Fremontia

Family. Sterculiaceae.

Origin. California State.

Description. Fremontia is an evergreen multi-stemmed shrub or low tree. The leaves are green, palmately dissected into 3 rounded segments, covered with brown pubescence, arranged alternately. The flowers are yellow or orange, 4–7 cm in diameter, solitary, very abundantly covering the entire length of the stems.

Height. In its natural environment it reaches 5 m in height, grows quickly and is periodically replaced with young specimens.

Home care

Temperature conditions

During the growing season, plants are kept at normal room temperature in the range from 18 to 24 ° C. In the winter months, a dormant period begins, which the bush should spend cool - at a temperature of 13 - 18 ° C. 

Lighting

For abundant flowering, it is necessary to provide good sunlight - the pot should be placed in a place where the shoots and leaves will receive direct sunlight every day in the morning and evening. Provide maximum lighting in the fall and winter.

Care

In autumn it may shed some leaves - this is normal. Stems sometimes require support to grow.

Substrate

Loose and well-drained soil with sufficient nutrients.

Feeding

In spring and summer, feed the plants with liquid fertilizers 2 times a month. In autumn and winter, fertilizing should be stopped.

Purpose

A magnificent flowering plant.

Flowering time

Spring - summer, blooms profusely and for a long time - for several months. 

Air humidity

Does not require high humidity. Drops of water falling on leaves and stems with insufficient air movement can cause fungal diseases.

Soil moisture

This species is more likely to tolerate drought than even slight stagnation of moisture. Even during the period of active growth, the top layer of soil should be dried between waterings. In winter, water so that the substrate dries to half its depth. 

Transfer

Repot fremontia in spring, resize the pot if necessary and replace the soil with fresh substrate. Choose a container with large drainage holes. Replace the top layer of soil annually for larger specimens.

Reproduction

Vegetative, using half-ripe stem cuttings, rooted in spring and summer using growth hormones. Rooting takes several months. It propagates quite easily by seeds. 

Pests and diseases

Rot often occurs due to excessive watering, especially in the cold season.

Note

The fine yellow or brown hairs covering the leaves and young shoots can cause skin irritation.