The Lotus Plant Growth Process
In the midst of the scorching summer pond, the lotus flower stands gracefully, its growth journey embodying the unique survival wisdom of the plant kingdom. From sprouting from the muddy bottom to hibernating in the cold winter, each stage of形态 change corresponds to specific care needs. Mastering these key points allows the lotus to display the most astonishing aspect of its life.
Sprouting Stage: The First Awakening of Life
The Miracle of Breaking Through the Earth
Three to five days after planting the rhizome in the mud, the tender sprout breaks through the seed coat to form a conical leaf sheath. Maintain a shallow water level of 1-2 centimeters, build a temporary greenhouse with transparent plastic film, and keep the water temperature above 12℃ to prevent the spring cold from causing rotten sprouts.
Seedling Stage: Building an Energy Reserve System
The Revolutionary Photosynthesis of Floating Leaves
When the first shield-shaped floating leaf fully unfolds, it signifies the entry into the rapid growth stage. Increase the water depth to 3-5 centimeters and ensure 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Use a water-soluble fertilizer with a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio of 10-15-10 and slowly pour it along the pot wall to avoid burning the new leaves.
Upright Leaf Stage: Conquering Three-Dimensional Space
The Wisdom of Upright Water Leaves
The diameter of the leaves that stand out of the water can reach 50 centimeters, at which point it is necessary to maintain a full pot of water. Every 20 days, apply a mixture of bone meal and decomposed cake fertilizer, promptly remove the lower yellow leaves, and retain the petioles 5 cm away from the water to prevent wounds from rotting and causing diseases.
Flowering and Fruiting Stage: The Radiant Blossom of Life
The Mystery of Bud Differentiation
In the early morning of the budding stage, dewdrops can be seen condensing at the tip of the flower bud. The day-night temperature difference should be controlled within 8℃. Apply high-phosphorus fertilizer to promote the synthesis of anthocyanin, and water in the early morning to prevent the large temperature difference from causing bud drop.
Wilting Stage: The Strategic Transfer of Energy
The Nutrient Recycling Mechanism
When the lotus seed pod turns brown, the plant initiates the nutrient reflux program. Stop fertilizing and gradually lower the water level, retain 3-4 functional leaves to maintain photosynthesis, and use a disinfected scissor to obliquely cut the withered stem to prevent rainwater accumulation.
Hibernation Stage: Preparing for Rebirth in Silence
Underground Rhizome Overwintering Strategy
When the temperature consistently drops below 10℃, the rhizome enters a dormant state. Lay a 10 cm thick layer of straw on the surface of the soil, cover it with a plastic film while leaving air holes, and check regularly to prevent the frozen soil from cracking and injuring the buds.
The growth cycle of the lotus perfectly illustrates the survival philosophy of aquatic plants, from the lush green summer lotus to the winter rhizome buried in the mud, each stage carries the important task of continuing life. By adjusting the care measures through observing the leaf morphology, one can not only harvest a pool full of clear lotus flowers but also appreciate the extraordinary wisdom of plants adapting to the environment.