Origin
Lotus grandiflorus (Benth.) Greene var. mutabilis Ottley, commonly known as the Mutabilis Lotus, is a species of flower native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America. It is found primarily in Oregon and Washington state, where it thrives in wetland habitats such as marshes, bogs, and swamps.
Common Names
The Mutabilis Lotus is also known as the Showy Lotus, Large-Flowered Lotus, and Western Lotus. It is called "mutabilis" because its flowers change color from rose-pink to white as they mature.
Uses
The Mutabilis Lotus has historically been used by Native American tribes for medicinal and food purposes. The plant's roots and seeds were collected and consumed as food, while the leaves were utilized in traditional medicine to alleviate pain and soreness. In modern times, the plant is mostly grown as an ornamental flower for its beautiful and unique appearance.
General Appearance
The Mutabilis Lotus is a perennial herb with a rhizomatous stem system. It can grow up to 60 cm in height and produces large round leaves that are typically 10-15 cm in diameter. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer and produces large, showy flowers that measure between 5-7.5 cm in diameter. The flowers start as rose-pink and gradually change to white as they mature. The plant produces small, round seed pods that split open when ripe, revealing small brown seeds inside. The Mutabilis Lotus prefers wet soil conditions and can be grown in either full sun or partial shade.
Light Requirements
Lotus grandiflorus var. mutabilis prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to stunted growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is well-suited to warm, tropical climates and is not tolerant of frost. It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and can survive temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but its growth may be stunted if exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit for prolonged periods.
Soil Requirements
Lotus grandiflorus var. mutabilis prefers well-draining soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.5). It can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. However, it does best in soils with high organic matter content and good moisture retention, as this helps to promote healthy root development and encourages robust growth.
Cultivation
Lotus grandiflorus (Benth.) Greene var. mutabilis Ottley, commonly known as the chameleon lotus or the changeable lotus, requires rich, loamy soil and plenty of sunlight to grow. The plant is frost-sensitive and prefers warm temperatures; hence, it should be grown in warmer regions.
When planting the lotus, it is essential to ensure that the tubers are positioned below the soil's surface, and the growth tips face upward. The plant can grow up to three feet tall, so make sure it has enough room to spread out and grow.
Watering Needs
The chameleon lotus requires a consistent supply of water throughout the growing season. During the growing season, the plant should be watered regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Ideally, the lotus should be grown in a shallow pond or container that holds at least an inch of water. Ensure that the water is changed regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria and other harmful organisms.
As winter approaches, reduce the amount of water supplied to the plant gradually. This ensures that the plant's growth is slowed down, and the tubers remain dormant until the following season.
Fertilization
Fertilizing the chameleon lotus is critical in ensuring it grows and thrives. During the growing season, it is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy growth. Fertilize the plant once every month, ensuring that you don't exceed the recommended dosage.
As winter approaches and the plant begins to enter into dormancy, stop fertilizing the plant altogether.
Pruning
Pruning the chameleon lotus helps to keep the plant looking its best and encourages healthy growth. Prune the plant by cutting off any dead or decaying leaves and stems. Regular pruning will help control the growth of the plant, prevent the spread of disease and pests, and ensure that the plant remains healthy.
If the plant has produced too many flowers, it may become necessary to cut some of them to prevent overcrowding. Cutting back the plant to half its size at the end of the growing season will help to prepare the plant for dormancy during the winter months.
Propagation Methods for Lotus grandiflorus (Benth.) Greene var. mutabilis Ottley
Lotus grandiflorus (Benth.) Greene var. mutabilis Ottley is commonly known as the Chinese woolflower or the Hundred-petalled rose. To propagate this plant, there are two primary methods that gardeners can use: seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
The most common way to propagate Lotus grandiflorus (Benth.) Greene var. mutabilis Ottley is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from the plant in late fall or early winter after the pods dry and turn brown. The seeds need to be stratified for 8-12 weeks before planting to break their dormancy and promote germination. This can be done by placing the seeds in a container with moist sand or peat moss and storing them in the refrigerator. After stratification, plant the seeds in a well-draining potting mix and lightly cover them with soil. Keep the soil evenly moist and in a warm, light location. Seed germination usually occurs within 2-4 weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings are also an effective way to propagate Lotus grandiflorus (Benth.) Greene var. mutabilis Ottley. Take 3-4 inch cuttings from young, healthy stems in the spring or summer. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem, leaving only a few leaves at the top. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining potting mix. Water thoroughly and cover the cutting with a plastic bag or dome to maintain high humidity. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, shaded location. After several weeks, the cutting should root and can be transplanted into a larger container or into the garden.
Disease Management
Lotus grandiflorus (Benth.) Greene var. mutabilis Ottley is generally a healthy plant, but it can still be affected by some diseases. Here are some common diseases you might encounter:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that appears as small, reddish-brown lesions on the leaves, stems, and flowers. It spreads quickly and can cause defoliation. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy any infected plant parts, practice proper sanitation, and use fungicides if necessary.
- Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a common fungal disease that causes small, circular brown spots on the leaves. Severe infections can cause leaf curling and defoliation. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy any infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and use fungicides if necessary.
- Root rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that causes the roots to rot, leading to wilting and eventual death of the plant. To manage root rot, avoid over-watering, practice proper sanitation, and use fungicides if necessary.
Pest Management
Lotus grandiflorus (Benth.) Greene var. mutabilis Ottley is also susceptible to some pests. Here are some common pests you might encounter:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, encourage natural predators like ladybugs, and practice proper sanitation.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny, sap-sucking pests that cause yellowing leaves and webbing on the plant. To manage spider mites, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, increase humidity around the plant, and practice proper sanitation.
- Thrips: Thrips are tiny, winged insects that cause silvery streaks on the leaves and deformity of the flowers. To manage thrips, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, apply sticky traps, and practice proper sanitation.
