Lotus berthelotii aka Coralgem

Taxonomy

Lotus berthelotii, also known as lotus vine flower, parrot (or parrot's) beak, pelican beak, and coral gem, is a rare creeping perennial plant from the pea family Fabaceae. This tropical plant is endemic to the Canary Islands of Spain, as well as the Azores, Cape Verde, and Madeira. Though widely cultivated, it is either extinct in the wild or persists as a few individuals due to plant collection hastening its decline. The stem of this plant can grow up to 37 inches (about 1 m) in length, while its height can reach 10 inches (22 cm). The Lotus vine is covered with numerous thin leaves that are 0.5-1 inches (1.5-3 cm) long. Its bright, eccentric red-yellow flowers shaped like flames are about 1 inch (3 cm) in size and are quite a sight during flowering. Lotus berthelotii is a super rare houseplant that is not challenging to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. As a member of the Lotus genus, it is a flowering green beauty that is often used in landscape design and can also thrive indoors.

Common names

Coralgem, Parrot's Beak, Pelican's Beak

How to care for Coralgem

Difficulty

Coralgem requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Coralgem should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Lighting

Coralgem requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Coralgem will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Coralgem to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.


More info:
Wikipedia