Why Can't We Keep Lotus at Home?
As the leading traditional famous flower, the lotus carries unique cultural implications and growth habits. Many people wonder why lotus flowers are rarely seen on the list of houseplants when cultivating green plants at home. This article will deeply analyze the underlying reasons why lotus is not suitable for keeping at home from two dimensions: folk traditions and scientific maintenance.
Ⅰ. Traditional Taboos of Keeping Lotus at Home
1.1 Symbol of Obstructed Wealth Gathering
In traditional Feng Shui, the dew condensed on the lotus leaves in the early morning is considered a concrete manifestation of natural wealth energy. The natural phenomenon of dew evaporation after sunrise is interpreted as a symbol of "dispersion of wealth energy," which is particularly avoided by business families. This cultural cognition has been passed down for hundreds of years, becoming an important folk taboo.
1.2 Special Cultural Implications
The deep connection between lotus and Buddhist culture makes it regarded as a sacred and inviolable plant. As the prototype of Avalokiteshvara's lotus throne, it is commonly believed in folk culture that keeping lotus at home is a presumptuous act. At the same time, the use of lotus elements in ancient funeral rituals also strengthens the folk perception of its excessive Yin energy.
Ⅱ. Difficulties in Scientific Maintenance of Lotus
2.1 Conflict in Light Requirement
As a strong positive aquatic plant, lotus requires more than 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The general residential environment cannot meet its light period requirement, and long-term insufficient light will lead to plant elongation, obstruction of flower bud differentiation, and ultimately difficulty in normal flowering.
2.2 Imbalance in Ecosystem
The closed indoor environment will disrupt the ecological balance required for the natural growth of lotus: still water easily breeds mosquito larvae, excessive nutrient solution causes algae outbreaks, and the accumulation of root secretion leads to water quality deterioration. These factors not only affect the health of the plant but may also threaten the hygiene of the home environment.
2.3 Space Configuration Problem
Medium and large lotus varieties require containers with a diameter of more than 60 cm, and a single plant can occupy an area of 2-3 square meters. Modern residential spaces are difficult to meet their growth requirements, and forced cultivation often leads to poor plant development and loss of ornamental value.
Considering traditional taboos and modern horticultural needs, lotus is indeed more suitable for courtyard or professional pond cultivation. If you want to experience the beauty of lotus, you can choose micro bowl lotus varieties combined with professional lighting equipment, or select alternative ornamental plants such as旱金莲 (dry lotus), which can avoid cultural taboos and meet the needs of houseplants.