Not only is the lotus flower gorgeous, but it also has medicinal healing properties which makes it deserving to be added in your water garden.
There are many species of the lotus plant and there are classified into different groups: Blue Lotus ( Nymphaea caerulea), White Lotus (Nymphaea alba), Cape Blue Water Lily ( Nymphaea capensis) and many others.
Religious Significance, Healing Properties
The lotus plant also serves as a sacred religious symbol like in Buddhism. The lotus flower rises up unscathed from the murky waters of the pond. It is the symbol of purity from worldly desires. Once in the garden, it exudes that relaxing effect on you just by staring at it. The lotus flower is actually used by the ancients to treat certain maladies like it is utilized in treating the eyes. The lotus is known to improve vision and its juices are being mixed in beauty products for it naturally removes dead skin cells and helps new skin cells develop.
Its young leaves, rhizomes or roots; seeds and stalks are eaten in Asia. There are mixed in Asian cuisines. The roots are especially rich in Vitamin C, thiamine, Vitamin B6, Copper, Manganese, phosphorus, and it is an excellent source of dietary fiber. The lotus flowers are often used as garnish in exotic dishes while the young roots are boiled and mixed in soups and has a sweet, tangy, and crunchy feel to it.
How to Grow a Lotus
Lotus plants survive in temperatures where it is moderately warm but there are research showing lotus flowers being able to regulate temperatures and stay warm even if its cooler. The research was performed in Adelaide, Australia.
To plant a lotus you will need to have 1) clay soil 2) a water garden ( a large tub will do) 3) lotus plant of your choice 4) water.
There are many species of the lotus plant and there are classified into different groups: Blue Lotus ( Nymphaea caerulea), White Lotus (Nymphaea alba), Cape Blue Water Lily ( Nymphaea capensis) and many others.
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| photo courtesy of flower picture gallery |
The lotus plant also serves as a sacred religious symbol like in Buddhism. The lotus flower rises up unscathed from the murky waters of the pond. It is the symbol of purity from worldly desires. Once in the garden, it exudes that relaxing effect on you just by staring at it. The lotus flower is actually used by the ancients to treat certain maladies like it is utilized in treating the eyes. The lotus is known to improve vision and its juices are being mixed in beauty products for it naturally removes dead skin cells and helps new skin cells develop.
Its young leaves, rhizomes or roots; seeds and stalks are eaten in Asia. There are mixed in Asian cuisines. The roots are especially rich in Vitamin C, thiamine, Vitamin B6, Copper, Manganese, phosphorus, and it is an excellent source of dietary fiber. The lotus flowers are often used as garnish in exotic dishes while the young roots are boiled and mixed in soups and has a sweet, tangy, and crunchy feel to it.
How to Grow a Lotus
Lotus plants survive in temperatures where it is moderately warm but there are research showing lotus flowers being able to regulate temperatures and stay warm even if its cooler. The research was performed in Adelaide, Australia.
To plant a lotus you will need to have 1) clay soil 2) a water garden ( a large tub will do) 3) lotus plant of your choice 4) water.
- Plant the Lotus plant in a tub or a huge container (without holes), that provides ample space for its roots to grow. The roots are very sensitive to cutting so be careful that you won't kill the plant. Put water on the tub. Keep in mind that the roots of the lotus plant only is to be submerged under six inches.
- Once the plant is established, there is little care needed for the lotus to grow. The lotus plants are pretty much pest-free although occasional aphids which are brought by ants can sometimes gnaw on the plant. Just spray the aphids and ants with a forceful water hose to wash it away.
- Be sure to put your lotus plant in a spot where it gets hit by the sun's rays for at least six hours everyday. Do not fret when your lotus die back to the ground level in winter. This is natural and the plant will grow again in spring.
The lotus plant is one of the many ethnobotanical species of plants which have been prized for its cultural significance, medicinal properties, and divination by the ancient ancestors.
