Starting Water Lotus from Seed

[@Wakeupandsniffthecoffee]

10 years later and I am watching this to start mine. They are germinated nicely. Just made a batch of clay soil in different sizes. I put a layer of gravel in the bottom of the pot , followed by clay pebbles and a finer clay powder. I used my clay soil to sift it all through and get different sizes. I will top it off with small pea gravel or river rocks. These are in individual black pots with holes on the bottom and they will sit in a small kiddie pool and filled with the right amount of water. I am trying to film most of this and should have it on my channel in a few weeks.

[@MIgardener]

WOW! I knew it was somewhat easy, but now I will totally do this and save a TON of money. Thanks Bill! They are like $25 for a nice mature plant from the pond guy.

[@PlantzNThings]

Yes they can get very pricey. In my area they are between 60-80 dollars each.. It's crazy because these plants are very easy to grow.

[@Brembelia]

PlantzNThings Yah, the least they could do is give you a fancy presentation/fish bowl or something for that kind of money. I'd have guilt attacks but it's a different world today.

[@jeffcarmen1]

25? more like 45-55 buck for a lotus plant here in pennsylvania

[@Brembelia]

Why not grow them from a seed? It's not difficult to do and tons cheaper.

[@sleepersix]

They are $100 now in Texas

[@sonnydo95]

aquatic soil for plants are very expensive...! I just learned that you can just use top soil and mix with clay. You can fertilize ur lotus after they have leaves or during their blooming season.!! you can use clay litter for cat! (pure clay with no deodorant, and other stuff added) I bought in Walmart!!

[@kimlewis5429]

Ty for this info.. I waa completely stumped about the clay lol. First time with aquatic plants.

[@Finny1314]

Best to work on the blunt side and sand the end off with P60-80 sanding paper until you see a white ring.The blunt end is where the sprout would shoot. Mine didn't turn the water that mucky and actually all seeds had sprouted on day 2 pretty quickly. Didn't use heating mat for mine because its summer here. I also used pure water so there are no harsh minerals such as chlorine that may hurt the young seeds.

[@robertcohen7464]

I used a small belt sander. Just sanded off the pointed end had 100% germination! Thanks for the great video!

[@bindupraveen4391]

You should never disturb the pointy side of a lotus seed it's the embryo side

[@vasudevbangera5286]

sometimes its fertile yet float but after the water fills up the seed it sprouts amazing thanks buddy for the video

[@fatherthomas1575]

Vasudev Bangera good to know, I was worried about that thx

[@GeekOutHangout]

you can clip the end of the seed with a toe nail clipper, i clip the side with a dimple. the toe nail clipper I user are the ones that are kinda shaped like scissors, and they are really sharp, heavy duty and work great.. i get mine from walgreens :)

[@PlantzNThings]

Geek Out Hangout Very interesting. I would have never thought to try using nail clippers.

[@truleykumar]

PlantzNThings Where's the Next Update Water Lotus from Seed , Give me a link

[@wendylluv8173]

I did it and is easier.

[@ken2ny4]

i used a hand pruner. i felt the safest with that method. I put enough pressure to cut into the seed but not cut it in 1/2. soak the seed in water for 2 hrs before trying helps.

[@LaurieFaust]

Do you follow up video’s from this one? I’d love to see all of these lotus videos after this one! I’m starting the soaking process today and need more instructions after planting them! Thanks!

[@esthercaporale2306]

I tried nail clippers and it worked great!

[@papasmurf7688]

I really enjoy your videos Ty... May I suggest using kitty liter from Walmart the non scented and non clumping works great with planting lotus and safe for koi ponds...

[@PlantzNThings]

That's a Great suggestion... I think i'll give that a try.

[@jdegannesstory]

Its great to see how enthusiastic you are about plants :) Thanks for sharing. I have grown lotus from seeds too. I live in Trinidad (in the Caribbean) so its nice and hot here. My method is to rub the side of the seed on 80 grade sandpaper this has worked well for me. Don't know the exact name of my lotus but the flower is a double, quite large and its pink. Maybe I will make a video too soon.

