A Comprehensive Guide to the Types of Lotus Flowers

The lotus flower is widely recognised across Asia, including Singapore, as a symbol of purity, resilience, and spiritual growth. However, this beloved flower comes in many varieties, each with unique forms, colours, and characteristics. 

This guide explores the main species of lotus, highlights their distinct colour meanings, and discusses how they are used in modern floral design and home décor. By understanding the different types of lotus available, readers can better appreciate their beauty, symbolism, and practical applications.

The Two Primary Lotus Species

Despite the hundreds of beautiful lotus cultivars available today, every single one can be traced back to one of two fundamental species. These two plants form the foundation of the entire lotus family, and understanding their distinct characteristics is the first step to appreciating the breadth of lotus diversity.

Nelumbo nucifera – The Sacred Asian Lotus

When most of us picture a lotus, we are thinking of Nelumbo nucifera. Also known as the Indian Lotus or Sacred Lotus, this species is native to a vast region stretching from Vietnam to Afghanistan, as well as parts of Australia. Its flowers are large and showy, appearing in classic shades of luminous pink or pure white. They are held on strong, rigid stems that can stand more than a metre above the water's surface, a key characteristic that sets them apart.

The leaves are just as remarkable. They are large, round, and peltate, meaning the leaf stalk attaches to the centre of the leaf, like a shield. These leaves possess a famous quality known as the "lotus effect"—their surfaces are superhydrophobic, causing water to bead up and roll off, collecting dirt and keeping the leaf surface clean.

Culturally, Nelumbo nucifera is immensely significant. In Hinduism, it is linked to deities like Vishnu, Brahma, and Lakshmi, symbolising divine beauty and spiritual purity. In Buddhism, it represents the journey of the soul, rising from the muddy waters of materialism to achieve enlightenment. 

As the national flower of India and Vietnam, its place in the cultural lexicon is profound. It is from this revered species that the majority of ornamental pink and white cultivars have been painstakingly developed over thousands of years.

Nelumbo lutea – The American Lotus

The second primary species is Nelumbo lutea, commonly known as the American Lotus or Yellow Lotus. As its name suggests, it is native to North and Central America, from Ontario down to Colombia. While it shares the same classic lotus structure, its defining feature is its yellow blossoms.

The flowers of the American Lotus are typically smaller and more cup-shaped than its Asian cousin. It is a very hardy species, capable of withstanding colder climates. While it does not hold the same widespread spiritual reverence as Nelumbo nucifera, it was historically significant for various Native American tribes, who used its seeds and starchy tubers as a food source.

From a horticultural perspective, Nelumbo lutea is invaluable. Its genes are responsible for introducing the yellow colour into the lotus gene pool. Expert breeders have crossed it with Nelumbo nucifera to create a stunning array of hybrid cultivars, expanding the lotus palette into shades of cream, peach, and multi-toned wonders.

Lotus Varieties by Colour and Form

Lotuses have many varieties which make them among the most amazing floral gifts to anyone for any occasion. 

Selective breeding has produced a magnificent spectrum, where each hue is imbued with its own layer of meaning and appeal.

White and Pink Lotus Varieties

These are the most classic and symbolically rich colours in the lotus flower world.

• White Lotus: The pure white lotus is a universal symbol of spiritual perfection, peace, and purity of the mind. In Buddhist teachings, it represents a state of enlightenment known as bodhi. It is sometimes referred to as the "Womb of the World" for its connection to creation and spiritual birth. Cultivars like 'Alba Grandiflora' are celebrated for their large, immaculate white blooms.
• Pink Lotus: The pink lotus is often considered the supreme and truest lotus, most famously associated with the highest deities, including the Buddha himself. It represents love, compassion, and the untainted nature of one's heart. The iconic 'Sacred Pink' cultivar is a classic example, beloved for its perfectly formed petals and rich historical lineage.

Red and Yellow Lotus Varieties

These hues offer a more vibrant and passionate expression of the lotus's beauty.

• Red Lotus: A red lotus symbolises the qualities of the heart, including love, passion, and generosity. Its intense colour makes a powerful statement. While many "red" lotuses are actually a very deep pink, horticulturalists have worked for decades to develop true, rich red varieties. Cultivars like 'Ben Gibson' and 'The President' are prized for their deep, saturated colour.
• Yellow Lotus: Drawing its colour from Nelumbo lutea, the yellow lotus represents joy, intellectual curiosity, and spiritual openness. Its bright, sunny disposition brings a sense of optimism and light. It is associated with spiritual ascension and the attainment of knowledge.

Multi-Toned and Changeable Lotus Varieties

Some of the most fascinating lotus varieties are those that display more than one colour. These complex beauties are a testament to the art of hybridisation.

• Bi-Coloured Lotuses: Many cultivars feature petals with a different coloured edge, known as a picotee. Varieties may have white petals delicately tipped with pink or purple, creating a subtle and elegant effect.
• Changeable Lotuses: Perhaps the most magical are the 'changeable' cultivars. These flowers transform their colour over their typical three-day blooming period. A famous example is 'Mrs. Perry D. Slocum', which opens a rich pinkish-yellow on the first day, deepens to a soft pink on the second, and fades to a creamy yellow-white on the third. This daily transformation makes them a captivating feature in any water garden.

Differentiating Lotus from Water Lily

A common point of confusion for many is distinguishing a true lotus from a water lily. While both are beautiful aquatic plants, they belong to different botanical families and have several distinguishing features. 

You will also find many types of white lilies.

