Lotus Flower- Different Types, How to Grow and Care

Lotus Flower- Different Types, How to Grow and Care

Lotus flowers are considered sacred flowers in many parts of the world. They are known for their beauty and the religious significance they have, especially throughout Asia (1).

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This type of flower is ancient and, in fact, some of the seeds germinated over 1,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest flowers ever recorded in history and botany books.

Another important feature is that these flowers can generate heat and often regulate their own temperature, a feature similar to what animals and humans can do.

Would you like to know more about lotus plants? Keep reading and become an expert on the subject!

Facts about lotus plants

white lotus flower

Lotus flowers are very impressive because although they are relatively small, they can grow horizontally up to 10 feet.

This flower is the national plant of Vietnam and India. In these countries, people eat most parts of the lotus flower.

China is one of the largest producers of lotus flowers and tends to have a crop rotation system that usually includes rice and different types of vegetables (2).

Date, name and description

lotus pond

Although its origins cannot be fully traced, lotus flowers have often been represented in ancient cultures around the world. For example, in Egyptian mythology, the lotus flower is believed to have given birth to the sun because it blooms during the day and closes at night.

However, today it is found in various countries from India to Australia via Russia, and almost in the rest of the world, thanks to human migrations (3).

The lotus flower is an aquatic plant that belongs to the family Nelumbonaceae.

nymphaea nelumbo

The transformation that these aquatic plants undergo is just amazing, mainly because they can grow in ponds filled with mud or dirt, and they still manage to become a beautiful thing.

It is also very resistant to different types of weather conditions, and because of this transformation, the lotus flower has been associated with rebirth, enlightenment and purity for thousands of years.

The lotus flower can be very fragrant and usually opens in the morning, but its petals close in the late afternoon.

Types of lotus plants

lotus flower close-up

This aquatic perennial flower has many subspecies of flowers that are distinguished by their roots or inflorescences.

It can have a few petals, many petals, double petals or multiple petals. They also come in different colors: yellow, white, pink and/or red.

Here are the most common types of lotus flowers:

American lotus (Nelumbo lutea)

American lotus

This type of lotus is very common and can be found in different types of weather. Its leaves are circular and can be blue and green.

Although its flowers are very delicate, its stems are usually very strong and have a lot of strength. The flowers are white or yellow and have at least 20 petals each.. They are sometimes called aquatic Chinquapin.

Vietnamese Lotus

Vietnamese Lotus

As the name suggests, they are found throughout Vietnam. It is usually pink, but nowadays white flowers are also found. There are many lotus fields in the Asian country and it is considered a culinary delight.

Angel lotus wings (Nelumbo nucifera)

angel lotus wings

The leaves of this lotus can be quite large as they can measure up to 24 inches. It is also round and light green. The petals are white and do not need much water to grow.

Momo Bhutan (Nelumbo)

Momo Bhutan

It can reach two feet high. They produce double flowers and their petals are pink. Sometimes the old flowers can be left open overnight. Can be placed in small ponds.

Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)