[@lorrieworden3652]

I just started mine today and used sand paper. Works very well and no risk of cutting anything off. ; - ))))))

[@jeffcarmen1]

ever think of using kitty litter? lots of clay based litters, 1/3 the cost of 'pond' soil, my lillies grow very well, also i do use pond tabs monthly

[@PlantzNThings]

Jeffcarmen Manila I have been told many times to try kitty litter but haven't taken that leap yet. as for the pond tabs.. no I've not tried them.. not because I didn't want too, rather they are hard to find in my area.

[@pp3379]

lol，i really enjoy watching your videos as comedies which can make me very happy，thank you

[@laurenderwacter4351]

Great video!!!! I cant wait to start mine! I'm going to try and do a nice garden this summer I'll be watching all of your vidoes!!!!!!

[@reaper661366]

Actually the blunt side is the part you want to cut or file at since that is where the plant will send up its leaves. But in my experience usually doing it backwards works also since once you get water into the shell it becomes softer and eventually the seedling will break the shell. But usually you want to aim for the blunt side. :)

[@redmoonvenus7327]

I was going to say this. Thanks .

[@kryscurr]

Would I be able to start these in say a fish tank? My temps in the tanks are anywhere between, 75F - 87F

[@libramagyk]

2 minutes in and you're humour is fun

[@twissan]

Do they need light for growth or can they grow by water and soil alone?

[@DAAC86]

I have just started my own seedlings and they are very quick to grow they startet just about 5 days after i put them in water so soon i will plant them in they soil, i hope they turn out great :D

[@TruthIsNot4Sale]

Yes as others have also said You can sand them down a bit on the part that has the bump.

[@joycepetrina2791]

I really appreciate you and your clear instruction. Thank you😊

[@Brembelia]

It has been two weeks. Where is the next installment? I'm anxious to see how things are coming along and what comes next with the seedlings.

[@PlantzNThings]

sorry, I've posted some update photos on my Plantznthings what's growing page on Facebook. I'll try and make a video this weekend.

[@Brembelia]

PlantzNThings Yes, please do. My Blue Fairy Lotus seed I started (using this vid-clip) has put out a root and I need to know the end game on this. I used a diamond file on the non-pointed end. It was work but I found there is a little round "door" that popped out/off on that end (Hobbit door?) Inside was light brown and I thought it was dead, but the seed didn't float (you see: I knew that from watching), so, maybe it is just very old (I got it from Thailand; my baggie had funny leaves on it, too. I'm not asking any questions,) but the sprout looks very strong and healthy and it looks like it has every intention of growing. Really love your vid-clip; thanks for making it!!!! :D

[@PlantzNThings]

That's Awesome! sounds like your seedling will be just fine :) They grow like weeds in warm water... so if you want speed.. add an aquarium heater to the water. Around 82F is what they really like :)

[@Brembelia]

PlantzNThings 82 degrees F... will do. And thanks, again!

[@PlantzNThings]

Are you also growing some from seed?

[@hemnunkoo]

Hi there great video, may I suggest you to use a small Bonsai concave cutter (stainless steel they cost about $12 on ebay) to cut the tips of the seed and they are great tools to use around

[@clairemcheskin]

Mine are doing well, they have germinated and I am going to put them in the pond soon.

[@ABITOFTHISANDTHAT12]

good video, I'm growing the same just want to check what the water temp should be and that the seeds that u planted are completely underwater as I've got my leaves above water level? not sure.

[@beckyw1962]

Sandpaper is much safer and works great.

[@gherkin1994]

The best way to scarify the Nelumbo nucifera seeds is with a coarse-grit sand paper. I usually grind both ends down until I can see the endosperm (the white inner part of the seed) and its always a good idea to wear gloves while scarifying the seeds, just in case of a slip-of-hand. Then you can soak the scarified seeds in some water until the leaf seed erupts!

[@TheSparaxis7]

on mine, I did try to remove part of the shell...but I recently discovered soaking the seed for a month sometimes softens the shell enough to gently peel the flatter end with you bare fingers

[@xeno112]

I bought some pink lotus seed's a month ago, but I didn't try planting them yet. Your video will definitely help, so thanks. I'm going to try a metal file instead of a knife though. BTW sorry if I'm hard to understand, I live in Germany and English is my third language.

[@PlantzNThings]

Good Luck with your seeds :) 3 languages... that's awesome... I think it's hard just speaking 1 sometimes :)

[@xeno112]

PlantzNThings Well I was born in Poland and I live in Germany so I had to learn those languages. But English is the only important language for me since it really opens up the world and gives me access to more information. I planted some Mimosa Pudica seeds yesterday, have you ever tried planting those? Love your videos and hope to see more of your Lotus plants.

