How to Grow Lotus Berthelotii

Lotus Berthelotii

Lotus berthelotii

flower

Lotus berthelotii, commonly known as Parrot's Beak or Coral Gem, is a tender perennial succulent native to the Cape Verde Islands. It produces striking coral-red to orange claw-like flowers that resemble a parrot's beak, along with delicate silver-green feathery foliage. This cascading plant is prized for containers, hanging baskets, and as a tender ornamental in temperate climates.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; more sun promotes better flowering

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Water: Water moderately during growing season; allow soil to dry between waterings. Reduce water significantly in winter. Drought-tolerant once established; overwatering causes root rot

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 90-120 days from rooted cutting to first flowering

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Planting depth: Surface sow seeds or plant rooted cuttings at same depth as nursery container

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or gritty loam

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Perlite or pumice (30-40% of mix) Coarse sand Compost (minimal) Avoid heavy clay or moisture-retentive soils

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 9b-11; frost-sensitive, best grown in containers that can be moved indoors in cold climates

9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Propagation

2-3 weeks

Cuttings or seeds are started; fine, feathery foliage emerges as tiny shoots

Use well-draining propagation mix, maintain moderate moisture, provide bright indirect light initially. Cuttings root in 2-3 weeks

Establishment

3-4 weeks

Young plant develops a stronger root system and more defined foliage; stems begin to elongate

Gradually increase light exposure, begin fertilizing lightly, ensure excellent drainage. Transition to regular pot size

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Plant develops cascading stems with increasingly feathery, silver-green foliage; no flowers yet

Feed with balanced or slightly lower nitrogen fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Pinch back stems to encourage bushier growth if desired

Flowering

6-12 weeks (main season: spring-early summer)

Distinctive coral-red to orange claw-shaped flowers appear in clusters along the stems; peak bloom in spring to early summer

Continue regular watering and feeding; deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Ensure maximum sun exposure

Dormancy/Rest

2-3 months

Flowering slows in late summer and fall; plant enters semi-dormant period in winter

Significantly reduce watering and feeding. Move indoors or provide frost protection if temps drop below 50°F (10°C). Prune lightly to maintain shape

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Echeveria Sedum Aeonium Helichrysum Diascia Calibrachoa Osteospermum

Avoid planting near:

Heavy feeders that prefer wet conditions Tall plants that shade it Plants requiring frequent watering

Common Pests

Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; increase air circulation
Mist foliage regularly, use miticide or neem oil spray, maintain humidity
Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab, use insecticidal soap, apply neem oil
Improve drainage, allow soil to dry between waterings, repot in fresh dry soil if affected

Uses

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Ornamental Edible Flowers

Culinary

While not a common food plant, the flowers are technically edible and can garnish desserts or salads for visual appeal, though they have minimal flavor contribution. [source]

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Container & Hanging Basket Gardening

Household

Exceptional for cascading display in pots, hanging baskets, and window boxes; the trailing habit and vibrant flowers make it a focal point for patios and balconies. [source]

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Floral Arrangements

Craft

Cut sprays of coral-red flowers and feathery foliage add exotic texture and color to fresh floral designs and long-lasting dried arrangements. [source]

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Pollinator Attraction

Wildlife

The distinctive red-orange flowers attract hummingbirds and various bee species, supporting pollinator populations in gardens. [source]

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Tender Perennial Color

Household

Provides reliable, long-blooming ornamental color in mild climates; in colder zones, easily moved indoors for winter protection. [source]

Harvest Tips

Lotus berthelotii is grown for ornamental flowers rather than harvest. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote continuous flowering. Flowers appear primarily in spring to early summer. Cut stems can be used in fresh floral arrangements.

Fun Facts

🌱 The common name 'Parrot's Beak' perfectly describes the claw-like curved flowers, which indeed resemble a parrot's curved beak when viewed in profile.
🌱 Native to the arid Cape Verde Islands off the coast of Africa, Lotus berthelotii is highly drought-tolerant and thrives in conditions that would stress most flowering plants.
🌱 Despite being relatively uncommon in mainstream horticulture, it has gained cult status among succulent and tender plant enthusiasts for its unique sculptural flowers and delicate, almost fern-like foliage.

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