Creative (inexpensive) ideas for lining large pot?

I have a large decorative pot I want to use for a water garden to move my lotus to, as I don't think she's fairing well in the pond with the gold fish. I used this pot once before for a water garden on the deck, then changed it over to plant other things in it with soil. Now I'm back to looking at it as a good summer home for the lotus before I give up on growing one. (This is my second, and we all know they don't usually come cheap!).

I've sealed up the plug, but there are a couple of cracks in the bottom that cause it to leak a bit. So I'm trying to figure out what I can do to re-line the pot and make it a good home for the lotus. Any suggestions? I've thought about trying a double layer of super hefty lawn/leaf bags, but wasn't sure how they would hold up to the water, or if they would leech anything into the water and harm the lotus. There will be NO fish in here; just the lotus and light aeration/movement in the water to help eliminate a mosquito haven.

I've attached a picture of the pot with my 35lb "big boned" beagle -- Emmitt -- beside it for ideas on size/shape/etc. Will attach a second one showing the inside as well.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Here is another picture of the inside of the pot.

You may just want to purchase an inexpensive plastic pot about the same size as yor clay one and use it as a liner inside. Once the lotus fill out you will not see the plastic pot. Emmitt is adorable and he does not look big boned sitting next to your large pot!

My lotus is in a cheap sturdy black plastic. Happy ponding. Bellie

Bellieg -- how big is your container? Mine is in a black plastic dish type container (about 10 inches high and 20 inches diameter) which I dropped down in the pond. I was going to do the same in the new pot/pond once I figure out the liner to ensure the larger pot contains the water.

I'm not sure if it will fix the cracks but I think it might.
I have used Rubberized Undercoating from the Auto parts store.
It has not hurt any of my plants to date but I don't have lotus I desperately
want one but have not had the money to buy one yet.

Let us know how you make out!

Darleen

My lotus is 7 years old and I am using as large planter from a tree we had purchase. i am not sure of the exact measurement. My lotus had only had 2 flowers this year because I did not fertilized.
I found 4 u,
I think i paid $100.00 for my lotus years ago but you might be able to get a cheaper one on ebay. Bellieg

I was just introduced to this company by another DGer. They have fair prices and a large assortment of different varities. My first order should arrive this week. I am very excited.

http://www.tricker.com/cat-lotus

I don't have any suggestions, just wanted to say I ♥ Emmitt's smile ☺

Thanks Fish_knees ... everyone comments on that when they see him. He actually has an under bite, so he is ALWAYS smiling, LOL.