When your containers arrive, you have two choices:

You can transfer the plants to a larger container of your choice. The easiest way to do this is to leave a depression about the size and shape of the original container when you fill the new home with soil. The plants can be removed from the shipping container as a unit by inverting it and carefully allowing the soil and roots to slide out. Once you have them in hand, simply plant them in the depression and the lotus will continue growing with no transplant shock. There is no need to bareroot them and we advise against it.

Or you can sell as is...simply remove the lid, add water and sit in a warm, bright location. Just be sure to monitor the water level in the container and maintain a 2 - 3 inch depth so the soil doesn't dry out. For long term holding, it is advisable to feed them twice a month with a weak solution of soluble fertilizer. Given some light and an occasional light feeding, the lotus will survive and grow for months without having to be planted.