Introduction
Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., commonly known as the Sacred Lotus or Indian Lotus, is an aquatic plant native to Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. It is a well-known plant in Hindu and Buddhist cultures and has been held in high regard for centuries due to its beauty and symbolic significance.
Appearance
The Nelumbo nucifera plant is a perennial, aquatic plant with large leaves that can reach up to 60 cm in diameter. Its stems are long and can extend up to 2 meters in length, and the plant's flowers bloom during the summer and fall. The flowers are large and showy with a beautiful fragrance, and the plant produces a cone-shaped seedpod that can reach up to 30 cm in diameter.
Uses
The Sacred Lotus has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. The flowers, leaves, seeds, and roots all have therapeutic properties and are used in traditional Eastern medicine to treat various ailments.
In addition to medicinal uses, the plant is also considered sacred in many cultures, with the petals and seeds being used in religious ceremonies. The seeds are often used as decorative elements in jewelry and adornments and are believed to have spiritual properties.
The plant is also grown for ornamental purposes in gardens and water features worldwide due to its beauty.
Facts
- Nelumbo nucifera is the national flower of India and Vietnam.
- The plant has been cultivated for over 7,000 years for its medicinal properties and as a source of food.
- The largest recorded Sacred Lotus had a stem length of 5.3 meters and a flower diameter of 50 cm.
Overall, the Sacred Lotus is a fascinating plant with a rich history in culture and traditional medicine, with a wide range of uses and a stunning appearance.Light Requirements
The plant Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. grows best in full sunlight with a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day. However, it can also tolerate partial shade during the day.
Temperature Requirements
Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. thrives in tropical and subtropical climates where the temperatures range between 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. It cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures and will die if exposed to prolonged cold weather.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires a shallow, murky, mucky, and nutrient-rich soil. It prefers a neutral to slightly acidic pH, ideally between 5.5 and 7.5. The ideal soil depth is about 20-30 cm, with water depth varying from 10-70 cm depending on the plant's growth stage.
Cultivation methods
The Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., also known as the sacred lotus, is usually grown in muddy or shallow ponds. The plant prefers warm climates with high humidity levels, making it suitable for tropical and subtropical regions. When planting, the seeds can be sown directly in the pond's muddy soil or inside containers with fertile soil and submerged in water.
It is essential to note that the sacred lotus requires full sunlight to thrive and should be planted in areas with at least six hours of sunlight per day. Additionally, it is vital to ensure that the pond's temperature stays around 25 to 30°C and has a pH level of 6.5 -7.5.
Watering needs
Since the Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn is an aquatic plant, it requires a large amount of water to thrive. The plant should be grown in ponds that are at least one meter deep, with a consistent water level. The water level should be kept at around 10-15cm above the soil to ensure that the plant remains properly hydrated.
It is worth noting that the plant is susceptible to waterlogging and requires adequate drainage to prevent standing water around its roots.
Fertilization
The sacred lotus requires a lot of nutrients to support its growth and blooming, making regular fertilization necessary. It is essential to use organic fertilizers, such as compost, nitrogen, and bone meal, since chemical fertilizers can harm the pond's ecosystem.
The fertilizers should be applied in small amounts to prevent the pond from getting contaminated with excessive nutrients. The best time to fertilize is during the plant's active growth periods, and it is recommended to fertilize once every two weeks.
Pruning
The Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn requires minimal pruning but benefits from removing any yellow or dead leaves or flowers to promote healthy growth. Additionally, it is essential to thin out crowded stems to promote better light penetration and improve air circulation.
Pruning should be done during the plant's dormant period, which is during the winter season. Over-pruning can cause stunted growth, so it is advisable to prune sparingly and only when necessary.
Propagation of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.
Propagation is the process of reproducing plants. Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. is commonly propagated using both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
Sexual propagation involves the use of seeds to grow new plants. The seeds of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. are typically sown in moist soil during the spring. The seeds should be placed on top of the soil and pressed down lightly to ensure good contact with the soil. It is important to keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge.
Asexual propagation
Asexual propagation involves the use of vegetative parts of the plant to grow new plants. Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. can be propagated asexually using the following methods:
- Dividing rhizomes: Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. produces long, horizontal stems called rhizomes. These rhizomes can be carefully dug up and divided into sections. Each section should have at least one bud or shoot and some root attached. The sections can be replanted in pots or in a pond.
- Cuttings: Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. can be propagated using stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from mature stems and should be at least 15 cm long. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be allowed to dry for a few hours to reduce moisture loss. The cuttings can be planted in pots filled with soil or in a pond.
- Tissue culture: Tissue culture involves the growth of plant cells and tissues in a laboratory setting. Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. can be propagated using tissue culture techniques, where small pieces of plant tissue are placed in a nutrient-rich medium containing plant hormones. Over time, the tissue will grow into a new plantlet that can be transplanted into soil or a pond.
Disease and Pest Management for Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.
Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., also known as lotus, is a perennial aquatic plant that is valued for its ornamental and medicinal properties. However, the plant is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Here are some of the common ones and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal Leaf Spots: These are large, dark spots that appear on the leaves and can cause defoliation of the plant. To manage this, avoid wetting the foliage and use a fungicide spray such as copper. In addition, remove the infected leaves and dispose of them properly.
Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that causes the roots to rot, leading to stunted growth and eventual death of the plant. To prevent this, ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering. Use fungicides such as copper and remove the infected plants to prevent the spread of the disease.
Bacterial Blight: This is a bacterial disease that causes brownish-black spots on the leaves. To manage this, avoid overhead watering, remove the infected plants, and use a bacterial spray such as streptomycin or copper.
Pests
Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To manage this, use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to control the population.
Snails and Slugs: These pests can cause significant damage to the plant by feeding on the leaves and stems. To manage this, use traps such as beer traps to attract and kill them. Additionally, remove any debris and provide proper drainage to prevent them from breeding.
Lotus Weevils: These are small beetles that lay eggs in the lotus flowers, causing them to become deformed and fall off prematurely. To manage this, remove any infected flowers and dispose of them properly. You can also use a pesticide spray to control their population.
Overall, proper cultural practices such as sanitation, good drainage, and proper watering can go a long way in preventing the occurrence of diseases and pests in Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.
