The Red Plumerillo (Calliandra tweediei) also called bishop’s acorn, llama bush or zucará, belongs to the Fabaceae family, that is to say the pea family. It is a plant native to South America. This flowering evergreen shrub is grown around the world for its brilliant blooms. In this article we will see how to propagate, cultivate the Red Plumerillo and its care.
Basic Facts About the Red Plumerillo
The Red Plumerillo grows rapidly, reaching two meters in height with a width of one meter.
The small tree has dark green compound leaves, with five to 10 pairs of leaves per stem. In its native region, it can reach 4 meters in height.
When growing Red Plumber in relatively small gardens, most people prune this tropical plant to control height, especially when grown in containers.
The most popular varieties produce red or pink flowers, but there are also white ones. Although the flowers are attractive and unique, they do not produce a noticeable fragrance.
In warm regions, red, pink and white flowers bloom intermittently throughout the year. In temperate regions, it does so from spring to fall.
How to Propagate Red Plumerillo
Propagation is relatively easy, as the cuttings root quickly. Spring or early summer are the best times to prune the plant and take cuttings.
Cut branches that are at least 15 cm tall and be healthy. Cut the leaves from the bottom of the stem but leave some from the top. Too much foliage harms the cut.
Dip the tip of each cutting in rooting hormone (optional).
Prepare individual pots if you are going to make more than one cutting, put garden soil in each one and if you have some, add compost to give it more nutrients.
Bury the cut part about 3 or 5 cm so that it is supported by itself, tamp the soil a little with your fingers to firm it up even better, then water gently until the soil is completely moist.
Place the cuttings in a warm place, such as the kitchen, where there may also be a little more humidity.
Wait for the plants to grow strong and have new leaves before transplanting them to their permanent locations.
Growing Red Plumerillo and Its Care
Irrigation
When the plant is small, that is, during the first year, in the spring, start watering the plant regularly, two or three times a week will be fine.
As temperatures cool in the fall, begin limiting watering frequency to once a week or fortnightly.
Once established they are drought tolerant so if grown in the garden there is more than enough rainfall.
light and temperature
For planting outdoors, temperatures ranging from 5 to 30 degrees Celsius are recommended. It does not tolerate frost and may start to sag if left in sub-zero temperatures.
It is a plant that needs full sun or very light partial shade, whether grown indoors or outdoors. If you are growing a red plume as a houseplant, place it near a window, especially in winter.
Fertilizer
Apply a liquid fertilizer during the growing season or a balanced granular fertilizer when the weather starts to warm up in the spring. Composting is not necessary during the winter.
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The Red Plumber is not very demanding of soil, you can use normal garden soil which drains well, to give it a bit more strength you can add peat, leaf mulch or compost , this will also improve drainage.
Cut
Pruning is often necessary to control plant growth. Prune the branches as needed in the spring.
Use pruning to keep the plant at the desired height and width, but be careful not to over-prune, leaving new branches intact and cutting off the most worn ones.
pests or diseases
The red feather is prone to infestations of aphids and scale insects. This is more common when there is new growth.
Check the plant frequently for these pests. It’s easier to get rid of a few than to treat an entire infestation.
Use soapy water sprays to get rid of a handful of aphids or scale insects. Serious threats often require an insecticide like neem oil.
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