All Asia lotus varieties available today are hybrid variations of Nelumbo nucifera. The "Momo botan" is a miniature lotus that grows 12-15" leaves, and stands between 2' and 4' tall. 

The flowers on this lotus are "double flowers" resembling peonies. Momo botan translates to like a peach colored peony. This plant is highly invasive under proper conditions; be careful to keep all roots contained in the pond. The flowers measure 5-6" with 106-118 petals, giving it the pronounced double effect. They have very deep rosy-pink petals, yellowing towards their bases.

The "Momo botan's" flowers remain open for several days longer than most lotus, as well as remaining open later into the day. An extra-long blooming season is another bonus to this miniature lotus. 

The "Momo botan" will also thrive in tubs and kettles in the full sun. They are good for small container gardens such as a half oak barrel or in small ponds. Pot in round, shallow, solid containers of 20 gallons or more, in 2-18" of water.

If your lotus is already potted and has been wintered inside, in the spring, set it out on your porch in full sun. Keeping it there until the water in the pot is approximately 80°F will get it to bloom sooner. Wait until the leaves have started to grow and the pond temperature is above 70°F before submerging the lotus pot to your pond. This prevents the plant from going into shock.

If possible, do not allow water to sit on the surface of the leaves; this will create burns. After a rain shower, tip leaves to allow water to run off them. Lotus leaves naturally repel water, but sometimes rain can puddle in the center. Lotus should be repotted every 3 to 5 years to maintain proper growth. The smaller the pot, the more often it will need to be repotted.

Overwintering in place:

• Wait until lotus leaves are shriveled and stems are brown.
• Remove all spent flowers and seed heads from the lotus plants and cut the stems down to about 10" above the water. The reason for this is that the lotus stems are hollow and if you should cut down the stems beneath the water level, you will drown the plant. If you have smaller lotus, leave about 5" of the stem above the water.
• The lotus will reappear in the spring when the weather and water warm up.

Indoor method:

• Bring the container into a garage or basement where it is cool but unlikely to freeze.
• Be sure the container has some water in it as the tubers should not be allowed to dry out.
• A dark area is great as you do not want the lotus to sprout early. Optimal temperature would be 35 to 50 degrees. If it is warm and sunny the tubers will sprout early expending all the stored energy and weakening the plant.
• Place outside in full sun again well after the last chance of a hard freeze.

Harvest and store tubers:

• If you would like to harvest your tubers and store them indoors over the winter, start by gently turning your lotus pot upside down and hose off the roots and tubers until the soil is washed away.
• Sort through the roots and tubers and choose tubers with at least two growing tips.
• Mix one gallon of water with one tablespoon of bleach and soak the new tubers for about an hour.
• Remove from bleach water and store cool and dry.

*Lotus tubers can be stored in the crisper of your refrigerator for a number of months, but do be sure to check on them and provide an additional dip if any mold or mildew begins to grow.