[@PlantzNThings]

Sagara Snyden Mimosa Pudica are fun plants to grow. I plant some from time to time during the summer. the leaves are fun to play with :)

[@RicherNature]

After watching a couple of the lotus vids, I got motivated to grow some. Now they are thriving! I made a short video of my lotus growth as well :)

[@williamhwl]

Very fun and interesting !! Looking forward to see how it grow and blooms..Thanks for sharing Bill :D

[@aprilmorgan9899]

What kind of light would they need when brought indoors?

[@RebeccaAndFamily]

I found it easier to soak them for an hour or so first and then make the cut, it softens up a bit.

[@laurenderwacter4351]

Did you have any luck growing your seeds?

[@1065Olivia]

I ordered seeds from Thailand years ago and had good success rate. I used a dremel tool and held the seed in pliers and sanded down until you start to see white then stopped.

[@PlantzNThings]

ooooo That's a great way :)

[@sebastianodemassimi682]

Nice video Bill! Thank you for sharing with us!

[@PlantzNThings]

My Pleasure :) Thank you for watching :)

[@LUUNGUYEN-bn2ov]

I love your videos 👍

[@dawnsmith9674]

Hi i was watching your website regarding water lotous .I have all colours except the blue Nymphaea.If you can help metoget the blue lotous i will be so grateful thanks

[@jailercar]

Hi bill, I decided to plant some seeds off my own and they are growing very well, but I have a couple of concens I hope you can help me clarify. First where do the flowers come from? I have seen a lot of leafs and no flower. And second. Some of the leafs are getting brown stains. Do yo happen to know why this happens?

[@PlantzNThings]

The flower buds will come directly from the Rhizome. it can take a year before you get your first flowers when you start from seed. when did you plant your seeds? as for the brown on the leaves.. I'm not sure.. I'm still learning myself.

[@tamaraprevitali1990]

Always a fun adventure - thanks for sharing ;) love your videos

[@anaarevalo79]

Do you put them in direct sun light after planting. thanks

[@lindseyb1421]

I wonder if a small amount of peroxide would helpin not having to change the water as often? Maby do an experiment on one of them?

[@PlantzNThings]

ooo good idea

[@thomaslakutis9045]

Did you ever move these out of the buckets and into different pots?

[@PlantzNThings]

+Thomas Lakutis I didn't... i ended up tossing them because i was running out of space.

[@thomaslakutis9045]

+PlantzNThings How sensitive are they to being transplanted after they have been growing for a while? I started some seeds about a week ago and they've grown so fast that I have to get them planted but they will have to be transplanted again once it get warm outside.

[@TranVo-AnNhien]

Can I have the name 2 types of sand you mixed in the pot. I am growing them too but don’t know what sand will be good.

[@dixiebeckert6232]

Are used an electric violin little while on my mind to do them and they were really easy that way

[@audaciousthelovedovejones9151]

Sorry, I can't find the video that shows their growth. Can someone help me find that video if it exists?

[@edwardginibun5326]

Hi. I have a set of seeds fresh from their pod ad how should i prepare them if i want to plant them ? Thanks

[@fatherthomas1575]

sandpaper 60 grit ... no cutting sand it. Put your soil in a bucket and fill with water, and float everything out first by stirring , skim off the floaters then drain the water.

[@clairemcheskin]

It's nelumbo nucifera I am growing, are they real lotuses? The pink ones.

[@shekeal2810]

clairemcheskin yes

[@custommaster9131]

plantznstuff can u help me with my bluelotus, I tried to grow then just like u said and they sprouted great in the water bowl, the got about 6 inches long then I pot them in a fish bowl with soil at the bottom then pea rock on top, once I put them in there they stop growing and start to turn colors.please helo

[@BabyFunny01]

Great video! Oh I wondering if you not finish the seeds what you do with them? or can you share with me?

[@samuelhiminbjorg3467]

could you use fish tank gravel to gold it down? each piece of gravel is around 5mm

[@samuelhiminbjorg3467]

*hold

[@PlantzNThings]

+Samuel Lisi Sure you can... that's a great solution.

