This rare Himalayan flower is said to bring good luck — How to grow sacred Brahma Kamal at home?

The Brahma Kamal (Saussurea obvallata) is one of the most sacred flowers that grows in the Himalayan regions. This particular flower holds a unique spot in Indian culture and spirituality and also horticulture. The flower is rare and revered across the Himalayan belt and beyond. It is because the flower is considered a divine symbol which blooms only at night and smells like heaven! Adventure seekers from far and beyond travel to Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand to see these floral beauties bloom. It is believed that watching a Brahma Kamal bloom brings luck and blessings. But the thing is, it’s not possible for everyone to travel to the high altitude regions to witness these. So the question is, can you actually grow this sacred plant at home? And if so, what are the benefits of doing so? The answer is yes, you can. But you need to take some precautions and create ideal conditions for Brahma Kamal to bloom.What is Brahma KamalFor those who don’t know, the Brahma Kamal is a flowering herb native to the Himalayas. It can be found in India, Nepal, Bhutan, and southwest China and grows at high altitudes. The flower is known for its resistance and can thrive in thin air and cool temperatures. The cup-shaped flowers are often concealed within protective bracts. These blossoms open at night and wither by morning. That’s why it’s considered rare. It is also the ‘State Flower of Uttarakhand’ and can be spotted on Indian postal stamps.Understanding why it’s rare and spiritual significanceAs per Hindu mythology, the Brahma Kamal is sacred and is closely related to the Lord of Creation, Brahma. As far as Vastu Shastra is concerned, the plant is considered auspicious. It is said that placing the Brahma Kamal in specific areas of the home, such as the centre (Brahmasthan) or the northeast direction (Ishan Kona), attracts prosperity, fortune and harmony.Can you grow Brahma Kamal at homeYes, you can under the correct environment. You’ll have to understand that Brahma Kamal is not an easy plant to grow indoors unlike other indoor plants. The plant thrives in specific high-altitude Himalayan regions only, and creating a similar condition at home, especially in flats is a challenging task. But, with patience and the right environment, you can grow this sacred plant at home and enjoy its beauty. Let’s see how you can achieve this:TemperatureThe Brahma Kamal plant thrives in high altitude and low temperatures. It will not do well in hot and humid conditions.While growing at home, you can place the plant in air-conditioned spaces or cool shaded areas.Soil To grow Brahma Kamal, you need a well-draining soil mix. It is important to prevent root rot.It should be a perfect combination of sand, soil and cocopeat.Remember, the plant cannot bear standing water for long so high drainage is important.Light requirementThe plant prefers bright but indirect light. Direct midday sunlight can wither the leaves and turn them yellow. So avoid.Watering requirementThe plant needs moderate watering. Only water when the soil is completely dry. At all costs, avoid overwatering.Propagation You can propagate from leaf cuttings which is a preferred home gardening method because growing from seed is slow.Let the cut end callus for a couple of days. Then prepare a soil mix and plant. You need to place the pot where it receives indirect light.Challenges you can faceIt is a challenging task as the growth rate of Brahma Kamal is not rapid. Blooms may take years.What’s important is temperature control. Keep it consistently under cool conditions.Frequent repotting and poor watering habits can disrupt growth.Benefits of growing Brahma Kamal at homeBrahma Kamal at home brings a sense of peace and promotes emotional calm. As per Vastu expert Surya Tamang from Dehradun, the plant is said to help cleanse the home’s energy and promotes positive feelings and optimism, among others.Mythic allureWhat truly sets the Brahma Kamal apart from more common garden plants is its rarity. It grows in the wild and seeing it in bloom is a special event. The flowers often open only at night and that too for only a few hours. For many, to witness its bloom is a blessing and brings luck.So now that you know that the Brahma Kamal plant can be grown in your balcony (under the right conditions) — you can also grow it at home). Just understand that it demands patience, careful attention and proper environment. The reward is both spiritually and mentally fulfilling.