A neighbor has a beautiful pond with a few plants including a no name potted lotus. In the past when I had lotus in ponds the leaves mostly grew from the pot and raised up above the water surface. My neighbor's lotus has leaves that float like lilies and it sends out extensive runners; there are few leaves coming up from the pot. I suggested he feed the plant; any other suggestions on why this plant acts like this?
Another lotus question
We have a lotus with leaves that float on the water, too. It has two buds swelling. I was waiting until it bloomed to post a picture. Does your neighbor's have large leaves? Ours are no bigger than a lily's so far - I'm wondering if it's a dwarf. I've read that they are heavy feeders.
My neighbors do not know what kind of lotus they have. Like yours, the leaves are not too large at all. I have had a dwarf (I think it was Momo Boton?) in my last home and the leaves were large and held above the water.
I suggested to my neighbor that they raise the pot up closer to the surface; I don't think lotus like being too deep in the water.