Care of the plant Lotus berthelotii or Parrot beak |
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The genus Lotus, family Fabaceae, comprises 150 species of flowering plants native to all continents. Some species are: Lotus berthelotii, Lotus corniculatus, Lotus creticus, Lotus alpinus, Lotus aduncus. Common names: Lotus vine flower, Parrot beak, Pelican beak, Coral gem. This species is native to the Canary Islands. They are evergreen subshrubs with a creeping bearing that reach 25 cm (9.84") in height. They have fine, small, needle-like, silver-green leaves. The curious bird-beak-shaped flowers can be red, orange, or yellow. They bloom from mid-spring to early summer. They are used in hanging pots, to cover slopes and in rockeries. The Lotus berthelotii prefers full sun exposure but also grows in semi-shade (especially recommended in Mediterranean climates). They do not resist frost or cold below 4 ºC (39.2 ºF). The soil can be a normal well-drained garden substrate with siliceous sand and a slight contribution of organic matter. Transplant in spring if the roots show below the pot. Water moderately waiting for the substrate to be almost dry. Fertilize biweekly during spring and summer with mineral fertilizer for succulents. Prune lightly in late winter to favor the next flowering and maintain a compact appearance. They are plants quite resistant to pests and diseases; they only fear excess humidity and intense cold. They propagate by cuttings in spring or summer, from seeds sown in spring or by division. |
Images of the plant Lotus berthelotii or Parrot beak |
 Lotus berthelotii  Lotus berthelotii  Lotus berthelotii |