Persian Carpet Flower Smell: Tips for Growing Edithcolea grandis Indoors

Edithcolea grandis, commonly known as the Persian carpet flower, is a captivating succulent with unique patterns on its petals. The showy flowers, resembling a woven Persian rug, are known for producing a pungent, carrion-like smell that attracts flies for pollination.

This plant is native to East Africa and the Arabian peninsula. It is named after Edith Cole, who first collected the species in a botanical expedition to Somalia from 1894-1895. The succulent is now popular in many desert gardens worldwide due to its high degree of drought tolerance.

During the summer, strikingly colorful flowers form on the tips of the prickly trailing stems. While their smell may be unpleasant to some, Edithcolea grandis remains the favorite in my collection. For 10 years now, it has been a special icon on my back porch.

Common namePersian carpet flower
Botanical nameEdithcolea grandis
Plant typeSucculent
Mature size12 in. tall, 6 in. wide
Sun exposureFull sun – partial shade
Hardiness zones10-13 (USDA)
BloomingSpring – Summer
Flower colorCombination of yellow, maroon, and purple
Toxicity when ingestedMildly toxic to pets and humans
The Persian Carpet Flower

How to grow and care for Persian carpet flower

The Persian carpet flower can be grown indoors or outdoors. It is a perfect specimen for hanging baskets and rock gardens. Here is what it takes to grow and care for this stunning succulent.

Watering needs

Like most succulents, Persian carpet flower plants can tolerate an extended period of dryness. This means they have low watering needs. Overwatering can lead to root rot. You should water only when the soil is completely dry to the touch, preferably once every 2-3 weeks.

When watering, thoroughly saturate the soil until some water runs out of the bottom of the pot. Growing them in clay or terracotta pots will help in maintaining a healthy root system. Generally, it’s better to underwater this succulent than overwatering it.

In terms of humidity, this succulent prefers low to moderate levels similar to the arid conditions in their native habitats. Growing it in excessively humid environments can cause stem rot and other fungal diseases. 

Light requirements

Persian carpet thrives in a full sun, 6-8 hours. While this plant may tolerate partial shade, insufficient light may lead to leggy stems and reduced blooming. When growing indoors, place it near a south or west-facing window, or use artificial grow lights specifically designed for succulents.

If you are growing this succulent outdoors, it is important to note that intense sunlight particularly during the hottest hours of the day may scorch the stems. So, providing some shade during hot summers and peak afternoon hours can be beneficial.

Above all, observe how your plant responds to different light conditions and adjust accordingly. This includes moving it to different spots for maximum sunlight.

Ideal soil and fertilizing

Edithcolea grandis prefers a well-draining soil preferably sandy. Using regular soils can promote root rot as a result of excess moisture. A suitable option is to use commercially available cactus or succulent soil mix. Alternatively, mix perlite, coarse sand, and good natural potting soil in equal parts.

To enhance growth, use a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season. I prefer using a water soluble NPK fertilizer formulated for cactus and succulents. To determine the right application ratio, read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging.

For effectiveness, apply the fertilizer to moist soil, avoiding direct contact with leaves and stems.

During the dormant period in fall and winter months avoid fertilizing your Persian carpet flower. In this period, the plant’s growth slows down and roots may not take up the nutrients. 

Temperature and hardiness

When growing indoors, Persian carpet flower plants prefer warm temperatures in the range of 65°F to 75°F. The succulent can be sensitive to sudden temperature changes. So it’s important you keep it away from drafts and heat sources.

For outdoor cultivation, this plant will grow healthy in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 13. Frost or temperatures below 50°F can cause severe damage. If you live in cold climates, you can enjoy the beauty of your Persian carpet flower by bringing it indoors during the colder months.

Pruning

Although Edithcolea grandis has a slower growth rate, it can be pruned back if needed. Trimming overgrown stems can be helpful in keeping the plant in good shape. However, overdoing it can discourage the formation of flowers on new growth.

Potting and repotting 

Reporting is necessary when the roots have overgrown the current pot. Using a slightly larger container and fresh soil will give the plant more space and nutrients for expansion. Make sure to use a pot with drainage holes at the bottom and well-draining soil.

How to Propagate Edithcolea grandis

Persian carpet flower plants can be propagated by seed but the easiest is through stem cuttings. Successful propagation is during late spring to early summer. The warmer temperatures and increased daylight are conducive to new growth and root development.

To propagate Edithcolea grandis through stem cuttings, you will need sharp scissors or a knife, a well-draining potting mix preferably a combination of succulent soil mix and sand, water, and a clean pot with drainage holes. You may also need a rooting hormone to encourage root development.

  1. Identify a healthy mature stem without any signs of pests or disease.
  2. Sterilize your cutting tool with rubbing alcohol to prevent transmission of disease-causing germs during the cutting process.
  3. Cut off a section of the a section of the identified stem about 4-6 inches long. Make sure it’s intact without any damage.
  4. Place the cutting on a dry surface in a shaded area for a few days to allow the cut end to callus over. This helps prevent rot when planted.
  5. Fill a pot with a well-draining soil mix. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
  6. Before planting the cutting, you may apply your rooting hormone to encourage faster and more reliable root growth.
  7. Make a hole in the potting mix with a small stick and insert the cutting to about 2 inches. Press the soil around it to provide support.
  8. Mist the soil lightly after planting and place the pot in a warm area with bright, indirect light. Water again only when the soil is completely dry.
  9. Place the pot in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct harsh sunlight, as it can scorch the stem.
  10. After a few weeks, you should see new roots and possibly tiny plantlets forming on the cutting.

Tip: If your Persian flower plant has offsets, you can gently separate them from the mother plant and use them for propagation. The procedure remains the same and it will take a shorter time to get new plants.

Pests and common problems

Edithcolea grandis is generally a hardy plant with great resistance to many pests or diseases. However, under improper care, it can be susceptible to a number of issues. Here are common problems and how to prevent and fix them.

Root rot 

Root rot is a problem of overwatering or growing the plant in poorly draining soil. Excess moisture in the soil drowns the roots and attracts fungi that cause root rot. Signs of root rot include foul odor from the soil, plant shriveling, or leaning on one side.

To prevent root rot, ensure the soil is well-draining. More importantly, allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. If you discover root rot, trim away the affected roots, and repot the plant in fresh well-draining soil.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs appear as small, white cotton-like clusters. They can weaken the plant by sucking its sap. If you discover these pests, use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to remove them manually, or use insecticidal soap. Other pests to watch out for include spider mites, aphids, and scale insects.

Temperature stress

Edithcolea grandis prefers warm temperatures. However, exposure to heat or intense direct sunlight can cause damage to the plant. Yellowing or browning of the leaves can indicate sunburn. To prevent this, grow this plant in a location where it receives indirect or filtered sunlight.

Final thought

The Persian carpet flower is a unique plant prized for its intricate patterns on its stems and flowers. True to its name, the vibrant star-shaped flowers make it look like a traditional woven rug. Despite the foul odor from its flowers, this plant is irresistible to any succulent lovers.

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