Caesalpinia

Family. Legumes.

Origin. Tropical regions of America and Asia.

Description. According to various sources, the genus has from 60 to 150 species of plants, including perennial shrubs, vines and trees, evergreen and deciduous plants. The stems of the caesalpinia often bear large thorns. The leaves are very delicate, green, complex - they consist of numerous pairs of tiny oval leaflets on thin branches - fingers. During the flowering period, magnificent multi-flowered conical brushes appear, bearing brightly colored yellow, orange or scarlet flowers. After flowering, pods up to 10 cm long appear on the caesalpinia, containing seeds - beans.

Height. In the natural environment, it can reach a height of 5 m. When grown indoors, the height of the plant can exceed 2 m. Caesalpinia grows quickly.

Caesalpinia - care at home

Temperature

Caesalpinia can be kept throughout the year at a temperature of 18 - 24 ° C. In the winter months, it is advisable to reduce the room temperature, but it should not fall below 13 ° C. 

Lighting

In spring and summer, plants should receive about 5 hours of evening or morning sun. It is worth protecting only from direct sunlight during the daytime. In autumn and winter, provide as much light as possible in the room. When there is a lack of light, plants bloom less profusely. 

Care

The bush grows without much trouble. Caesalpinia needs formative pruning, carried out annually in early spring.

Substrate

A mixture of garden soil with the addition of peat and leaf humus, charcoal and coarse river sand is suitable to improve drainage. 

Feeding

During active growth, feed plants with liquid fertilizer every two weeks.

Purpose

A large tub-like, spectacularly flowering plant that will decorate both a spacious and bright living space, as well as a balcony or loggia. 

Flowering time

Flowering is most abundant in summer. The flowering period varies in length; under optimal conditions, caesalpinias can bloom throughout the year. 

Air humidity

It tolerates fairly dry air in residential premises quite well, and high humidity is more likely to prevent the invasion of insect pests than a necessary condition for growing caesalpinia. 

Soil moisture

Water your plants thoroughly and regularly in spring and summer. Dry the top layer of soil between waterings to a depth of 1 - 3 cm. In winter, if the plant is kept in cool conditions, watering should be water-saving. 

Transplantation

Caesalpinia is replanted annually, in the spring, or the top layer of substrate is replaced with a fresh one if replanting is not possible. Plants have an extensive root system and it is better to provide them with spacious pots when transplanting. 

Reproduction

It is easily propagated even by seeds sown in spring. Seedlings are kept warm - at a temperature of 24 ° C. The germination period takes up to 20 days. To improve germination, seeds are soaked in warm water for a day before planting. Vegetative - apical cuttings and air layering. 

Pests and diseases

Among the harmful insects, the flower can be attacked by  spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies.