Lathika Suthan from Kerala Turns Terrace into Thriving Garden, Mastering the Art of Growing Water Lilies and Lotuses to Build a Successful Business.

In the heart of Thrissur, Kerala, Lathika Suthan has established herself as a floral enthusiast with a remarkable collection of nearly 100 lotus varieties and 80 species of water lilies, all cultivated in her own home garden.

Lathika cultivates unique and valuable types of lotus flowers, including the Ancient Maple Leaf and the 1,000-petal lotus. These particular varieties are known for being strong and resilient. She mentions that these flowers have bloomed for the first time in her garden in Kerala, which is noteworthy.

Her impressive collection has caught the eye of magazines and social media, sparking a wave of interest in lotuses and drawing countless enthusiasts to her doorstep.

Through this, many people became curious about lotuses and began reaching out to me. I started giving tubers to those eager to grow these beautiful plants. Then I thought, why not turn this into a business? Lathika shares.

Recognizing the opportunity to combine her passion with entrepreneurship, Lathika transformed her hobby into a thriving business. Today, at 51, she earns up to Rs 40,000 every month from her flourishing venture.

We sat down with Lathika to trace her journey from being a primary school teacher to becoming a successful lotus entrepreneur, uncovering how she mastered the art of propagating these exotic flowers and turned her passion into a thriving business.

Lathika Suthan Journey from Teacher to Lotus Entrepreneur

Lathika love for gardening traces back to her childhood, where the simple act of nurturing plants and watching them grow brought her immense joy. Ever since I was a kid, I enjoyed gardening and found happiness in watching lotus blossoms bloom, she reflects.

Although she went on to become a primary school teacher in her early 20s, Lathika could not resist the pull of her passion for plants. In 2018, she decided to commercialize her hobby of growing water lilies and lotus plants. What started as a personal interest gradually evolved into a flourishing business, marking the shift from her teaching career to fully embracing her green-thumb ambition.

Venturing into uncharted territory, Lathika embarked on a journey to explore and research the fascinating world of lotus flowers and water lilies.

I discovered that there are hundreds of varieties of lotus and water lilies, but only a few were available in India. The rest were imported from countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan, she explains.

Gradually, Lathika dedicated more time to learning simple, effective methods for growing lotus and water lilies at home. I began purchasing both native and imported saplings from nurseries across the country. Initially, I bought new varieties, which were quite expensive. When a variety is first introduced to the market, its price is high, but it tends to drop after a year or so, she shares.

For instance, in the beginning, I purchased lotus tubers for as much as Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 each. Now, they only cost Rs 250 per tuber, Lathika shares.

To gain a deeper understanding of cultivating lotus and water lilies at home, Lathika attended numerous workshops and classes organized by the agricultural department in her district. I also reached out to others who were into lotus cultivation for guidance. Then, I started experimenting on my own and learned along the way, she adds.

Through a combination of hands-on experimentation, insights from workshops, and conversations with industry experts, Lathika gradually honed her skills, mastering the art of growing these exotic plants.

Lathikas Journey from Hobbyist to Expert:

Lathika sustainable approach to plant care truly sets her apart. She strongly advocates for using natural fertilizers, incorporating ingredients like dried cow dung, used tea leaves, powdered eggshells, and occasionally DAP (di-ammonium phosphate) to nourish her garden.

She emphasizes the importance of sunlight, water, and quality soil over chemical fertilizers, demonstrating how easy it can be to manage lotuses and water lilies. Her approach makes these plants accessible even to amateur gardeners, highlighting the simplicity of their care.

In addition to her stunning collection of lotuses and water lilies, Lathika also grows a variety of other plants, including orchids, begonias, aglaonemas, creepers, and various indoor plants. “Compared to other plants, managing lotuses and water lilies is much easier. Once planted, they grow and bloom with minimal care,” she says, underscoring the low-maintenance appeal of these aquatic beauties.

Lathika Suthan: From Passionate Gardener to Successful Entrepreneur – An Inspiration for All

Reflecting on Lathikas inspiring journey and the transformative power of pursuing her passion, her husband, Suthan Thozhuthumparambil, shares, “I am deeply inspired by her work, and I take pride in how she is embracing her childhood passion even at this stage in her life.”

Having worked in Qatar for many years, Suthan retired and returned home to support his wifes business. “Whenever I came back home, I made sure to help her out. She taught me how to water these exotic plants and how to repot them. Gardening has become something we enjoy doing together,” he says.

Today, Lathika manages to sell over 150 lotus seedlings and more than 100 water lily seeds each month. She receives bulk orders from hospitals, hotels, and resorts, making her business flourish.

Yet, for Lathika, the real reward goes beyond financial success. “More than money, I feel deeply content and at peace with each bloom of flowers. These plants offer me a respite from the daily stress,” she adds, highlighting the profound joy she finds in nurturing natures wonders.

Her story is a beautiful reminder of the power of following ones passion, the support of loved ones, and the serenity that nature can offer.

Edited by Gayathri