In Sanskrit the word for lotus is padma. So the next time you are in Jalan Padma, you will know that you are in Lotus Street. Buddhist, Chinese, and Hindu deities are often depicted as seated on a lotus flower. Lakshmi, wife of the Hindu god Vishnu, the goddess of fortune and prosperity is also usually portrayed as sitting on a lotus, her traditional symbol.
The lotus also has a close connection with Balinese culture. In Balinese scripture Danghyang Dwijendra stated Bali as Padma Bhuwana, or “lotus flower” of this planet. The lotus flower is the king of all flowers (Raja Kesuma) and referred to in various stories. Balinese temples contain many structures and one of the most important is the Padmasana or Lotus Throne. The Padmasana is a tall sculptured stone tower upon which the empty stone seat, or lotus throne, is reserved for Sanghyang Widi Wasa (the Supreme God).
The Padmasana is located so that it faces away from the holiest mountain, Gunung Agung. In southern Bali it is located in the northeast corner of a temple, in northern Bali located in the southeast corner of a temple. The throne is usually two metres above the ground so that it is above the heads of worshippers. In larger versions of the Padmasana, there are steps leading up to the throne to enable people to make offerings. The whole structure signifies the entire cosmos from the demons to the heavens. Around the base there are representations such as mountains to indicate the physical world of man. The godly seat is placed well above these.
Lotus plants are symbolic in both the ancient and modern world, and are celebrated for their beauty both in art and religion and have an obvious cultural connection with Bali, so why not grow some? A common misconception is referring the lotus as a water lily as these plants belong to a different genus, water-lily (Nympha genus) and lotus (Nelumbo genus). There are also visible differences between water lilies (bunga teratai) and lotuses. The leaves of the water lily grow from below the water and rest on the surface, whereas the lotus has leaves that can sit from 30cm to four feet above the water. The lotus has a circular structure from the centre of flower, that goes on to form the distinctive circular seed pod. The dried seed pods resemble water spouts and are widely sold throughout the world for decorative purposes and for flower arranging.
Another difference is that water lilies come in various colors including blues and purples, yellows, reds, whites, pinks, and pastel orange. The lotus has flowers only in hues of pink, yellow or white. There are tropical lotus and cool temperate types as well. Most lotuses that come from China are suited to a cooler climate. There are also two types of water lilies those for cooler climates, and tropical types.
Both types of plants have virtually the same requirements. The most important thing is full sunlight and they both require heavy soil. Plant them in large plastic or terracotta pots, or you could use wire baskets. Line pots with several sheets of newspaper, then add a few handfuls of gravel or small pebbles on top of this and then add in the soil or mud. This will stop soil leaching from the bottom of the pot. Cover the top with pebbles also, to keep the soil trapped within the pot. This is the best way to keep your pond or water bowl looking clear. Plant them by placing them in the center of the container, and let the crown of the plant rest just above the surface of the soil.
Always use a growing medium that is free from herbicides and pesticides. The pots that you use should be large enough to allow the rhizome room to spread. The rhizomes creep across the surface of the soil hence a wider pot is preferable to a deeper one. Make sure your lotus or water lily gets enough sunlight, at least 4 hours, ideally 6 hours or more. Strike a balance between plants and the surface area of the pond, plants should cover approximately 65% of the surface area. With new plantings, initially place the pot just below the surface and gradually lower as the lotus or water lily grows. Once the plant is established, the pot can remain at the desired depth.
Plant the crown from 15cm to 30 cm below the water surface, as a general guide. Remember good maintenance practice, clean off old, yellowing leaves and spent flowers to keep your plants healthy. Once the flower is finished, it will slowly sink into the water. Seed pods form and the ripe seeds fall into the soil below. Seed production is costly to the plant. To ensure many blooms, cut the dying flowers as they sink below the surface. Follow the stem down as far as it goes; either cut it or snap if off with your fingers. Also clean off dead or dying leaves in the same manner.
To get the best out them, it’s best to plant them in an earth bottom pond, because the more they can run, the more they will flower. Research the ultimate size of your plant before you buy it. A lotus with a six-foot spread will not thrive in a small pot. There are plenty of options available in all colors and sizes.
In Bali, the most common water lily, are white, yellow, pink, blue or purple. The lotus usually comes in varieties pink, white or yellow. You can find lotus and water lily in abundance in Bali, they are easy to find at any nursery and they are also easy to grow. They thrive in small garden ponds, pots and containers, and bring life to any garden. It could just be the most culturally significant plant that you can grow in Bali!
