Light. Full sun.
Water. Grow it in calm, sheltered water. Start the planted container in about 6 inches of water, then set it no more than 18 inches deep once growth begins.
Soil and feeding. Use a wide, shallow container of garden soil mixed with about one-fifth composted cow manure, such as Black Kow. Top with 1–2 inches of sand or gravel. Avoid treated-lumber containers.
Size. Usually 3–8 ft tall, with leaves up to 2 ft across. Dwarf cultivars suit small ponds.
Problems to watch. Lotus spreads aggressively; once rooted in a pond bottom it is hard to remove. Keep it in a container. Aphids and spider mites can appear.
Good to know. Each flower lasts about three days, opening in the morning and closing at night.
Sources: UF/IFAS Ask IFAS (EDIS): FP424 Nelumbo nucifera Lotus, Sacred Lotus · UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Lotus · NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Nelumbo nucifera
