In Asia, the petals are sometimes used for garnish, while the large leaves are used as a wrap for food, not frequently eaten (for example, as a wrapper for zongzi). Lotus leaves are also used to serve food in various cultures. [68]

Blue lotus flowers bloom during the summer, slowly emerging from the water and opening their petals to receive the Sun’s light. They close again in the evening. Due to all this, the plant became a symbol of light (the Sun), origin, eternity, and resurrection for ancient Egyptians. Blue lotus is an aquatic plant, and therefore, it requires the right type of soil to thrive. The ideal soil for growing blue lotus is a mixture of clay and loam. This soil type retains moisture well, which is crucial for the plant's growth and development. Clay soil has a high water-holding capacity, ensuring that the roots of the blue lotus plant remain hydrated.

Legality

The sacred lotus requires a nutrient-rich and loamy soil. [28] In the beginning of the summer period (from March until May in the northern hemisphere), [33] a small part of rhizome with at least one eye is either planted in ponds [34] or directly into a flooded field. [35] [36] There are several other propagation ways via seeds or buds. [30] Furthermore, tissue culture is a promising propagation method for the future to produce high volumes of uniform, true-to-type, disease-free materials. [37] Nelumbo nucifera shows high potential for usage in wastewater treatment removing polluting compounds [58] and heavy metals. [59] [60] [61] It is able to grow in variable water conditions [62] and in low light intensity. [58] Various studies show the successful use of N. nucifera to counteract water eutrophication. [58] [63] The leaves of the floating lotus reduce sunlight reaching the lower part of the water. This suppresses algae growth in N. nucifera aquatic systems and thus, the oxygen content is up to 20% higher than in other aquatic plant systems. [58] Due to intense agricultural practices, nitrogen and phosphorus pollution are major problems in aquatic systems. N. nucifera is able to assimilate a higher content of phosphorus than aquatic plants currently used for water remediation (such as water hyacinth). It also assimilates nitrogen (" denitrification") and creates a habitat for bacterial growth in the water body. [58] Through rhizofiltration, heavy metals – including arsenic, copper, and cadmium – can be removed efficiently from the water. [59] [60] The results observed are impressive showing 96% of copper and 85% cadmium metals removed after a seven-day incubation period. [60] The accumulation of heavy metals doesn't show morphological symptoms of metal toxicity; [61] however, the rhizome quality for human consumption needs further study. Chemical analysis of the blue lotus (Nymphaea caerulea) shows that the plant contains more than 20 different antioxidants including phenols, flavonoids, saponins, anthraquinones and anthocyanins. These are present in all parts of the plant, with the highest concentrations in the leaves and the flowers. Most importantly, the blue lotus contains the two alkaloids apomorphine and nuciferine. Flower lotus cultivars are used exclusively for ornamental purpose, producing many flowers and the lowest plant height. [40] a b Tian, N., et al. "Isolation and preparation of flavonoids from the leaves of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn by preparative reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography." Se pu= Chinese journal of chromatography25.1 (2007): 88–92.

Rhizome lotus cultivars produce a higher yield and higher quality rhizomes than seed or flower lotus cultivars. Furthermore, this group grows tall and produces few to no flowers. [40] [37] The soil in which blue lotus is grown plays a vital role in their overall health and growth. These plants require a rich, loamy soil that is well-draining. A mixture of equal parts garden soil, sand, and compost can provide a suitable growing medium for blue lotus. It is important to ensure that the soil remains consistently moist, but not waterlogged, throughout the growing season. Regular watering is necessary to maintain optimal moisture levels for the plants.

Pharmacology

Sacred Lotus Genome Sequence Enlightens Scientists". Science Daily. 10 May 2013 . Retrieved 13 May 2013.