Have you ever been mesmerised by a lotus flower? Their soft pink petals, smooth like silk, rise gracefully above the water, tempting you to pluck them and take them home. But instead, consider growing them at home.
In India, the lotus flower holds a special place in many cultures, symbolising purity and peace. Growing a lotus plant at home is easy with proper monitoring, watering, fertilising, and technique. They usually grow in large ponds and lakes and swampy areas.
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Lotus stem, also known as Kamal Kakdi, is widely used in Kashmiri, Sindhi, and Punjabi cuisines. Before culinary use, the stems are typically peeled and thoroughly washed. Lotus stem adds a unique and satisfying crunch to meals. Some popular dishes you can prepare with lotus stems include nadru yakhni, potato lotus stem curry, nadru monje, and lotus stem salad.
Lotus roots and seeds are used in cooking as well. While the stems are used to make stir-fries, fritters, or eaten raw, etc., the seeds, also known as makhana or fox nuts, are toasted and seasoned to be eaten like popcorn as a snack. The popped lotus seeds are used to make gravies and desserts like kheer as well. If you have a small pond or water body at home, you can grow and harvest enough flowers and lotus stems to create a meal for your family too.
Is Your Home Grown Lotus Stem Edible?
Yes, home-grown lotus stems are edible, but they need to be cleaned thoroughly before consumption. Lotus stems can harbour dirt and bacteria, so it’s important to rinse them under running water and scrub them gently. These stems are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre. They can aid digestion and promote gut health.
Lotus stems, also known as kamal kakdi in Hindi are commonly used in various cuisines including Asian dishes. They are rich in nutrients and have a crunchy texture, and are used to make salads, stir-fries, soups, and pickles. When growing lotus at home, it is important to make sure that the plants are cultivated in clean water and free from contaminants, to make them safe to eat.
7 Steps To Grow Lotus Plant At Home
Here is a guide outlining the five main steps to remember when planting a lotus plant in your home garden.
Choose The Right Location
Lotus plants thrive in full sunlight and still, stagnant water. Ensure you place your lotus container where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. You will require a 15-inch-deep container that is wide and large to grow lotus at home.
Select The Ideal Soil
Heavy clay soil mixed with a small amount of organic compost is ideal to grow lotus plant. About 80% of clay soil and about 20% compost is a good ratio of the soil mix to use. Potting soil that is light in weight tend to float in water and may affect and hinder the plant's growth.
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Planting The Lotus
From Seeds: Scrape or crack the hard coating off the seeds to allow water to enter. Soak the seeds in warm water for a day or two until they swell and begin to sprout. Plant them in a container filled with soil, placing them on the soil surface and lightly covering them with more soil. Add a layer of modelling clay around the seeds for stability.
From Tubers: Fill the industrial pot with 4 inches of soil, place the tuber with growth tips facing up, and cover it lightly with soil. Spread a 2-inch layer of coarse sand on top to keep the tuber in place and add water until it covers the growth tips.
Submerge The Container
It is best to use industrial pots, a water feature similar to a tiny pond to grow lotus plants at home. Ensure that the water level is 2 to 18 inches above the soil, and it is best to maintain water temperature at about 70°F.
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Fertilise Properly
Once floating leaves appear, apply a soluble fertiliser every 20 days. Avoid overfertilizing, which can harm the plant. You can also use slow-release tablets or powdered fertiliser wrapped in newspaper and placed under the soil.
Maintain And Monitor
Keep an eye on the water level and quality. Ensure the lotus receives adequate sunlight and adjust the water depth if necessary. In cooler climates, move the container to a deeper part of the pond or indoors during winter.
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Re-pot When Needed
Repot the lotus in the spring if necessary. Replace any dead tubers and freshen the soil before submerging the pot back in water.