Lotus Plants
Lotus Plants for Ponds - Shop Lotus Flowers & Tubers
Why Add Lotus to Your Pond?
Unlike other aquatic vegetation, Lotus plants will provide your pond with all three basic elements - height, movement and color - at the same time. The broad, cupped leaves will collect morning dew during the morning hours and gracefully shed rainfall in the same manner as would a silk garment. The flowers, which can include light pink, white, dark red or yellow, not only will bloom and die on their own schedule, but also provide the pond with its own cadence.
Lotus plants have real environmental value beyond being just visually appealing. Their large floating leaves provide shade to the water below, slowing down the growth of algae and also assisting with maintaining fish-friendly water temperatures. Lotus plants play an integral role in maintaining a healthy pond as opposed to being an ornamental plant.
What We Carry
Lotus Tubers
Most growers propagate and send out lotus plants through the use of lotus tubers. These are dormant rhizomes that grow quickly by putting down roots into the horizontal aquatic soil and being placed in warm shallow water. If you are going to start from a lotus tuber or want to add another variety, a tuber is your best way to go.
We stock lotus tubers for sale seasonally. Each tuber is sourced for viability — no old, shriveled stock. When you order from us, you are getting tubers ready to plant.
Water Lotus Plants
The true aquatic lotus (Nelumbo) is an aquatic plant that grows in still or slow moving bodies of water; its round, flat leaves rise from the water on long stalks; unlike the leaves of other aquatic vegetation, the verticality of these plants adds to the vertical element of the pond. We have a wide selection of water lotus for sale from strong, consistent stock and through careful selection of varieties based on their ability to adapt to the different climates throughout the United States - from the humid subtropical climate of the Southeast to the cooler, more arid climate of the Pacific Northwest. Target keywords naturally appear in all text: water lotus plants for sale, water lotus, water lotus flowers, lotus plants for ponds, pond lotus plants.
Bowl Lotus and Small Varieties
Not every pond must be large. The bowl types are compact types of lotuses created for small containers, tub gardens, and raised ponds. These are less than two foot tall plants that bloom reliably and are just as beautiful as full size lotuses.
Lotus Plants – Important Info Regarding Planting & Caring for Lotus Plants
Lotus plants are not difficult to care for; however, there are some requirements that must be met.
- Sun Requirements: Lotus plants require at least 6 hours of full sunlight daily; if they receive less than this, they will produce fruit but not bloom.
- Water Levels: At the beginning, bury the tubers in 2-4" of water. As development of foliage occurs, an adult plant will endure as much as 18" of water over the crown.
- Planting Medium: Aquatic planting mix or clay heavy mix is ideal. Avoid using the typical type of potting soil (which usually provides good support for pots), as this type of soil will not provide proper support for aquatic plants. Typical potting soil type floating in the water will cause murky water for the growing area.
- Flat, wide Lotuses grow sideways making a shallow container hold much more surface area than a tall container.
- The lotus will likely still survive in colder Hardy USDA Zones ( Zones 5+ ) during the winter months; just bring the pot or container indoors or heavily mulch after the first freeze!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where may I find lotus plants?
Garden centers are not likely to sell lotus plants or pond plants for whatever reason are usually only going to have water lilies. We offer lotus plants cultivated by our expert growers. Bare root tubers are shipped anywhere within the continental US (with the expection of states where there are restrictions on the sale of lotus).
What is the difference between a lotus tuber and a lotus bulb?
The difference between a lotus tuber and a lotus bulb can sometimes cause confusion. Listings for "lotus bulbs for sale" are fairly common, however, it is technically inaccurate to use that term because lotus plants are produced from rhizome tubers, not bulbs. Someone within the hobby may use both terms interchangeably, but both refer to the same form of dormant planting material.
Can I grow lotus in a small pond?
Yes. Choose a bowl lotus or miniature lotus variety. These are bred for smaller water features and top out at one to two feet above the waterline.
When should I plant lotus?
Lotus should be planted either very soon after they have been received or before planting in Late Spring or Early Summer. When ordering lilies anywhere in April or May will allow plants to grow for a whole season. The water must warm to temperature greater than 60F / 16C to stimulate growth.
Do lotus plants come back every year?
In most of the continental US, yes. Lotus are perennial aquatic plants. They die back to the tuber in fall and re-emerge in spring as water warms up.
How fast do lotus plants grow?
The growth rate of a lotus plant is influenced by the water temperature. Water temperatures above 60 degrees to 65 degrees F can produce rapid growth. Healthy tubers can take less than three weeks to reach the surface and produce flowers within the same growing season.