Key Differences: Lotus vs. Water Lily

Here is a simple, direct comparison to help you easily tell them apart:

• Flowers and Stems: The most obvious difference. Lotus flowers are held up on strong, rigid stems that stand high above the water's surface, often by 30cm or more. Water lily flowers either float directly on the water's surface or are held just slightly above it on weaker, flexible stems.
• Leaves: Lotus leaves are large, round, and umbrella-like, and are also held high out of the water. They are peltate (stem attached in the middle) and lack any split or notch. Water lily leaves, often called pads, float directly on the water and have a distinctive V-shaped notch on one side.
• Seed Pod: After a lotus flower blooms and its petals fall away, it leaves behind an iconic, cone-shaped seed pod that resembles a shower head. This structure is unique to the lotus and is not found on water lilies.
• Water Repellency: The "lotus effect" is unique to the lotus leaf. Water beads and rolls off its surface. Water lily pads will hold water on their surface.

The Special Case of the "Blue Lotus"

You may have seen references, particularly in ancient Egyptian art, to a "Blue Lotus." This often leads to the search for a true blue variety of Nelumbo. However, the plant depicted by the ancient Egyptians is not a lotus at all. 

It is the Egyptian Blue Water Lily (Nymphaea caerulea). This beautiful plant, with its star-shaped blueish flowers, was sacred in ancient Egypt, symbolising creation and rebirth as it opened with the sun each morning. While it is a stunning flower with its own rich history, it is a water lily, not a true lotus.

Using Lotus in Floral Design and Home Decor

Beyond the garden, the lotus flower offers wonderful versatility for bringing natural beauty into the home. For the discerning individual in Singapore who values both aesthetics and meaning, the lotus can be enjoyed in three distinct forms: fresh, dried, and preserved.

Fresh Lotus Flowers

A fresh lotus bloom is a sight of breathtaking, if fleeting, beauty. Due to their very short vase life—typically only two to three days. They are reserved for moments of impact. They are often used as religious offerings in temples or as the star of a grand floral centerpiece for a special event. 

For home decor, a single, perfect lotus stem in a tall, clear glass vase creates a minimalist statement of profound elegance. To maximise their short life, cut the stem at an angle under water and place it in clean water immediately, away from direct sunlight or drafts.

Dried Lotus Pods

Once the magnificent flower has faded, the plant leaves behind its unique seed pod. When harvested and dried, these pods become a favourite material for florists and interior stylists. Their strong, architectural shape and hole-punched surface add incredible texture and a rustic, organic element to arrangements. 

Dried lotus pods are exceptionally long-lasting and require no care. They are a key component in modern dried flower arrangements, wreaths, and decorative displays, offering a sustainable way to enjoy the lotus's structural beauty year-round.

Preserved Lotus Flowers

Preserved flowers are a marvel of modern floral technology. Using a special process, the natural sap and water within a fresh lotus flower are replaced with a plant-based, non-toxic glycerin solution. This technique allows the bloom to maintain its soft, pliable texture and natural shape for many months, or even years, without any water or light. 

A preserved lotus offers the best of both worlds: the vibrant, fresh look of a live flower combined with the longevity of a dried element. They are perfect for creating opulent, long-lasting arrangements, chic office decor, or stunning preserved floral domes that serve as a permanent art piece in the home.

Conclusion On The Different Types Of Lotus Flowers

The lotus is a plant of remarkable depth, with a story that travels from its two primary species, Nelumbo nucifera and Nelumbo lutea, to a dazzling array of cultivars. Its beauty is expressed not just in its iconic form but in a rich palette of colours, each with its own profound symbolism. 

Understanding this diversity allows for a far greater appreciation of its role in culture, nature, and design. 

If you are looking for fresh flowers, look no further than Singapore Florist. Visit our collection of premium flowers and find your perfect blooms.

Contact us today for blooms delivered straight to your door!

Frequently Asked Questions About The Types Of Lotus Flowers

What Are The Two Main Types Of Lotus Flowers?

The two primary species are Nelumbo nucifera, the Sacred or Asian Lotus, known for its iconic pink and white flowers, and Nelumbo lutea, the American Lotus, which is distinguished by its yellow blossoms. All other varieties are cultivars derived from these two species.

What Is The Main Difference Between A Lotus And A Water Lily?

The easiest way to tell them apart is that lotus flowers and leaves stand on tall, rigid stems high above the water. Water lily flowers and pads float directly on or just above the water's surface. Additionally, only the lotus produces the distinctive, cone-shaped seed pod.

What Do The Most Common Lotus Colours Symbolise?

A white lotus generally symbolises purity of mind and spiritual perfection. A pink lotus, considered the supreme lotus, represents love, compassion, and divinity. A red lotus signifies passion and generosity, while a yellow lotus is associated with joy and intellectual curiosity.

Is The Famous Egyptian Blue Lotus A Real Lotus?

No, it is not a true lotus. The flower depicted in ancient Egyptian art is the Egyptian Blue Water Lily (Nymphaea caerulea). While culturally significant, it is a member of the water lily family, not the lotus (Nelumbo) family.

Can I Use Lotus Flowers In Home Decor?

Absolutely. You can use them in three main forms: as stunning but short-lived fresh flowers for a special occasion, as dried seed pods for long-lasting textural arrangements, or as preserved flowers that maintain a fresh look for months or years without water.

Can I Grow A Lotus Flower In My Singaporean HDB Flat Or Home?

Yes, it is possible to grow lotus plants in Singapore. Dwarf or smaller varieties are well-suited for container gardening. You will need a large, water-tight pot without drainage holes, placed in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, such as a sunny balcony.