Lotus Introduction
As one of China's top ten traditional famous flowers, the lotus adorns the water systems of China with its elegant posture. This aquatic plant, which combines ornamental value with ecological functions, features pink and white flowers that bloom in the midsummer, becoming a classic image of Eastern aesthetics.
Analysis of Lotus Biological Characteristics
Unique Morphological Structure
The internal stem of the lotus is densely filled with aeration tissue, forming an efficient oxygen transport system. The surface of the shield-shaped leaves is covered with a waxy layer, with a diameter of up to 60 centimeters, and the leaf edges are wavy. The flower diameter ranges from 12 to 23 centimeters, with double-petal varieties reaching up to a hundred petals, and the stamens and pistils develop a unique platform phenomenon.
Ecological Adaptation Mechanism
Regulating respiration by opening and closing stomata day and night, the roots secrete allelopathic substances to inhibit algae growth. The seed coat contains special germination inhibitors, allowing it to remain dormant in the mud for a thousand years while still maintaining vitality; the Wuhan Botanical Garden has successfully cultivated ancient lotus seeds that were buried for a thousand years.
Key Points for Managing Midsummer Bloom
Temperature and Light Control
The average daily temperature needs to be stable above 22°C, and continuous cloudy and rainy weather can lead to the abortion of flower buds. Using shallow water warming techniques can advance the blooming period by 15 days, and combining it with shading nets can extend the blooming period of a single flower by 3-5 days.
Regional Differences
The Pearl River Valley starts blooming in late May, the Yangtze River Valley has its peak blooming period from July 10th to August 20th, and the Yellow River Valley can last until mid-September. In high-altitude areas, early-blooming varieties should be selected, combined with plastic mulch cultivation techniques.
Scientific Cultivation and Maintenance System
Water Level Fine Management
For the "bowl lotus" variety, maintain a water depth of 10 centimeters, while large lotus flowers require a water depth of 40-80 centimeters. Use a stepped water level control, shallow water to promote temperature during the germination stage, deep water to protect the stems during the leaf stage, and restore shallow water during the flowering and fruiting stage.
Nutritional Cycle Supply
Base fertilization is mainly with decomposed cake fertilizer, and additional phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are applied during the leaf expansion stage. During the flowering period, spray the leaves with boric acid solution, and after flowering, promptly supplement with compound fertilizer to promote the expansion of the rhizome. Regularly remove old floating leaves to maintain water surface permeability.
From the midsummer of June to the golden autumn of September, the lotus flower demonstrates the perfect balance of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems with its life cycle. Mastering its growth patterns can not only create an enchanting water亲近 landscape but also maintain a healthy aquatic ecosystem.