Gosh........that's curious! It doesn't look diseased.....just like some other plant! Let us know what develops!
Where did you get these seeds?

Yeah its verry odd the other sprouts slightly browned but nothing dramatic like this it looks identical to them as far as size and shape just strikingly different in color. they all are growing just as quickly as my first batch from hobby lobby but i bought these from a seed seller from china on ebay.

Is it planted in a different kind of bowl than the others? Is it the same soil, water, etc.?
Is it possible its something different than a lotus??
(Just grasping at straws here).
This is really interesting. Keep us posted on its progress!

nope same exact water, soil, and milk jug. seed looked identical before sprouting and looks identical to sprouts all except for color. i checked on it this morning and it has put up a second stem right at the surface of the water and just as orange. who knows??? one of two things i have some mystery lotus or a lotus that is on its deathbed and still hanging on. i'd prefer mystery lotus! lol

Are you sure you didn't put it in an orange juice jug? haha
Very interesting. It looks healthy, so I'm thinking you have something really cool going on there! Take good care of it and we'll see what develops!
Did all the seeds really look like lotus seeds?
Maybe you have one of those thousand-year old rare lotuses!

There are some lovely small Red Tiger Lotus that have a similar color. They are sold for the aquarium trade. The color is not an impossibility. It may be a sport or a hybrid. I'd enjoy seeing the fully developed plant.

ive considered the tiger lotus theory it could have gotten mixed in...hmmmm? catherinet wouldnt that be funny!! lol i have rare orange juice lotus:P i'll keep ya posted!

You can buy lotus seeds at Hobby Lobby?