Spathodea

Family. Bignoniaceae.

Where does it grow? West Africa.

Description. Spathodea is a stunning flowering plant. The leaves are compound, up to 40 cm long, consisting of opposite lanceolate green leaflets with well-defined veins. Young leaf blades often have a bronze tint. Inflorescences are apical, multi-flowered racemes. Flowers are red, orange or yellow, funnel-shaped, up to 10 cm in diameter, opening sequentially - from the edges to the center of the inflorescence.

Height. In the natural environment it reaches 20 m; in indoor culture, the height is regulated by pruning. It grows quickly and blooms at a fairly young age.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

The plant is cold-resistant; moderately warm conditions at a temperature of 16 - 22° C are best suited. 

Lighting

Loves well-lit places with direct sunlight in the morning and evening. On hot summer days, slight shading is necessary. 

Care

A very unpretentious species, not requiring much time and effort. Young shoots are pinched to stimulate branching, in which case the spathodea forms a larger number of buds. In the warm season, take the plant outside.

Substrate

Grows in nutrient soils with good drainage. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions.

Feeding

Trees should be fertilized every 14 days throughout the growing season.

Purpose

An ornamental flowering plant of extraordinary beauty. Flowers can be used as cut flowers - they retain their attractive appearance in water for a long time.

Flowering time

From June to September. Individual buds may appear at any other time of the year.

Air humidity

The bushes appreciate good air circulation - place them in a ventilated room. Spray the leaves periodically or use a room humidifier.

Soil moisture

Water in spring and summer until the earthen ball is completely soaked, but allow the top layer of soil 3-6 cm thick to dry before the next watering. When the weather becomes rainy in the fall, watering is reduced.

Transfer

Young specimens are replanted every year in spring. Large tub trees are difficult to replant, so the top layer of soil in them is changed annually.

Reproduction

Spathodea is often grown from seeds, but vegetative propagation is possible using apical cuttings or suckers. Pots with seedlings are placed in a warm place with a temperature of 18 - 21 ° C. Young plants are watered only from below so that their root system develops faster in search of water. 

Pests and diseases

Spatodeya rots when there is excess moisture. Harmful insects may  include aphids, red spider mites, and whiteflies.