Reg Tiger lotus

[SPG_19]

I recently ordered Red Tiger Lotus bulb... it has no roots and leaves.  There is rotten smell coming from it, is this common??

I have planted half dipped in my substrate.

Edited December 26, 2020 by SPG_19

[lefty o]

can you better define "i see rotten smell coming from it"?

[SPG_19]

Hi @lefty

Thanks for replying. So when I say rotten smell I mean it smells like compost.

A few months back I made compost made from kitchen waste and burried in soil for few weeks, when it started decomposing it smelled rotten. My lotus build smells the same. 

[lefty o]

ill give you my take on it, it may not answer your question though.  with bulbs, in my experience (hopefully others have better luck) about half wont sprout plants now more than likely the bulb you bought was at one time planted in soil, likely potting soil or compost, so it will probably have a slight odor like that to it. is the bulb good or decomposing, well grab the bulb and lightly squeeze it. if it is solid, it hasnt started to decompose and may still be good. if it is soft, and mushy, toss it out as it is rotting. after about 2 months, if a bulb hasnt sprouted anything, i just toss it as ive now lost interest in it.