Lotus berthelotii, known as Parrot’s Beak or Coral Gem, is a plant native to the Canary Islands. This tender perennial features distinctive silver-gray, needle-like foliage that elegantly trails. Its most striking characteristic is its fiery red-orange, beak-shaped flowers, which emerge in clusters, offering a vibrant contrast against the delicate leaves. These exotic blooms resemble a parrot’s beak, making it an eye-catching addition to gardens and containers.
Essential Care Requirements
Light Needs
Lotus berthelotii thrives in abundant sunlight, requiring at least six hours of direct sun daily for optimal growth and prolific flowering. Full sun exposure helps maintain the plant’s characteristic silver foliage color and encourages compact branching. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and reduced blooms. In hot climates, providing afternoon shade can prevent scorching, while ensuring adequate morning light.
Watering Practices
Consistent moisture is important for Lotus berthelotii, especially during its active growing season from spring through summer. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings is crucial to prevent waterlogging and root rot. Both overwatering and underwatering can cause the plant’s foliage to drop. During cooler months, when growth slows, reduce watering frequency and volume.
Soil and Drainage
An ideal soil for Lotus berthelotii is well-draining, sandy, or loamy, with a pH from slightly acidic to neutral. Good drainage is paramount to prevent water accumulation around the roots, which can quickly lead to root rot. Incorporating coarse sand or grit into the potting mix or garden soil enhances drainage. This plant struggles in heavy, compact, or clayey soils that retain too much moisture.
Temperature and Humidity
Lotus berthelotii prefers warm temperatures, ideally between 65-75°F (18-24°C), and is sensitive to cold. It cannot tolerate frost or temperatures below 39.2°F (4°C). High summer temperatures, particularly warm nights, can cause the plant to stop blooming. Average humidity is sufficient, but overly humid conditions should be avoided to prevent fungal issues.
Fertilization
Regular feeding supports the vigorous growth and abundant flowering of Lotus berthelotii. During the spring and summer growing season, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two to four weeks. As fall approaches and growth slows, reduce or stop fertilization entirely. Overfeeding can lead to salt buildup in the soil.
Pruning and Maintenance
Regular pruning maintains the plant’s attractive form and encourages continuous blooming. Deadheading spent flowers redirects the plant’s energy from seed production to developing new blooms. Light pruning controls the plant’s shape, promotes a bushier habit, and removes leggy, weak, or unhealthy growth. This maintenance is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, or after the main flowering period.
Pest and Disease Management
Lotus berthelotii is generally robust but can encounter pests and diseases. Common pests include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, especially in overly humid environments or when grown indoors. Organic control methods like insecticidal soap or neem oil can manage these infestations. Root rot is a prevalent disease, primarily caused by overwatering or poor drainage.
Overwintering Your Plant
In colder climates, Lotus berthelotii is often cultivated as an annual due to its sensitivity to frost. It can be overwintered indoors as a tender perennial in USDA Zones 10-12 and warmer. Before the first frost, bring container plants indoors. During this dormant period, reduce watering significantly, allowing the soil to dry out more thoroughly. Provide bright, indirect light and maintain cooler temperatures, ideally between 45-55°F (7-13°C), ensuring they remain above freezing. This cooler, drier environment supports the plant until spring.