"Billboard" and "The New York Times" praised "Lotus Flower" as the best track on "The King of Limbs". "The A.V. Club" described it as "a sensually slinky come-on that's one remix away from being a dance-floor favourite". "The Independent" said it was "not exactly a singalong anthem" but "just blank and cryptic enough to sustain various interpretations". The "NME" called it "subtle but powerful", and the "Austin Chronicle" called it "a commanding piece of modern electro-pop". It was nominated for Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards.