Persian Carpet (Edithcolea grandis)

Photo: Morten RossCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped

Persian Carpet Plant Care

Edithcolea grandis N.E.Br.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This plant is known for its unique, star-shaped appearance with fleshy, grey-green leaves that resemble large succulent flowers. Originating from the deserts of East Africa, the Edithcolea grandis is highly sought after by plant collectors for its striking and unusual appearance that adds a unique touch to any collection.

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Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Persian Carpet?

Water Persian Carpet every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Persian Carpet Native To?

Native range18 countries

What Is the Persian Carpet?

Persian Carpet (Edithcolea grandis) belongs to the Apocynaceae family within the Edithcolea genus. Persian Carpet is native to eastern Africa and to the Arabian Peninsula. Persian Carpet is also known as Persian Carpet Flower, Carpet Flower, Persian Carpet Plant.

Persian Carpet displays a low-growing succulent vine growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Persian Carpet produces small star-shaped white flowers with purple centers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Persian Carpet?

Edithcolea grandis requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Persian Carpet Need?

Persian Carpet thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Persian Carpet in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Persian Carpet Prefer?

Edithcolea grandis grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Persian Carpet prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–80°F

Humidity

50–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Persian Carpet?

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for Persian Carpet to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Persian Carpet?

Feed Persian Carpet every 2 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 2 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 Persian Carpet?

Repot every 1-2 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 Persian Carpet?

Persian Carpet can be propagated through leaf cuttings, stem cuttings.

Is the Persian Carpet Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Persian Carpet, 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 Persian Carpet?

Persian Carpet is susceptible to mealybugs, 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 Persian Carpet Need?

Persian Carpet grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Persian Carpet is native to eastern Africa and to the Arabian Peninsula. In cooler regions, grow Persian Carpet as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 11a – 12b

Keep exploring plants

Persian Carpet 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 Edithcolea genus — compare its care with other Edithcolea species on PlantoScan.

Edithcolea is part of the Apocynaceae plant family — browse all Apocynaceae genera and species.

Persian Carpet thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Edithcolea grandis N.E.Br., family Apocynaceae (first published in Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1895: 220 (1895)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Persian Carpet, 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: Morten Ross, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 12b, 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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