Sacred Lotus 50 Seeds Pack – Ceylon Nelumbo nucifera

The Sacred Lotus, scientifically known as Nelumbo nucifera, is a stunning aquatic plant revered in many cultures for its beauty and symbolic significance. Native to Asia and Australia, the Sacred Lotus is often associated with purity, enlightenment, and rebirth, playing a central role in religious and spiritual traditions, especially in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Botanical Information

• Scientific Name: Nelumbo nucifera
• Common Names: Sacred Lotus, Indian Lotus, Bean of India
• Family: Nelumbonaceae

Plant Characteristics

• Growth Habit: The Sacred Lotus is a perennial aquatic plant that thrives in shallow ponds, lakes, and water gardens. It grows from rhizomes (underground stems) anchored in the muddy bottom, with leaves and flowers that rise above the water’s surface.
• Leaves: The leaves of the Sacred Lotus are large, round, and shield-like, growing up to 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) in diameter. They are bluish-green and have a waxy coating that repels water, causing droplets to bead and roll off.
• Flowers: The Sacred Lotus produces large, fragrant flowers that can be pink, white, or yellow, depending on the variety. Each flower has multiple layers of petals arranged in a symmetrical pattern, and it can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter. The flowers bloom during the day and close at night, typically lasting several days.
• Fruit: After flowering, the plant produces a unique, cone-shaped seed pod with a honeycomb-like structure. Each cell of the pod contains a seed that is edible and can remain viable for many years, even under extreme conditions.

Growing Conditions

• Climate: The Sacred Lotus thrives in warm, tropical to temperate climates and is hardy in USDA zones 5-10. It prefers a hot growing season and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, although it needs protection from frost.
• Sunlight: Requires full sun to produce vibrant flowers, needing at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Water: As an aquatic plant, the Sacred Lotus needs to be grown in water with a depth of 2-4 feet (60-120 cm). The water should be kept warm and still, with a muddy or sandy substrate for the rhizomes to anchor.
• Soil: Prefers a rich, loamy soil or a mix of clay and sand that provides essential nutrients while holding the rhizomes securely in place.

Planting and Care

• Propagation: The Sacred Lotus is typically propagated from seeds or rhizomes. Seeds can be scarified (nicked) and soaked in warm water until they germinate, then planted in shallow water. Rhizomes should be planted horizontally in the mud, with the growing tips just below the soil surface.
• Planting Containers: In water gardens or small ponds, the lotus is often planted in large containers to control its spread. Containers should be submerged so that the leaves and flowers can rise above the water surface.
• Fertilization: Apply a slow-release aquatic fertilizer during the growing season to support healthy growth and flowering. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
• Winter Care: In colder climates, the rhizomes can be overwintered by moving the containers to a frost-free location or by ensuring the water depth is sufficient to prevent freezing.

Benefits and Uses

• Ornamental Use: The Sacred Lotus is prized as an ornamental plant in water gardens, ponds, and large containers, where its striking flowers and lush foliage add beauty and tranquility. The plant’s ability to thrive in water makes it ideal for creating serene, reflective spaces.
• Culinary Uses: The seeds of the Sacred Lotus, known as lotus nuts or makhana, are edible and can be eaten raw, roasted, or boiled. The rhizomes (lotus roots) are also a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine, known for their crunchy texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor. Lotus leaves are sometimes used as natural wrappers for steaming or grilling food.
• Medicinal Uses: The Sacred Lotus has been used in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits. Various parts of the plant, including the seeds, roots, and leaves, are believed to have calming, anti-inflammatory, and digestive properties. Lotus seeds are also used in herbal remedies to promote heart health and improve digestion.
• Cultural and Religious Significance: The Sacred Lotus is a powerful symbol in many Eastern religions and philosophies. In Buddhism, it represents purity of the body, speech, and mind, as well as spiritual enlightenment and rebirth. In Hinduism, the lotus is associated with gods and goddesses, symbolizing divine beauty and prosperity. The plant’s ability to emerge pristine from muddy waters is seen as a metaphor for overcoming obstacles and rising above worldly attachments.

Cautions

• Pests and Diseases: The Sacred Lotus is relatively pest-resistant but can be affected by aphids, caterpillars, and leaf miners. Fungal diseases like root rot can also occur in poorly drained conditions. Regular monitoring and maintaining clean water can help prevent these issues.
• Invasiveness: While the Sacred Lotus is generally well-behaved in garden settings, it can become invasive in natural water bodies, where it may outcompete native vegetation. It is important to manage its spread in non-native environments.

The Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is a remarkable aquatic plant celebrated for its beauty, symbolism, and versatility. Whether grown for its stunning flowers, culinary uses, or spiritual significance, the Sacred Lotus brings a sense of peace and reverence to any setting. With proper care and attention, this iconic plant can thrive and continue to inspire awe and admiration for generations.