How to Grow Lotus Berthelotii
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Lotus Berthelotii
Lotus berthelotii
flowerLotus 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.
When should you plant Lotus Berthelotii in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Lotus Berthelotii timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Lotus Berthelotii
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Lotus Berthelotii blooms
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Lotus Berthelotii dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-11; frost-sensitive, best grown in containers that can be moved indoors in cold climates
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Get my Lotus Berthelotii timeline →Growth Stages
Propagation
2-3 weeksCuttings 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 weeksYoung 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 weeksPlant 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 monthsFlowering 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:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; increase air circulation
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Mist foliage regularly, use miticide or neem oil spray, maintain humidity
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Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab, use insecticidal soap, apply neem oil
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Improve drainage, allow soil to dry between waterings, repot in fresh dry soil if affected
Uses
Ornamental Edible Flowers
CulinaryWhile 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]
Container & Hanging Basket Gardening
HouseholdExceptional 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]
Floral Arrangements
CraftCut sprays of coral-red flowers and feathery foliage add exotic texture and color to fresh floral designs and long-lasting dried arrangements. [source]
Pollinator Attraction
WildlifeThe distinctive red-orange flowers attract hummingbirds and various bee species, supporting pollinator populations in gardens. [source]
Tender Perennial Color
HouseholdProvides 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.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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