In most Asian countries, the lotus flower has a special place. Even though it is cultivated globally due to its strong bonds with their culture and cuisine. Some countries like China and Vietnam not only enjoy the beauty, but also enjoy lotus as a delicious cuisine and even snacks. This is beautiful, aquatic water that everyone adores in every place. Even some people love enjoying lotus flowers inside a beautiful bouquet.
The lotus flower is also known as the Nelumbo nucifera. The flower itself originated from warm countries like Southeast Asia and India. Sometimes it is also called the water lily.
The flower grows well in subtropical biomes. In the wild, the flower is often found at the bottom of rivers, lakes, and marshes.
Looking at the origin from India and found across many Southeast Asian countries, the flower grows well in warm, sunny, and tropical climates. The plants will thrive around temperature at least 24 Celsius degrees. However, this flower is also possible to grow in colder climates because the rhizomes can survive winter as long as you plant it below the frost line.
The lotus flower brings a beautiful shape with a bowl or a cup bloom, and it comes in a variety of sizes. The main characteristic is the big petals, and when it is blooming, it reveals the seeds at the center. The petals themselves are dominated by white and pink colors with a yellowish center.
These flowers form a teardrop shape when it is not blooming yet. I can have several variations of petals, from semi-double, one layer of petals, or multilevel petals. In some cases, the flowers also come in a thousand-petaled form. When it comes to size, the flower can grow so big in diameter, between 20 and 30 cm, when it is blooming.
When it comes to fragrance, the flower comes with a pleasant smell. It has very subtle smells and tends to be floral. For the richer smell, the pink has a spicier aroma and is more like honey-sweet. Meanwhile, the white one often has a more animalic and herbaceous scent.
The lotus flower brings special meaning to many cultures. Generally, lotus is associated with rebirth, purity, and strength. The reason why people often associate this flower with this is that the flower rises from the mud without stains. In a dirty place like this, this flower can grow beautifully. This is also why the lotus flower is associated with resilience.
Another meaning of the lotus flower is its representation of man's spirit transcending from the underworld into the light.
In India, it is even more sacred that Indians have a strong spiritual relationship with the flower. This flower symbolizes the Divine. In Hinduism, the lotus flower finds its rich meaning as it is referenced in Vedic texts back then in 1400 BC. So, it is not a surprise if the lotus becomes the Indian national symbol. It is because the flower has a strong influence on many aspects such as culture, philosophy, and religion.
Even though the water lily is generally found in a warmer climate, you can plant the flower in some places. You can even plant the lotus using a pot. However, to maximize the size, you can plant the lotus inside the pond. If you decide to pot the flower, it is better to plant them at least with a 60 cm diameter and not fill the holes.
You can use the garden soil that has low organic content. It is best to use sand and clay. Next, you can start by planting the tuber 10 cm deep. Why do you need to do this? It is to give room for the soil to push upward.
Next, you can set the container in the pot to make the top of the soil submerged under the water around 50-10 cm. If you plant the taller varieties, you will find the flower grows up to 46 cm.
If you are living in a colder climate, it is better to leave the lotus in the pond to protect the tubers from ice. In this case, you need to move the container into a deeper part of the pond. During spring, you can move the plant back to a shallow area.
It is so obvious that lotus can bring benefits to the environment. This plant is great to support the aquatic ecosystem as these flowers will provide shelter for the animals underneath, such as fish and frogs. Meanwhile, the rhizomes and seeds can be for other fellow animals, such as geese, ducks, and other animals living in the water that use them as food.
The great thing about this flower is its non-toxic benefits, which can be a great addition to your water ecosystem. Besides, this flower is edible, and many people celebrate many special occasions by cooking the parts of the plants, such as their roots and seeds. Also, it offers great benefits.
Do you find lotus flowers to be your favorite bouquets? You can contact Athaya Florist to help you create the best flower arrangements, especially with lotus. We are one of the leading florist shops in Indonesia that provides the best flower arrangements that you can customize.
Our shop has been operating for years with an experienced team, from florists to delivery couriers. We make sure every order is handled with care. We always prioritize the fresh flowers from the best local farmers.
The best thing that you can enjoy from ordering at our place is how flexible our service is. You can add a personal touch to any piece, whether it is a formal or personal flower arrangement. From the designs, colors, wrappers, and even the gift card you want to write on. Athaya Florist always tries to be the friend who understands your stories. We are always happy to be a part of your journey.
If you are looking for some inspiration and need some guidance, don’t hesitate to contact our team!
