BellinaEdithcolea grandis: Growing the Persian Carpet Flower at Home
A Chance Beginning
I first met Edithcolea grandis, also known as the Persian carpet flower, at Kim’s Nature. The plant was thriving when I accidentally knocked off two branches while admiring it. Feeling guilty, I brought those cuttings home and placed them in soil. To my surprise, they rooted quickly. The original mother plant eventually died, but those two little pieces flourished and became the foundation of my journey with this remarkable succulent.
What Makes Edithcolea grandis Unique
Edithcolea grandis does not resemble a typical succulent. Its green stems are spotted and ridged, stretching outward in shapes that remind me of coral. The true highlight is the bloom. The flowers are large and star shaped, with intricate yellow and maroon patterns that look almost like woven fabric. This is why it is commonly called the Persian carpet flower.
The beauty of the flower comes with a twist. The blooms have a strong odor that most people would call unpleasant. However, this smell plays an important role by attracting flies, which are the plant’s natural pollinators.
My Blooming Experience
For years I have cared for my Edithcolea grandis without fully knowing what triggers its flowers. My routine is simple. I keep it in a warm bright location, water only when the soil is completely dry, and provide a little diluted fertilizer with each watering. Most seasons, I get one single flower, and I am grateful for it.
This year, however, the plant rewarded me with two enormous blooms. The only change was that I kept it indoors in my living room instead of moving it out to the balcony. With the curtains drawn, it received steady bright filtered light but no direct sun. Perhaps the stability encouraged it to produce more.
Lessons from Two Cuttings
The most surprising part of this story is how the mother plant died, yet the two broken branches thrived. I gave them the same care, but only the cuttings survived. Looking back, I see it as a small twist of fate. What seemed like an accident became the start of something beautiful.
Care Guide for Edithcolea grandis
Light: Bright but filtered light, protect from harsh direct sun
Temperature: Warm indoor conditions, avoid cold drafts
Watering: Only when soil is completely dry
Soil: Well draining cactus or succulent mix
Feeding: Diluted fertilizer with each watering during the growing season
Bloom: Expect large patterned flowers with a strong scent designed to attract flies
Final Thoughts
Edithcolea grandis is not an ordinary houseplant. It is rare, striking, and full of character. The flowers may not smell pleasant, but they are works of art in nature’s design. For anyone who loves unusual succulents, this plant offers resilience, beauty, and a fascinating story year after year.
Discover Edithcolea grandis, the Persian carpet flower. Learn care tips and read my story of how two cuttings grew into a blooming succulent.
