QUESTION:

I live in Taiwan. I have a pink lotus, but I don't know its variety name. Nearly, it grew a little flower and outstretched the water surface. Unfortunately, it didn't open and died. It re-grew a little flower under the water now. I hope I can see a beautiful lotus flower. Could you tell me how to do it? Thank you for your help.

ANSWER:

Lotuses are very heavy feeders.  You need to fertilize your plant every 2 weeks.  Use a fertilizer made for aquatic flowers and push it into the pot.  Next fall you might want to repot your lotus.

Grow your lotus in a round tub without drainage holes. Put a thick layer of composted manure in the bottom of the tub with a mixture of clay and sand on top.  The tub should be submersed underwater, 6-18 inches below the pond water surface.  Since Lotus also like calm water, if you have a waterfall or fountain, keep your plant as far away from the moving water as possible.

Good luck with your lotus flower.  Be sure to use a fertilizer made especially for water garden flowers.