Fertilizing Lotus

Once several aerial leaves have emerged it is time to begin fertilizing your lotus. Beginning fertilization earlier can cause severe damage to the young plant. Lotus are heavy feeders. Dr. Diake Tian and the researchers at Auburn University recommend fertilizing ornamental lotus by applying a good soluble fertilizer once every 20 days (4-8 grams depending on the size of the pot) after tubers had sprouted and several aerial leaves have developed. Begin with a half dose (1/2 tsp of 20-10-20 fertilizer for a pot with five gallons of water) to avoid burning the new growth. Increase the dose to 1 tsp per 5 gallons of water for subsequent doses. Fertilize every twenty days through the summer. Many people prefer to use commercial slow-release tablets that can be purchased at retail centers and pushed under the soil. If you have a potted lotus in a garden pond try rolling fertilizer in a small square of newspaper and pushing it under the soil in the pot. This keeps the fertilizer where it is needed and helps keep down algae growth. Be sure to follow package directions for any fertilizer that you choose.  Cut fertilizer to 1/2 tsp per five gallons of water in mid-July and stop fertilizing in late summer to allow enough time for the nutrients to be absorbed by the roots. An abundance of unused fertilizer can damage dormant tubers during the winter season.