Erytrina

Family. Legumes.

Origin: Uruguay, Brazil. 

Description. Erytrina is a large genus of semi-deciduous trees with a spreading crown or large shrubs, consisting of more than 100 species. In a moderate climate it can retain its leaves, but in cool conditions it sheds them. The stems of the plants often have long, sharp thorns. The leaves are green, smooth, and compound - each consisting of 3 oblong-elliptical segments 8-12 cm long, slightly bent along the central vein. Most species bear large salmon or red flowers collected in apical inflorescences-brushes. Some varieties have white, purple, greenish, yellow or pink flowers. Buds form early - often before the leaves appear. After flowering, the tree forms pods with rounded pea-shaped seeds. There are variegated varieties, distinguished by veins highlighted in a contrasting shade.

Height. It develops very quickly and in 1 season is capable of producing shoots longer than 2 m. In the natural environment, the height of the trees can reach 30 m.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

The bush will appreciate warm conditions in spring and summer. With sufficient watering and air humidity, it will withstand the strongest summer heat. In the winter months, a cool rest period should be provided at a temperature of 4 - 7 °C.

Lighting

A brightly lit location with access to sunlight in the morning and evening hours. Light shading is only necessary on hot summer days when the sun is too active. If there is insufficient light, flowering will not be as abundant or will not occur at all. 

Care

This species is demanding of temperature conditions and not all novice gardeners will be able to cope with it. To maintain a compact shape, shoots should be trimmed annually in early spring, frequent pruning will promote repeated flowering throughout the year. Erythrina will appreciate being outdoors during the warm season.

Substrate

A light peat-based substrate, preferably with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction, rich in organic matter, with the addition of coarse sand to improve water drainage.

Feeding

In spring and summer, feed with complex liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Some fertilizers should be replaced with organics. Do not feed in autumn and winter.

Purpose

Large tub specimens require sufficient free space for development, but will delight the eye with spectacular and abundant flowering.

Flowering time

Spring - summer. The specific flowering period often depends on the conditions of maintenance and the plant variety.

Air humidity

With the onset of warm weather, the air humidity should be increased using a room humidifier or a tray with wet pebbles. Also, in the morning hours, you can spray the leaves with soft water at room temperature. The tree should be placed in a well-ventilated room with constant air movement.

Soil moisture

Watering should be abundant and regular in spring and summer. Keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season and gradually reduce the frequency of watering after flowering in the fall. In the winter months, if kept in cool conditions, the soil should simply be protected from drying out. 

Transplantation

Transplantation is carried out in early spring, before new growth begins. Young erytrinas are transplanted annually into larger pots. It is difficult to transplant tub plants, so their top layer of soil is simply replaced with fresh soil annually.

Reproduction

The bush is propagated by seeds, which are sown in loose, moist substrate in early spring. Erythrina grown from seeds blooms for the first time at the age of 3 years. It can be propagated by cuttings, however, they are reluctant to take root.

Pests and diseases

Flowering is absent when there is a lack of light. Leaves may dry out when there is insufficient air humidity.

Harmful insects that can attack the flower include aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and nematodes. 

Note

All plant parts are poisonous - keep erytrina away from children and pets.