Photo: SchwikiCC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Brahma Kamal Plant Care
Saussurea obvallata (DC.) Edgew.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This unique plant is easily recognized by its large, silver-green basal rosette of leaves. Hailing from the Himalayas, Saussurea obvallata is sought after by plant collectors for its rare beauty and ability to thrive in high altitudes. Its stunning appearance and resilience make it a prized addition to any collection.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Brahma Kamal?
Water Brahma Kamal every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Brahma Kamal?
Brahma Kamal (Saussurea obvallata) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Saussurea genus. Brahma Kamal is native to the Alpine meadows of the Himalayas, in India, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan and southwest China at altitudes of 3,700 to 4,600 m. Brahma Kamal is also known as Himalayan Saussurea, Aplotaxis obvallata, Theodorea obvallata.
Brahma Kamal displays a clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Brahma Kamal produces large, showy purple composite flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Brahma Kamal?
Saussurea obvallata requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Brahma Kamal Need?
Brahma Kamal thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Brahma Kamal Prefer?
Saussurea obvallata grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Brahma Kamal prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Brahma Kamal?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Brahma Kamal to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Brahma Kamal?
Feed Brahma Kamal every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Brahma Kamal?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Brahma Kamal?
Brahma Kamal can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alpine saw-wort plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Brahma Kamal Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Brahma Kamal, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Brahma Kamal?
Brahma Kamal is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Brahma Kamal Need?
Brahma Kamal grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 7b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Brahma Kamal is native to the Alpine meadows of the Himalayas, in India, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan and southwest China at altitudes of 3,700 to 4,600 m.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 4a – 7b
Keep exploring plants
Brahma Kamal is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Saussurea genus — compare its care with other Saussurea species on PlantoScan.
Saussurea is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Brahma Kamal thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Saussurea Species
Other Saussurea species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Saussurea obvallata (DC.) Edgew., family Asteraceae (first published in 76 1846) — World Flora Online record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Brahma Kamal, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Schwiki, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 4a – 7b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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