American Lotus (Nelumbo lutea)

Also known as: Water-Chinquapin

The American lotus (Nelumbo lutea) is an aquatic plant known for its impressive flowers, which can reach up to 25 cm in diameter, making them some of the largest in North America. Its circular leaves can either float on the water or stand above it, depending on the length of the stalk. This species is invasive and has the potential to rapidly dominate wetland areas, often outcompeting native plants.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of American Lotus

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

80 cm to 1.5 m

Spread

90 cm to 1.2 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

18 cm to 28 cm

Flower Color

Yellow White Pink Cream Gold

Images of American Lotus

Quickly Identify American Lotus

Large, showy flowers with pale yellow hue, 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) in diameter.

Bowl-shaped leaves, 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) wide, with palmate venation and waxy texture.

Distinctive flat, woody receptacle housing nut-like fruits resembling a wasp's nest.

Robust aquatic perennial reaching 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters) in height, thriving in shallow water.

Tuberous rhizomes for expansion, radiating from base and forming extensive colonies under suitable conditions.

Scientific Classification of American Lotus

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Proteales

Family

Lotus-lily

Genus

Lotuses

Species

American Lotus

Planting and Growing of American Lotus

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 30 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-12 hours

Ideal Temperature

75-86℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water American Lotus?

Nelumbo lutea is an aquatic plant that thrives when its roots are submerged. Water the plant so that the soil is consistently saturated, ensuring that there is always at least a few centimeters of water above the soil level. This mimics its natural habitat in shallow ponds and waterways.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered American Lotus? ›

What should I do if my American Lotus is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered American Lotus? ›

How to save an overwatered American Lotus? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for American Lotus?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

Duration of light: 6-8 hours

Nelumbo lutea prefers full sun exposure, a powerful factor for healthy development. Proper light encourages profuse blooming and strong, sturdy leaves, enhancing the plant's beauty and resilience.

What type of sunlight does it prefer? ›

How can you provide the ideal light conditions? ›

What benefits does it get from ideal light? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for American Lotus?

Ideal Temperature: 75 ~ 86℉

Nelumbo lutea thrives best within the temperature range of 75°F to 86°F. This range provides optimal conditions for photosynthesis and nutrient uptake, ensuring healthy growth and vibrant flowering. Maintaining these temperatures helps to replicate its natural warm-climate habitat.

What Soil is Best for American Lotus?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Clay soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Nelumbo lutea thrives in soil abundant in organic matter. This fertility ensures the plant has a steady supply of nutrients for robust growth and vibrant blooms, rewarding gardeners with a lush appearance. The soil should maintain consistent moisture without becoming waterlogged. This balance prevents root rot while keeping the plant hydrated, crucial for its aquatic nature. A well-aerated soil promotes root oxygenation. This prevents anaerobic conditions, encouraging healthy root growth and overall plant vigor.

How to Fertilize American Lotus?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Nelumbo lutea, also known as American lotus, requires a balanced approach to fertilization. Typically, use a liquid fertilizer with a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (N-P-K) ratio of about 10-10-10. Apply approximately 1 tablespoon of liquid fertilizer per gallon of water during its growing season for optimal results. Ensure not to exceed this amount to avoid nutrient burn.

How to Prune American Lotus?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin by inspecting the Nelumbo lutea for any old growth that may be yellowing or wilting. These parts should be removed to allow the plant to direct energy towards new growth and healthy leaves. Always use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears when trimming Nelumbo lutea. This minimizes the risk of introducing diseases and ensures a clean cut, preventing damage to healthy parts of the plant. Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Deadheading helps redirect the plant's energy towards producing more flowers rather than seed formation. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate American Lotus plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer

Begin by scarifying the seeds with sandpaper to allow water penetration. Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 to 48 hours until they swell. Plant the swollen seeds in a container filled with a rich, loamy substrate and submerge it just below the water surface to let them germinate.

In early spring, dig up the lotus plant carefully ensuring minimal damage to the roots. Identify healthy rhizomes, which are segments of the underground stems, and use a sharp knife to divide them into sections comprising at least a couple of growth nodes.

After division, plant the rhizome sections in containers or directly in their new locations in warm water, ensuring they are anchored securely in the substrate. Position them horizontally and cover with soil, but leave the growth nodes slightly exposed.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot American Lotus plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

The best signal that Nelumbo lutea needs repotting is when it outgrows its container, exhibited by noticeably stunted growth or when the roots become visible above the soil or poke through drainage holes. Repotting is also necessary if the soil has become compacted or depleted of nutrients.

Select a wide and shallow pot to accommodate the spreading habit of Nelumbo lutea's rhizomes. A sturdy pot is important as it will hold not just the plant, but also the water and soil, weighing down the pot considerably. Proper drainage is crucial, so ensure the pot has enough drainage holes.

Use heavy, loamy soil to repot Lotus as it provides necessary support and ample nutrients for the plant. Avoid potting soils rich in organic matter that will float or dissolve in water, preserving the nutrients essential for healthy growth.