How to Plant Lotus Seeds in Water

Lotus flowers are beautiful and mesmerizing plants that grow in water. They are often found in ponds, lakes, and rivers. If you want to grow lotus flowers at home, you can start by planting lotus seeds in water. Here are the steps to guide you through the process:

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before you start planting your lotus seeds, you need to prepare your supplies. You will need a container, water, and lotus seeds. Make sure the container is big enough to hold the seeds and has holes at the bottom for drainage. You can use a plastic container, a clay pot, or a glass vase, as long as it has adequate drainage.

Step 2: Soak the Lotus Seeds

Lotus seeds have a hard outer shell that can be tough to crack. So, you need to soften the shell by soaking the seeds in warm water for about 24-48 hours. You can change the water every 12 hours to speed up the process. After soaking, the seeds should be swollen and have a crack in the shell.

Step 3: Plant the Lotus Seeds

Fill the container with water up to 6 inches deep. Place the lotus seeds in the water with the tips pointing upwards. Make sure the seeds are not too close to each other and have enough space to grow. You can cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil or sand if desired, but it is not necessary.

Step 4: Provide Adequate Lighting and Temperature

Your lotus seeds need adequate lighting to grow. Place your container in a sunny location where the seeds can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. The water temperature should be warm and stay between 75-85°F for optimal growth. If the temperature drops below 60°F, the seeds may stop growing or die.

Step 5: Care for Your Lotus Plants

Lotus seeds will take about 7-21 days to start sprouting. Once the plants start growing, you need to keep the water level around 2-3 inches deep. You can add fertilizer to the water once a month to enhance their growth. Remove any dead leaves or flowers that fall into the water to prevent them from contaminating the water and hindering plant growth. Keep an eye out for any pests or diseases that might affect your lotus plants and take appropriate measures if you do see any issues.

Conclusion

Planting lotus seeds in water is a straightforward and simple process that anyone can do. With enough patience and care, you can grow beautiful lotus plants in your home or garden. Remember to provide adequate sunlight, temperature, and water level, and you will be rewarded with stunning lotus flowers that you can enjoy all year round.