The lotus flower is not only considered to be easy to care for, it actually is. If it gets the right dose of light and warmth at its location, there is little for its owner to do. But it is also important whether it is in a pond or in a pot.

Withered leaves and flowers can be removed at any time

Pay attention to the water level

The lotus flower must be about 30 cm under water. If it grows in a pot, you should regularly check whether the water is high enough and clean. If necessary, top up with clean, lime-free water or carry out a complete replacement. If the water level in the pond falls sharply after long periods of drought, you should also reach for the water hose and fill it up.

Fertilize as needed

Nutrients are the basis for healthy growth of this aquatic plant. However, the necessity and dosage of a targeted supply depends on how nutrient-rich the pond water is. It must also be fertilized in such a way that other pond inhabitants do not suffer.

  • use a pond plant fertilizer in the spring
  • pellets with a long-term effect are ideal
  • press close to the roots

Potted water lilies must be regularly supplied with a special fertilizer for water lilies. Amount and frequency are not only dependent on demand, but also on the product. In this regard, observe the information provided by the manufacturer.

Remove only that which is wilted

During the growing season, the pruning shears or pond shears are only used to remove individual damaged or withered leaves to prevent them from rotting. If faded flowers are also removed promptly, no energy is wasted on seed formation and more flowers appear as a result.

In autumn, the lotus flower retreats into the rhizome, so all nutrients are removed from the leaves. Only when they are completely wilted can they be cut off or fall off by themselves and are simply fished out.

Safely winter lotus flower

If the lotus flower has 30 cm of pond water above its base and this does not freeze over completely in winter, it is sure to survive. From shallow, small ponds and in rough regions, a lotus flower should be taken out of the pond before the first frost in order to hibernate in a bucket filled with pond water in the dark at 5-15 °C.

A lotus flower in a pot needs to move to winter quarters with soil and water. This rest period is also necessary when cultivated as a houseplant.

tips

Every 3-4 years you should change the location of the lotus flower completely or at least change the substrate. The ideal time for this is the dormant phase from March to the beginning of May, because outside of this the rhizome reacts sensitively.

Category:

Vegetable garden