Origin
Lotus grandiflorus (Benth.) Greene var. macranthus (Greene) Isely, commonly known as large-flowered lotus, is a plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae family. The plant is native to the southwestern United States, specifically to California, Nevada, and Arizona. It is also found in Sonora and Baja California in Mexico.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by different names depending on the region. Some of the common names include large-flowered lotus, desert lotus, American lotus, and large-flowered deerweed.
Uses
The plant has several uses, both medicinal and nutritional. Native Americans have traditionally used the plant as a medicinal herb to treat fever, coughs, colds, and indigestion. The dried leaves and flowers were also used to make a tea that was believed to have healing properties. The plant is a good source of forage for wildlife, particularly for deer and other herbivores. The seeds are also edible and were used by indigenous people as a source of food.
General Appearance
The large-flowered lotus is a perennial herb with a woody base. The plant grows up to 1 meter tall and has a spread of 1-2 meters. The leaves are green, compound, and consist of three to four leaflets. The flowers are large, showy, and are usually purple or pink. They grow in clusters at the end of the branches and bloom from April to September. The plant produces a pod that contains seeds.
Light Requirements
Lotus grandiflorus var. macranthus generally prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. Plants grown in full shade may have reduced growth and flowering. Partial shade can be beneficial in areas with hot summers as it helps protect the plant from excessive heat.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is known to be moderately hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it prefers warm temperatures and does not grow well in cooler climates. Optimum temperature for growth ranges from 18°C to 32°C. In areas with colder winters, it may be necessary to provide some protection to the plant, such as a mulch layer or a protective winter covering.
Soil Requirements
Lotus grandiflorus var. macranthus prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH, but the ideal pH for growth is between 6.0 and 7.5. Sandy loam soil is considered the best soil type for this plant, but it can also thrive in other soil types such as clay and loam. Fertile soil is important for optimal growth and flowering.
Cultivation Methods
The Lotus grandiflorus (Benth.) Greene var. macranthus (Greene) Isely plant thrives in warm temperatures and full sunlight. To cultivate this plant, one should plant it in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It's essential to choose an area that receives a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight every day.
One can propagate Lotus grandiflorus through seeds, dividing the rhizomes or tubers, or through cuttings. Seeds should be soaked in water for about 24 hours before planting. The plant requires a spacious and open area with enough room for it to spread out. This provides enough sunlight to the lower leaves, encourages aeration, and discourages the growth of fungi and bacteria.
Watering Needs
Modest amounts of water are required to grow the Lotus grandiflorus (Benth.) Greene var. macranthus (Greene) Isely plant. However, it's crucial not to overwater the plant, especially during the dormant season. During the growing season, water the plant regularly, providing enough water to keep the soil moist but not soaked. One should avoid wetting the foliage as it increases the chances of bacterial and fungal diseases.
The plant's watering needs can be estimated using a moisture meter or by inserting a finger into the soil to check the moisture content. The water requirements may vary depending on the season, the prevailing weather conditions and the humidity in the area.
Fertilization
The Lotus grandiflorus (Benth.) Greene var. macranthus (Greene) Isely plant requires regular fertilization to encourage robust growth, flowering, and overall health. The ideal time to fertilize is from spring to fall, as this is the growing season for the plant. Organic fertilizers rich in phosphorous and potassium are preferred for this plant.
Fertilization should be done at least twice a month for the best results. One can also apply liquid fertilizer using a spray bottle or a watering can and utilizing it in conjunction with regular watering.
Pruning
Pruning the Lotus grandiflorus (Benth.) Greene var. macranthus (Greene) Isely plant is essential for maintaining and promoting growth and overall plant health. The best time to undertake pruning is during the dormant period, typically in autumn or early winter.
The plant's stalks should be cut back to within a few inches of the base of the plant. All the dead leaves, flower stalks, and any debris should be removed from the area around the plant. Pruning can encourage the plant to produce new growth and may result in additional flowering during the spring and summer months.
Propagation of Lotus grandiflorus var. macranthus
Lotus grandiflorus var. macranthus is a beautiful and popular flowering plant that can be propagated by both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
Seeds are the most commonly used method for sexual propagation of Lotus grandiflorus var. macranthus. To obtain good quality seeds, choose healthy and disease-free plants for cross-pollination. Collect the mature seeds when the pods turn brown and start to dry out. Allow the seeds to dry further and then store them in a cool, dry place. When ready to plant, sow the seeds in a potting mix or directly in the soil. Keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge.
Asexual propagation
Lotus grandiflorus var. macranthus can also be propagated by asexual methods, such as cutting and division.
Cutting: Take a cutting from a mature plant in the spring or summer. The cutting should be about 10cm long and have several leaves. Strip off the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist until roots develop.
Division: Divide a mature plant in the early spring or fall. Dig up the entire plant and separate the root ball into several sections, making sure that each section has a healthy shoot and roots. Plant each section in a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist until the plant establishes.
Propagation of Lotus grandiflorus var. macranthus through any of these methods will ensure that the plant grows strong and healthy.
Disease Management
Lotus grandiflorus var. macranthus is generally a disease-resistant plant, but it can still fall prey to some diseases. Some common diseases that can affect the plant are:
- Root rot: This disease is caused by fungi that live in the soil. It causes the roots to rot, leading to the wilting of the plant. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering the plant, improve soil drainage, and use fungicides.
- Leaf spots: This disease is caused by fungi that feed on the leaves. It causes the formation of black or brown spots on the leaves, which can cause defoliation. To manage this disease, remove the affected leaves and use fungicides.
- Mildew: This disease is caused by fungi that grow on the leaves, causing a white powdery substance to form. It can lead to leaf drop and reduced plant vigor. To manage this disease, increase ventilation around the plant, avoid overhead watering, and use fungicides.
Pest Management
Lotus grandiflorus var. macranthus is also generally resistant to pests, but it can sometimes suffer attacks from pests. Some common pests that can affect the plant are:
- Aphids: These small insects use their mouthparts to suck sap from the plant, causing leaf curling, yellowing, and stunted growth. To manage this pest, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, introduce natural predators such as ladybugs, or physically remove the aphids with a jet of water.
- Caterpillars: These larvae of moths and butterflies feed on the leaves, causing irregular holes and defoliation. To manage this pest, remove the caterpillars by hand, use row covers to prevent them from reaching the plant, or use biological insecticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
- Spider mites: These tiny arachnids feed on the underside of the leaves, causing discoloration and yellowing. They also produce webs that can make the plant unsightly. To manage this pest, increase humidity around the plant, physically remove the mites with a jet of water, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce natural predators such as predatory mites.
