Lotus from seeds
“From the murk of the mud spring forth a flower untouched by the dirt.” That is how the Buddhists and the Hindu describe Lotus. It is the symbol of Purification and is used in depiction of divinities in contemplation. Most Buddhist icons are depicted with the lotus flower as the podium. Scientifically referred to as
Nelumbo nucifera, the lotus has been used for thousands of years as food and medicine. The seed is the main ingredient of the moon cakes as Lotus seed paste; the runner (underground stem) is a delicious health food in China; while the leaves are used as wrapper for cooked food as in Ma Chang all over China.
The lotus flower is used in Buddhist temple as offering. It is one of the more important components of the rituals representing one’s temporal existence in this world: “You may be young and beautiful now but will eventually grow old, wither and die.” It is also the vehicle for the holy water when the monks are giving their blessings.
Lotus can easily be propagated either by runners or by seeds. The runners may be planted in rice fields at a depth of one foot at five meter distance from each other. In absence of available runners for sale, seed is the best option.
Lotus flowers are pollinated by bees and midges. The pollinated flowers develop into fruit pods with seeds.
Lotuses are generally trouble free. The only way to kill a Lotus plant is to place it under shade.
Position the newly expanding leaf under strong artificial light of under full sun.
Some lotus varieties may lose the leaves when it gets too cold.
They generally come back within three to four months.
Likewise when pests creep in the pond may be defoliated and new plants arise and bloom in three months time (lowlands).