Quick Facts:: Momo Botan (Nelumbo nucifera "momo botan")
| Care Level: | Easy |
| Lighting: | High |
| Placement: | Bottom |
| Maximum Length: | 4″ |
| Water Conditions: | 55-80 F, pH 6.0 - 9.0 |
| Propagation: | Rhizone Division |
| Coloration: | Red, Orange, Yellow |
| Supplements: | Slow Release Tablets |
| Origin: | Asia |
Characteristics Momo botan translates to"like a peach colored peony". The flowers on this lotus are "double flowers" resembling peonies.The "Momo botan" is a miniature lotus that grows 12-15" leaves, stands between 2' and 4' tall and spreads by thickened rhizomes rooted in the mud.. The showy fragrant large cupped flowers have very deep pink petals measuring 5-6" with 106-118 petals, giving it the pronounced double effect. . An aquatic perennial each flower blooms for about three days, opening in the morning and closing at night each day. Flowers are followed by nut-like fruits which are imbedded in the flat surface of a turbinate Receptacles acquire a woody texture when dried (suggestive of wasps' nests) and are highly prized for dried flower arrangements. The rhizomes, leaves and seeds of lotus are edible and are sometimes used in Asian cooking. An extra-long blooming season is another bonus to this miniature lotus.This plant is highly invasive under proper conditions; be careful to keep all roots contained in the pond. Water Conditions 55-80° F pH 6.0-9.0 Care Easily grown in calm water in full sun. Winter hardy to USDA Zone 4 as long as the roots do not freeze.The Momo Botan will also thrive in small container gardens such as a half oak barrel or in small tubs and kettles in the full sun. Pot in round, shallow, solid containers of 2 gallons or more, in 6-18" of water. Rhizomes of container-grown plants may be lifted in fall after plants die back and stored in a cool location (basement, root cellar or other frost-free area) until spring. If your lily is wintered inside, in the spring, set it out in full sun. Keeping it there until the water in the pot is approximately 80°F will get it to bloom sooner. Wait until the leaves have started to grow and the pond temperature is above 70°F before submerging the lily pot back in your pond. This prevents the plant from going into shock. Propagation Propagation is done by division of the root stock. Cut 4-5 inch chunks making sure each section contains a bud eye. Replant all divide sections as soon as possible and do not let the root dry out. Best done in early spring to give the plant grow time before preparing for winter. |