[@samuelhiminbjorg3467]

Thankyou! :)

[@dakitofey171]

so you dont need hydroponic to grow lotus? and what kinda soil mix did you use?

[@PlantzNThings]

dakito fey the lotus needs to grow in water. lotus like a heavy clay soil

[@Justbme2887]

blue lotus is my favorite and very real

[@herbavitas3252]

So u can grow few plants in one bucket?

[@HeatherRawVeganHenry]

Just wanted to throw this out there, in case it helps anyone. Lotus seeds are a mega pain to break into. Bonsai scissors are awesome to cut into them with. It was easy peasy. Just cut on the side that isn't flat, but bumps out somewhat.

[@PlantzNThings]

+3AMArt DotNet Great suggestion! Thank you

[@dianehayes4565]

I read to open the dimple end and housing like sand paper remove some of that dimple end then proçede.

[@hortonnoah44]

Hi bill, I live in canada too and I REALLY want to grow these. I'm going to try and buy some off of eBay but I was wondering... Where did the seeds you bought come from? Most of them on there are from china, and I don't want to end up paying duty when I go through customs. Recommendations?

[@PlantzNThings]

sorry for the late reply. I can't remember where I bought these from.. I have bought seeds from all over the world and have had no problem having them come across the boarder nor have I had to pay duty (so far) I think it's a dollar value thing.

[@darlenereisterer5653]

You can use a sander to take it down to just where you see white

[@reneenelsen7416]

Use pliers to hold the seed then grate or sand it gently, just enough to crack the shell with out damaging the seed.

[@cyrilsauveur6914]

Is it safe to use normal garden soil or like miracle grow? And then put clay on top of it?

[@PlantzNThings]

Cyril Sauveur sure you can... try not using a peat based soil because it floats...

[@cyrilsauveur6914]

PlantzNThings awesome! Thank you so much. ^^

[@Zanewv]

Cyril Sauveur Do not use miracle grow, you don't want any soil that has plant food or water retention gel in it. You start feeding them the 2nd year.

[@GarrettSpring]

Can't wait to start some lotus this season!! :p

[@orchidsplz24]

i use a small triangular file to make a hole. how long until these seeds bloom?

[@PlantzNThings]

I read roughly 90 days... however I don't believe that. maybe in perfect conditions

[@orchidsplz24]

that seems quick! looking forward to updates

[@Brembelia]

PlantzNThings I've heard 30 days if you use a fish tank heater and a pool thermometer to keep the water temp even at a consistent 82 - 85 degrees.

[@orchidsplz24]

West Winds wow thats fast! but 82-83 is warmer than my house...in winter

[@PlantzNThings]

an aquarium heater in the water will help keep things warmer.

[@kiddmuscle]

I know this is for water Lillie's,but Whenever I try to plant it after they germinate,they have been dieing afterwards .What can I be doing that is wrong?

[@natania143]

Enjoyed this :) very informative and made super easy :)

[@babestango6265]

i have only loam soil. can that work??

[@PlantzNThings]

You can try it.... it will likely float for a like time... but should eventually settle

[@kiddmuscle]

Hello,I tried to poke a hole in my seeds and the whole entire shell came off,will they still grow?

[@rufflife3943]

can I see the updates on the flower? Are they still alive??

[@stuartchang1270]

can i use potting mix instead of garden soil please reply asap??

[@kasie680]

It’s much easier to start them in a terracotta pot with plugged bottom with mud and gravel on top, and slowly fill the bucket

[@wendylluv8173]

Are you using rain water?

[@wwinarto1917]

How often do you change the water?

[@aprilmorgan9899]

Im thinking a large vessle and a fish tank filter would keep them nicely.

[@capt.jeffzavatsky2838]

zone 5 growing great

[@growingthings6232]

Cool video Bill

[@custommaster9131]

also can u make a video one cutting lucky bamboo to make two plants

[@Brembelia]

What kind of heating pad are you using, where did you get it and what does it run? Thanks, :)

[@PlantzNThings]

I bought my seed starting heat mat from LeeValley.com it runs roughly 10 degrees above ambient temp. just perfect for plants.. It will not cook them :)

[@Brembelia]

PlantzNThings Thank you for this information. I don't like FB and rarely go there. I'm a KZbin person. :)

[@arkana56]

How many pads does a single seed can grow?

