Newbie Lotus Questions

[tlc]

I planted the lotus that I got from tranquility and I have some questions. The last time I tried to grow one it was a complete flop.

Does this look like the right amount of water above the tuber? The tape measure is sitting on top of the tuber. Should I add more?
You can see the aerials in the pics and the one to the left is very tall, maybe close to a foot. Do I need to keep these aerials underwater or let them go like they are.
We probably will have some cold nights here in the next couple of weeks so I suspect I will have to raise the water level to keep it from freezing at night. Will I need to lower the level again during the day or just leave it till the cold snap passes?

TIA

Theresa



This one I put in for funzies. I will remove the one round rock after I fill the pot.

[joejoe123]

Im no expert but it looks good to me that how I do mine I do have one thing to say though the pot its in looks a little on the small side other than that I'd say your good to go They dont need too much water over them   

Joey

[tranquility]

it will be perfectly fine to bring the water up...Just bring it up to the top where the leaf will unfold...especially if your expecting a cold snap...but, don't panic--it would have to come a really hard freeze to hurt it under all that water....
Lawanna

[tlc]

Thanks all for the info. 

[matherfish]

How deep is your soil? The water over the top is fine but your soil needs to be 5-6 inches deep.  I do not know what size lotus you have, but unless it is a bowl lotus JoeJoe123 is right. You need a bigger pot, judging from the size of the tuber. Hope the lotus does well for you.

[tlc]

How deep is your soil?

The soil in the tub is 9-10 inches deep.

[tranquility]

thats more than enough soil..they only require about 5" of soil--anymore just makes the pot heavier...looks like you planted it in one of those rope handled tubs...that should be big enough...Good luck on your tuber---looks like your off to a good start...
Lawanna

[tlc]

I'm finally getting a few leaves that stand above the water now.  I was beginning to wonder if that was ever going to happen with the crummy weather we have been having here.

Now my thinking has turn to fertilizing. My questions are, when to I fertilize again and can I use fertilizer spikes?
I put Osmocote in the pot when I planted but from what I read lotus is very heavy feeders and that may not be enough for the growing season.