All about the Blue Lotus Nelumbo nucifera flower

How to prepare Blue lotus

Blue Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) can be prepared in various ways, depending on the intended use. Here are three common ways to prepare blue lotus:

1. Blue Lotus Tea: Blue lotus tea is one of the most popular ways to consume blue lotus. To prepare blue lotus tea, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried blue lotus flowers or leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Strain the tea and drink it while it's still warm.
2. Blue Lotus Tincture: Blue lotus tincture is a concentrated extract of blue lotus that can be used for medicinal or recreational purposes. To make blue lotus tincture, soak dried blue lotus flowers or leaves in alcohol (such as vodka or rum) for several weeks. Strain the liquid and store it in a dark glass bottle. The tincture can be consumed by adding a few drops to a drink or taking it sublingually.
3. Blue Lotus Smoking Blend: Blue lotus can also be smoked as a herbal smoking blend. To make a blue lotus smoking blend, mix dried blue lotus flowers with other herbs, such as damiana or mugwort. The blend can be smoked using a pipe or rolled into a cigarette. Smoking blue lotus can produce a mild psychoactive effect and promote relaxation. However, smoking any substance can have harmful effects on the lungs and overall health, so caution should be exercised when using this method of consumption.

How to grow your own Blue lotus

The stunning aquatic plant that can be grown in a home or garden setting. It's a relatively easy plant to care for, and its exotic appearance makes it a popular choice for water gardens and ornamental ponds. Here are some ways to grow blue lotus in your home or garden:

1. Choosing the Right Container: The first step in growing blue lotus is to choose the right container. Blue lotus can be grown in a pond, water garden, or even in a container. If you're growing blue lotus in a container, choose a pot that's at least 12 inches in diameter and 8 inches deep. Make sure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom to prevent the roots from sitting in water.
2. Planting Blue Lotus: Blue lotus should be planted in a mixture of loam soil and clay soil. Fill the container with the soil mixture, leaving a space of about 2 inches at the top. Gently place the blue lotus tubers on top of the soil, making sure that they're not buried too deep. Cover the tubers with a thin layer of soil and press down lightly to anchor them.
3. Adding Water: After planting, slowly fill the container with water until it's about 6 inches deep. The water should cover the soil and tubers completely. Keep in mind that blue lotus needs at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, so place the container in a sunny location.
4. Fertilizing Blue Lotus: Blue lotus should be fertilized every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. You can use a slow-release fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer that's specifically formulated for aquatic plants. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully, as over-fertilization can damage the plant.
5. Maintaining Water Quality: It's important to maintain the water quality in your blue lotus container. Change the water once a week, removing any debris or dead leaves that may have accumulated. If you notice that the water is becoming murky or foul-smelling, it may be a sign of poor water quality. In this case, consider adding an aquatic plant filter to help maintain water quality.
6. Winter Care: Blue lotus is a tropical plant and cannot survive in freezing temperatures. If you live in an area with cold winters, you'll need to bring your blue lotus inside for the winter. Before bringing it inside, trim off any dead leaves and remove the plant from the container. Store the tubers in a cool, dry place until the next growing season.