Oh so carefully I removed the lotus from he plastic bag. Cradled in both hands I lowered it to the bottom of the tank. As I took my hands out of the water the bulb separated from the plant. Planted the 3 leaves in the gravel with the rhizome exposed. Two weeks later and its added two more leaves, and is doing fine.
Plants arrived healthy, and on time. The Val has shown new growth in just two weeks. Only complaint, $70 worth of plants came in a small (4"x4"x 10") box. Plants without water and in individual plastic bags don't take up much space. And, I should be pleased for less expensive shipping. But sure didn't look like I got much for the money when I got the container out of the mailbox. Very pleased with the plants.