The lotus flower is not only considered easy to care for, it actually is. If it receives the desired amount of light and heat at its location, there is little left for its owner to do. But it is also crucial whether it is in a pond or a pot.
How do I properly care for a lotus flower?
Lotus flower care includes monitoring water levels, fertilizing as needed, removing wilted material, and overwintering safely. In the pond, the plant needs 30 cm of water depth and less calcareous water, while in the pot special water lily fertilizer is necessary.
Pay attention to the water level
The lotus flower must be about 30 cm under water. If it grows in a pot, you should check regularly whether the water is high enough and clean. If necessary, add clean, low-lime water or carry out a complete replacement. If the water level in the pond drops significantly after long dry periods, you should also reach for the water hose and fill it up.
Fertilize as needed
Nutrients are the basis for he althy growth of this aquatic plant. However, the need 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 from it.
- Use pond plant fertilizer (€19.00 on Amazon) in spring
- Beads with a long-term effect are ideal
- press near the roots
Water lilies in pots must be regularly supplied with a special fertilizer for water lilies. Quantity and frequency are not only demand-dependent, but also product-dependent. Please note the manufacturer's instructions in this regard.
Remove only wilted parts
During the growing season, the garden or pond shears are only used to remove individual damaged or wilted leaves so that they do not rot. If spent flowers are 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 extracted from the leaves. Only when they are completely wilted can they be cut off or fall off on their own and are simply fished out.
Overwinter lotus flower safely
If the lotus flower has 30 cm of pond water above its base and it does not freeze completely in winter, it is certain 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 overwinter in the dark at 5-15 °C in a bucket filled with pond water.
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.
Tip
Every 3-4 years you should completely change the location of the lotus flower or at least replace the substrate. The ideal time for this is the rest phase from March to the beginning of May, because outside of this the rhizome reacts sensitively.
