Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Friday - October 19, 2007

From: Mercer, PA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Information about Lotus berthelotte, non-native plant
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I have a plant marker for a plant called LOTUS Berthlotti. I am looking for how to take care of it, but when I type the name in any search engine I get no results! the best way for me to describe the plant is that when it flowers, it literally looks like it's on fire! It's my favorite plant & I do not want to loose it. please help!

ANSWER:

Although our focus and expertise here at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is for plants native to North America, we can guide you to the information you need for caring for Lotus berthelotti, a native of the Canary Islands and Cape Verde near the western African coast.  You can find information from Dave's Garden and Indoor Plant Care

 

 

More Non-Natives Questions

Care of non-native Sorbaria sorbifolia (false spiraea)
August 24, 2010 - I have 2 Sorbaria sorbifolia (false spiraea) that will not flower. This is their third summer. What should I do?
view the full question and answer

Difficulty with Clay Soil from Palm Bay, FL
August 22, 2012 - I had a very nice little native shady area behind my house for over 40 years, but now it has been cleared except for a 100 foot tall live oak in the center of this raised mound (50' x 80'). I've be...
view the full question and answer

Indoor non-native palm tree turning yellow from Leavenworth WA
March 22, 2011 - Why are my indoor palm plant leaves turning yellow. It's about 4 feet bought at local Home Depot store, and it was beautiful when I brought it home. It gets plenty of light. I have only had it for ...
view the full question and answer

Recommend a plant similar to Corkscrew Willow for Austin, TX.
June 16, 2015 - Do corkscrew willows do well in Austin, TX? If not, can you recommend a willow like tree to plant along the banks of a creek?
view the full question and answer

Caring for non-native African violet
September 05, 2006 - How do you care for the African violet?
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.