New Lotus Care
QUICK TIPS!
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1. 6+ hours full sun
Your beautiful lotus is an outdoor plant and requires 6+ hours of full sun each day. This is why they are the perfect Texas container plant!
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2. water level topped off
Water levels evaporate with the heat. Smaller pots will require water daily as summer temperatures are on the rise.
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3. fertilize every 2 weeks FOR MAXIMUM BLOOMING
Lastly, not required, but for maximum blooming fertilize your plant every 2-4 weeks.
We recommend Pondtabbs Plus with Humates (10-14-8) because it is high in phosphorus needed for flowering. Safe for fish when used as directed.
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HOW TO FERTILIZE
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Insert your index finger into the mud and place the tab as far it will go. Close up the mud to trap the fertilizer so that it does not release into the water.
Micro Pot = 1 tab
Medium Pot = 2 tabs
XL Pot = 6 tabs
(space each tab apart in the mud. I like to place mine in a circle with one or two in the center of the XL pot)
Repotting
Your Lotus
TWO options for repotting​
The best time to repot your lotus is during dormancy, however with utmost care toward the root system and growth tips, lotus can be transplanted during growing season at your own risk. If you choose to repot during the growing season, the best time would be early morning or evening and avoid the hottest time of the day to avoid stress of the plant. If your transplanted lotus shows stress, trim away the stressed leaves to support new growth.
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1. pot-in-pot method
This method is simply taking the existing pot and dropping it down into a larger pot filled with water. This can be a less stressful way for you and your plant to get through the first season together. The following spring while your plant is still dormant, you can repot after the last freeze, or night time temperatures are above 50 degrees.
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2. TRANSFERRING YOUR PLANT TO A NEW POT
If you decide to repot your lotus, select a bowl 12" in diameter and 6" deep. PLAIN TOPSOIL is all that is needed to create your mud. Allow the tubers (root system) at least 4" of mud to settle into. MOST IMPORTANTLY! Lotus tubers grow circular. Imagine the way a garden hose is wrapped. When scooping your plant from the existing bowl, make sure to lift all of the plant together and not damage the growth tips. I describe it like lifting an infant out of a bathtub. You need to cradle the neck and the bottom! Easy peasy... quickly place the lotus on top of the new mud and shimmy it down allowing it to sink. I like to take the mud from the existing container and add it on top and anywhere the plant needs support.​​​​
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Winter
Dormancy
​Lotus are perennials and go dormant toward the end of the year. Once your plant turns brown, you can choose to leave it outdoors. If you live in an area where there is risk of freeze, you can store your plant in a cool dark place like a garage.
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1. Empty your water by half.
2. Cut your plant stems above the water line (make sure your roots stay under water).
3. Store in a cool/cold dark place with no risk of the water freezing solid.
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In Texas, after the last chance of freeze (early March typically), you can bring your plant back outdoors. This is the best time to care and prepare your plant for the coming growing season. I like to wash and cut back any unwanted roots (being mindful of the growth tips), refresh the topsoil, and change my pot if needed.
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Potting
Your Tuber
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COMING SOON.
Get in Touch
Contact us at any time you have questions about your plant care.