Nymphaea lotus aka Egyptian Lotus

Taxonomy

Nymphaea lotus, also known as the white Egyptian lotus, tiger lotus, white lotus, or Egyptian water-lily, is a tropical, deciduous aquatic perennial. It features oval-shaped, green to reddish-brown leaves adorned with purple spots. From summer to autumn, this plant produces fragrant, star-shaped white flowers with yellow centers. While it can be grown in milder areas of the UK, it is recommended to lift and store it in a warm greenhouse during winter. Overall, Nymphaea lotus is a beautiful flowering plant belonging to the Nymphaeaceae family.

Common names

Egyptian Lotus, Egyptian Water Lily, Tiger Lotus

How to care for Egyptian Lotus

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Egyptian Lotus is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Egyptian Lotus should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

If you're planting Egyptian Lotus, you need to make sure you use a potting soil that can retain moisture. While the soil should still be able to drain well, it should contain plenty of organic matter like coco coir or sphagnum moss to help it stay moist and nourish the roots of your plants. This is especially important since Tiger Lotus is especially sensitive to dry soil. You can also add other amendments, such as compost, to help retain moisture and provide extra nutrients to your plants. Be sure to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, throughout the growing season. With the right soil and proper care, your Egyptian Lotus will thrive!

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Egyptian Lotus plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

Once the Egyptian Lotus has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia