Edithcolea GRANDIS, Sagalla

Edithcolea GRANDIS, Sagalla - Edithcolea grandis, Persian carpet.

A very rare plant!

Edithcolea is a genus of succulents in the milkweed family (Asclepiadoideae / Apocynaceae) from South Africa. Many species visually look very similar to each other: low shrubs 10-20 cm (3.9-7.9 in) tall composed of fleshy leafless toothed shoots. Even a specialist cannot always determine the species if the plant is not in bloom at the moment. However, the flowers of each species are truly unique, magnificent, and extraordinary.

A small succulent shrublet with profusely branching, heavily spined shoots. Stems are light green or brown, rounded in cross-section or with longitudinal, low ribs. Spines are light, often white, short, but very sturdy. Flowers, as in most milkweeds, have 5 rounded or pointed, spotted petals covered with sparse fuzz, reaching 10-12 cm (3.9-4.7 in) in diameter. Flower hues include burgundy, brown, yellow, and greenish. The flowers of some plants can have an unpleasant odor.

Edithcolea grandis blooms with huge, up to 13 cm (5.1 in) in diameter, beautiful flowers of unusual coloration. In Kenya, it is called a "piece of Persian carpet". Heavily branched, prostrate or semi-prostrate, grayish-green shoots - which develop a darker irregular pattern in the sun - reach 30 cm (11.8 in) in length with a diameter of 1.5-2.5 cm (0.6-1.0 in). Grown as an indoor houseplant on windowsills (except north-facing ones). It looks striking in ceramic planters, in a home succulent display, or in a rockery.

Seeds are sown into pure sand or a mix of peat, perlite, and sand (2:1:1) with the addition of 5-10% crushed charcoal, moistened with a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in light but not direct sun at a temperature of 25-28 °C (77-82 °F). Seedlings need ventilation. Waterlogging and drying out of sowings must be avoided. Seeds germinate in 4 to 8 weeks.

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Edithcolea is easy to grow and can be recommended to beginner flower growers. Excessively long stems can be trimmed. A very unusual, showy, foliage plant that is very attractive when grown in hanging planters. Flowering begins in summer and lasts up to 1.5 months.

Edithcoleas do not like cold, so year-round maintenance at room temperature is suitable. Winter maintenance is in a cool room at a temperature of 12-15 °C (54-59 °F). They prefer to grow in light partial shade from direct sun in summer. Only in the morning and evening can plants be kept in full sun. In autumn and winter, a windowsill well-illuminated by sunlight is required. With insufficient light, shoot color fades and plants become elongated.

Water moderately but thoroughly during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out before the next watering. Reduce watering in winter just enough so that the root ball does not completely dry out. There is no need to spray. In winter, the air should remain dry. It is desirable to provide good air movement around the plant, avoiding cold drafts.

For cultivation, use loose soil, such as commercial cactus and succulent mix with the addition of coarse river sand, perlite, or pumice to improve drainage. Fertilize with cactus and succulent fertilizer high in potassium and low in nitrogen, twice a month at half concentration, monthly.

Adult plants are repotted every 2 years in spring; it is preferable to use clay pots, whose walls are permeable to air and water, allowing the soil to dry faster.