Indian Lotus Flower

Its ability to let all dirt roll off made the lotus blossom a symbol of purity and enlightenment in Asia. In Hinduism, it represents the center of the universe and Buddha appeared on a lotus leaf. In botanical terms, the lotus flower is actually simply a runners-forming herbaceous aquatic plant with thick, fleshy rhizomes, but in contrast to the water lily, it forms long-stalked and flawless leaves up to two meters tall and up to 25 centimeters large, fragrant flowers, in the middle of which there is something bizarre infructescence is located. Its wells hold the edible seeds the size of a hazelnut.

Natural site
The Indian lotus flower populates the Asian region from Japan to China to Nepal and to the west to the Caspian Sea.

Cultivation
Growing from seeds indoors is possible all year round. First roughen the hard seed with a file or sandpaper so that a white layer can be seen. Then place the seeds in room warm water for 48 hours, during which the seeds will grow to about twice their size as they soak up the water. Then place the seeds about an inch deep in the moist growing medium. Cover the cultivation vessel with cling film, which you have provided with holes. This protects the earth from drying out. Every two to three days you should remove the film for 2 hours. This prevents mold from forming on the potting soil. Place the cultivation vessel in a bright and warm place with 20 ° to 25 ° Celsius and keep the cultivation soil moist, but not wet.

Location
The lotus flower requires a sunny place.

Care
Plant the lotus flower in pots filled with heavy clay and lower them to a depth of 30 to 60 centimeters. The spectacular stems and flowers appear in summer. Fertilize with organic fertilizer every 14 days during the summer months.

Winter
Although the lotus flower is considered to be hardy for a short time down to -10 ° Celsius, the rhizomes are better off wintering in a dark and cool place. Now simply separate off wilted leaves and stems and carefully deposit the rhizomes in sand (risk of breakage).

Bonsai
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