On the Winter Solstice eight weeks ago, I planted five 15-year-old lotus seeds. They rapidly germinated and sprouted, filling a small aquarium. Now they are producing lovely circular leaves. In a couple of months I’ll move them outside.
From eight days ago. The uncurling leaf in this picture has since opened and died, to be replaced by the new leaf, pictured in the opening photo.
The older unfolding leaf had a black spot on it at the stem, barely visible in the picture above. The newer leaf, below, looks much healthier.
The new leaf hugs the southernmost corner of the aquarium, near the window.
You can see the black developing in the lower tip of the older leaf. It spread across the center of the leaf and it died. It affected only one leaf this way.
Underwater, the 20-odd stalks tangle into a maze.
The dead, algae laden stems intertwine with the living.
Another look at the newest leaf:
This leaf is unfolding at over 1.5 inches diameter. The larger current leaf is 2 inches, shown in the opening photo.
I am running the aerator more now in the Lotus’ aquarium, and have begun changing a quart of the water at a time, frequently, to keep any diseases at bay.
Now it’s your turn.
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What have you noted in your area or travels? Snow burying the bird feeders yet?
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/s/ Redwoodman