60 centimeters. For home cultivation, it is best to choose lotus species that are suitable for potting, such as "Bing Qing Yu Jie," "Bing Jiao," and "Bai Xue Gong Zhu," which have strong ornamental value.
2. Pot selection
Pots can create a simulated pond environment for the lotus. Therefore, choosing a pot with a diameter of about half a meter and a height not exceeding half a meter is most suitable, as it can retain water and is durable. Those with a courtyard can also choose to cultivate in terracotta pots.
What type of soil is used to plant lotus flowers
3. Soil selection
The soil for planting lotus flowers should be similar to that of pond environments. If possible, it is most convenient to directly transfer soil from a pond. Using pond mud or decomposed leaf soil, fertile and loose soil is more beneficial for the extension and growth of lotus flowers and rhizomes.
If suitable soil is not available, it can also be handmade—
Choose a mixture of garden soil, loam, and sandy soil, spread the soil flat, preferably reaching 3/2 of the pot's depth, and then place it in the sun to dry;
After drying, add clean water and stir, with the water level covering the soil by about five centimeters;
Place the rhizome with the head exposed and the tail hidden, flat or slightly downward sloping, and gently cover it with soil, waiting for it to grow. At this stage, it is necessary to change the water once a day, keeping the water temperature from being too low. In about a week, it should sprout.
4. Preferences of lotus flowers
Sunlight: Lotus flowers grow vigorously in summer, so it can be inferred that they love sunlight. To simulate the pond environment, it is best to place the lotus flowers outdoors or on a balcony to ensure they receive ample sunlight. Growing in shaded areas is extremely detrimental to lotus flowers, often resulting in failure to bloom. Paying attention to the flowers will reveal that lotus flowers growing in semi-shaded areas show a strong phototropism.