sacred lotus

Sacred lotus (Nelumbo 'Momo Botan') plants should be watered when the soil feels dry to a depth of 2 inches. Depending on the weather and soil type, this could range from every 2 to 5 days. When watering, saturate the soil until water drains from the bottom, to ensure that the entire root system has been hydrated. Too little water or allowing the soil to become completely dry can cause the leaves to droop and yellow. Furthermore, the amount of water needed will vary as the roots and foliage increases in size.

Sacred lotus (Nelumbo 'Momo Botan') plants prefer 6-8 hours of full sunlight, or direct sunlight that is not filtered through glass or other materials, for optimal growth and flowering. They can tolerate partial shade, such as when planted next to a taller structure that would cast some amount of shade on the plant, but it will be less likely to produce flowers if it does not get enough sun. Morning is the best time of day for sunlight for these plants; generally the ideal time is between 9am and 12pm. During these hours the ultraviolet rays are the most intense and this gives the plants the best opportunity to receive higher levels of light so they can bloom and prosper.

Sacred lotus (Nelumbo 'Momo Botan') should be pruned in the late winter or early spring, just before it starts to wake up and break dormancy. Most of the pruning will be done when rapidly rejuvenating shoots emerge from the crown to age the plant. You will need to prune off old leaves and dead or dying stems. You may also need to thin out new shoots to reduce the density of the plant and promote air circulation throughout. When the weather outside is warm enough, you can prune harder and take off up to 1-third of the shoots.