[@sissymurphy9620]

Instead of opening them all you have to do is sand off the pointer edge of the seed .i have grown 20 of them in the last 5 years .Lilies and lotus seed s can all be grown the same way .I put them in a wine glass in my kitchen window this way as the stems grow they have support from the tall wine glass.I also plant them after that into 100 % clay kitty litter

[@PlantzNThings]

i have tried using sand paper... but i think i sand more skin off my fingers than i do the seed..lol

[@sissymurphy9620]

I actually used a nail file .1 of those metal ones .You can also use a rasp or metal file that they sell in the tool section .I gradually found easier ways .I used ones of those small hobby clamps to hold the seeds also .

[@PlantzNThings]

A clamp would help a lot..lol

[@Skatemasters418]

PlantzNThings thank you so much for your video! how long before there is an actual lotus root, the long white roots that you can cook?

[@reenadeng4eva]

what temperature is the water suppose to be at?

[@pushkardey]

reena chang 82-85 Deg F or 27-30 Deg C... best of luck

[@bettymunoz2372]

can I use tap water or what kind?

[@PlantzNThings]

I used tap water and had great success.. if you let the water stand for 24 hours to get rid of chlorine... that's even better.

[@61doodle]

those are really cool and I love the packaging haha. Now I am wondering if they would do well here in the desert as we get plenty hot, maybe too hot :)

[@PlantzNThings]

I think they would be ok... they thrive in the heat... they grow in water so humidity shouldn't be an issue

[@goddondo]

I'm itching! we got more snow tho.... hopefully it will stop :)

[@Neonlionz]

You sure those are lotus seeds? The little baggie states otherwise.

[@PlantzNThings]

Lol

[@Star-Hole]

I got some seeds from the same company haha. they're coming out great! (by the way pot seeds are smaller)

[@AbidAli]

Watching this video after 10 years 😮

[@nyesafoster3836]

Same!! 🤣

[@BrianKrenshaw22]

easier and safer way to open the seeds is a grinder to smooth the edges down until a tiny amount of white is showing.

[@PlantzNThings]

+Brian Crenshaw That would be easier. :)

[@BrianKrenshaw22]

So much easier I did 40 in 10-15 minutes.

[@triumphmanful]

I used my belt sander. Just till some white begins to show. Then soak in warm water . Now there are stems with small leaves, I must plant them now.

[@mariuszczaplicki4283]

You can use a bench grinder

[@SatyaSaiSanathan]

Well one thing to the lotus seed growers, never let the growing tip (Uncurled Leaf) below the water surface. It will make the leaf unhealthy. Telling with experience !

[@p.rcoursey44]

I thought u could grow them just in water. Mine bloomed n just water . Guess all depends on where u buy them

[@purebloodgirl1]

Pliers work great for cracking them open.

[@pimmy289locy8]

Where I can buy seed lotus pleas I live in New Zealand

[@PlantzNThings]

I bought them from EBAY for Cheap

[@KrishnaEverson]

Can I just toss my seeds into my existing pot and let them do their thing?

[@PlantzNThings]

Sure you can. I would suggest soaking them in a separate glass or bucket prior to planting them... these seeds really dirty the water in the first few days of soaking.

[@KrishnaEverson]

PlantzNThings Awesome. It's mid summer in Australia and my plant has just bloomed. So I'll just soak them and toss them in the pot, and they can flower in a couple of years then?

[@PlantzNThings]

Sounds Great... you Should get flowers the second year.. I have heard people say that it's possible to get blooms within 8 months from seed... that seems a little fast but they can grow very fast when given the perfect conditions.

[@clairemcheskin]

What I did was I sanded the seed coat with sandpaper in one place until the inner bit showed through and then put them in a cup of water for a week.

[@deanandsha]

I planted some water lotus in my 2 acre pond, and my wife is driving me nuts acting like they're going to take over. I read somewhere that they can become a problem. anyone know at point it could be a problem?

[@barbarahogan5726]

Hey use the big black nail file,,, I use file on Canna seeds

[@lindseyb1421]

Great video by the way! :))

[@snarkygrin4132]

What's growing in that bottle? Looks like a Starbuck's frappucinno bottle.

[@PlantzNThings]

I think that's the Brassia Orchid seedlings :)

[@Fadelatmurshidsyahi]

Can I use sand ?

[@aquariumworld22]

which side i shuld cut out the seeds