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Description
Nymphaea Nouchali Var. Caerulea, also known as the Blue Lotus or Sacred Lotus, is a beautiful aquatic plant with origins in Egypt and other parts of Africa. It is a member of the water lily family, and is known for its stunning blue flowers which bloom in the summer months. The plant is a common sight in many ponds and water gardens, and is popular among gardeners for its beauty and ease of care.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Nymphaeales |
| Family | Nymphaeaceae |
| Genus | Nymphaea |
Appearance
The leaves of the Nymphaea Nouchali Var. Caerulea are large and circular, with a diameter of up to 30cm. They are a rich green color, and are often speckled with small purple spots. The flowers of the plant are large and showy, with a diameter of up to 20cm. They are a deep blue color, and have a sweet fragrance. The flowers float on the surface of the water, and are held above the leaves by a long stem.
Care Guide
Nymphaea Nouchali Var. Caerulea is an easy plant to care for, and can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for keeping your Blue Lotus healthy:
- Water: The plant should be grown in a large container filled with at least 15cm of water. The water should be changed regularly to prevent stagnation.
- Fertilization: The plant should be fertilized monthly during the growing season with a specialized aquatic plant fertilizer.
- Soil: The plant should be grown in a mixture of loam and clay, with a layer of sand on top to prevent the soil from washing away.
- Sunlight: The plant requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to bloom properly.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant can be grown in zones 9-11, and should be protected from frost in colder zones.
Common Pests & Diseases
Nymphaea Nouchali Var. Caerulea is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but can be susceptible to the following:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant and cause it to wilt. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots to appear on the leaves of the plant. It can be controlled with a fungicide.
Habitat
Nymphaea Nouchali Var. Caerulea is native to Egypt and other parts of Africa, where it grows in shallow ponds and marshes. It prefers still or slow-moving water, and can tolerate a range of water conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I change the water in my Blue Lotus container?
A: The water should be changed at least once a week to prevent stagnation and the buildup of harmful bacteria.
Q: Can I grow my Blue Lotus in a pond with fish?
A: Yes, the plant can coexist with fish in a pond. In fact, the fish can help to control algae growth and provide natural fertilizer for the plant.
Q: How can I propagate my Blue Lotus?
A: The plant can be propagated by dividing the rhizomes in early spring or late summer. Each division should have at least one growing tip.
Q: How deep should I plant my Blue Lotus?
A: The plant should be planted in a container with at least 15cm of water covering the top of the soil.
Related Plants
- Nymphaea Alba (European White Water Lily)
- Nymphaea Odorata (American White Water Lily)
- Nymphaea Caerulea (Egyptian Blue Water Lily)
References
- “Nymphaea nouchali var. caerulea.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 16 March 2022. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=276174&isprofile=0&basic=Nymphaea%20nouchali%20var%20caerulea>.
- “Blue Lotus.” The Pond Guy. Accessed 16 March 2022. <https://www.thepondguy.com/product/learning-center-wg-blue-lotus>.
- “Nymphaea nouchali.” Wikipedia. Accessed 16 March 2022. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nymphaea_nouchali>.
