Growing Unique Lotus and Water Lilies in Kerala
In the district of Thrissur, Kerala, Lathika Suthan has distinguished herself by cultivating nearly 100 types of lotus plants and 80 species of water lilies at her home, becoming a noted figure in flower growing.
Special Lotus Varieties That Bloomed First Here
Lathika cultivates rare and valuable lotus varieties such as the Ancient Maple Leaf and the 1,000-petal lotus, known for their strength and uniqueness. These special lotuses reportedly bloomed for the first time in Kerala in her garden.
Her achievements attracted attention from magazines and social media, drawing many visitors and increasing interest in her garden.
“The blooming of these special lotus varieties in Kerala, for the first time in my garden, marked a milestone that redefined local horticulture.”
Turning Passion into Business
Following growing interest, many people began contacting Lathika to acquire tubers, leading her to consider turning her hobby into a business. At 51 years old, she now earns up to Rs 40,000 monthly from her venture.
We explored Lathika’s journey from a primary school teacher to a successful entrepreneur in lotus cultivation, discovering how she honed her skills with these unique flowers.
A Lifelong Love for Gardening
Lathika’s passion for gardening started in childhood. She found joy in nurturing plants and watching lotus flowers bloom, a source of happiness even as she pursued a career as a government primary school teacher.
In 2018, she began selling water lilies and lotus plants, transitioning her hobby into a dedicated business.
Discovering the World of Lotuses and Water Lilies
Lathika embarked on extensive learning about lotus and water lily varieties, noting that while there are about 100 kinds globally, only a few grow naturally in India. Most varieties were imported from countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan.
Her husband, Suthan Thozhuthumparambil, assists with watering the exotic plants, sharing the gardening experience.
She acquired both native and imported plants from nurseries across India, initially paying high prices for tubers, ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000. Over time, prices have declined to around Rs 250 per tuber.
To enhance her expertise, Lathika attended multiple workshops organized by the district’s agricultural department and learned from fellow lotus growers. Through experimentation and practice, she developed specialized knowledge in cultivating lotuses and water lilies.
A Natural and Easy Approach to Caring for Plants
Lathika employs natural fertilizers such as dried cow dung, used tea leaves, powdered eggshells, and occasionally di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) to nurture her plants. She emphasizes the importance of sunlight, water, and quality soil over chemical fertilizers, demonstrating that lotuses and water lilies can be easily managed even by beginners.
Beyond lotuses and water lilies, she also cultivates orchids, begonias, aglaonemas, climbing plants, and other houseplants.
According to Lathika, “Compared to others, lotuses and water lilies are much easier to care for. Once planted, they grow and flower with little attention.”
Her husband expressed pride in her work, stating, “I was inspired by her work. After retiring from my job in Qatar, I decided to help her with the business. When I come home, I assist with watering and repotting. We enjoy gardening together.”
Successful Sales and Deep Satisfaction
Lathika sells over 150 lotus seedlings and more than 100 water lily seeds each month, fulfilling large orders from hospitals, hotels, and resorts.
Despite the financial rewards, she finds greater joy and tranquility in witnessing each flower bloom. She shared, “More than money, I feel happy and calm when the flowers bloom. These plants help me relax from daily stress.”
All photos courtesy of Lathika Suthan.
