Lotus

[oldmarine]

DrDave,

The lotus seed pod picture in the link noted below are almost identical to the pods you can get at Michaels. One exception, the pods at Michaels have a wire stuck in the base intended to be a stem, and some of the seeds may be missing like mine were. You just have to pick through the bundles.

http://www.schustersoftexas.com/Cones_Pods/Lotus_Pods_Loose.php

Happy ponding,

 

[DrDave]

Thanks, now, how deep is the sanding done? Is it just deep enough to penetrate the hard shell?

 

[anubias]

Do not sand the pointed end, sand the end with the dimple, I sanded until I could see a change in color. Using 60 grit paper, by hand, this took longer than I expected. the outer covering is thick and hard. Maybe an 1/8" off the end.

 

[oldmarine]

Dr Dave, the link below from anubias has good instructions on how it's all done. I used my belt sander in my garage to grind a spot into the meat of the seed. I stopped grinding when I opended up a fleshy green spot. Using a sanding belt, it only a few seconds for each seed.

http://www.faculty.sbc.edu/simpson/Lotus/index.htm

Happy ponding,

 

[DrDave]

Thanks, that makes it very clear. I copied the link into an information document I am putting together for a fast reference.

 

[anubias]

Anyone have any tips for water lilies from seed? How about dividing the tubers? I have a water lily that weighs as much as I do and needs to be divided.

 

[oldmarine]

Now the time to do it before the weather warms up and you start getting a lot of lily pads and blooms. The tubers are simple. Break them in sections, each section needs to have roots and spouts of some sort. Divide them up and pot each one separately. If you have more than you can put back into your pond, share them with friends or sell them on Craigslist.

Happy ponding,

 

[anubias]

Here are some pictures of my lotus sprouts. I will be moving to individual pots this weekend. Currently they are laying on the bottom of the 55G plant tank.

 

[DrCase]

I found a 25 gal black tub at the feed store yesterday
Im gonna separate some of the lotus in my pond today and grow one in it

 

[mouseams]

I am in Northern NJ, any idea when I should begin to see some life on my Lotus? Should I move it to shallower water? I set it deep for the winter along with water lilly. Water lilly has two leaves heading to the surface.

Thanks for all the help!

 

[DrCase]

Mine started to send up a few shoots last week
I did repot and separate them so they are starting over Its been in the 70s & 80s for a while here yours should come out soon

 

[oldmarine]

Five out of eight of my lotus are spiking the surface of the water. I can't see any activity in the other three barrels. Hopefully they will catch up with the rest soon.

Happy ponding,

 

[ctrgojo]

I just picked up a lotus at the nursary and after reading one of the links on this site I stopped at Michaels arts and crafts to pick up a dried pod and now have three more seeds soaking... hopefully they will grow too...

 

[anubias]

How much did you have to pay for your lotus? I priced some at a local garden center / pond shop. They wanted $39.99 for an un-potted lotus. I bought 10 seeds for $1.99 and 9 have sprouted.

I am glad I haven't moved them outside yet, we are expecting a near freeze tonite and Tuesday night with lows of 35 F. That's cold at the end of April in West KY.

 

[oldmarine]

I received eight lotus tubers free from a friend I made here at one of the many pond/water garden forums. He received more than he needed from another ponder and he gave me eight for the cost of the postage. I now have them in eight half barrels. My only cost so far was the barrels and the potting medium. I will probably do the same thing next year when I separate the tubers in the early spring before I re-pot them. They do spread and grow to a root bound state if not kept in check. So, I hope to share the 'Ms. Merry' and 'Red Russion' lotus tubers when the time comes.

Happy ponding,