There is no doubt that the flamboyant is a very popular tree for plant lovers. It grows relatively quickly, to the point that it can flower as early as 4 or 5 years old if the weather permits. However, if I put together the questions you asked us through the blog and those formulated in Google, I think an article is needed that talks about the mistakes that are usually made when growing it.
And it is that although, really, nothing must go wrong, the truth is that The flamboyant tree is not an all-terrain plant; that is to say that it has its weak points which it is necessary to know so that no problem arises. For this reason, I will answer the questions you most commonly ask us, and incidentally I will review everything you need to know to be successful with this plant.
Contents
Leave it outside in the winter if it is freezing
Image – Wikimedia/Krzysztof Golik
One of the most common mistakes is leaving it outside when you live in a freezing region. When the weather starts to get colder, it needs to be brought indoors so it doesn’t take damage; otherwise, not only will it lose its leaves, but it may not survive.
For this reason, it is also strongly recommended to add one or two tablespoons of nitrophoska (the blue balls), once every 15 days. It will be better that way.
What temperature resists flamboyant?
the flamboyant should not be outside if the temperature drops below 0 degrees. In case of light and occasional frost in your area, down to -2ºC, you can try to acclimatize it after its third year of life, placing it in an area very sheltered from the wind.
From my own experience growing other tropical and subtropical plants in southern Mallorca, I can confirm that the cold wind often does more damage than the frost itself. For this reason, I consider it more important to protect it from drafts, placing it in a corner and/or in an area surrounded by plants that act as a windbreak.
Do not repot it or plant it in the ground if necessary
Ideally, he should be in the ground from an early age, as long as it is warm all year round; Otherwise, it is better to have it in a pot and transplant it every 2 or 3 years into a larger pot.
Now well, if you choose to plant it in the garden, you must find a sunny placebecause in this way it will be able to grow properly.
Where to plant flamboyant?
It should be placed away from pipes and soft pavement, as well as other large trees.. And it is that the roots of the flamboyant are invasive and superficial, so it is very important to take this into account when choosing a site.
On the other hand, if it is going to be in a pot, it must have drainage holes, and be more or less as tall as it is wide, so that its root system can develop well. Likewise, it will be filled with light soil, such as the universal substrate of the Flower or BioBizz brand that you can acquire by clicking on the links.
How many years does a flamboyant live?
The flamboyant tree is a fast growing plant that flowers early. Like other species with these characteristics, their life expectancy is relatively short.
In fgeneral, can live 60 years; however, much will depend on growing conditions, weather, and how well it recovers from pests and disease.
water a lot or a little
The flamboyant is a tree that does not tolerate drought well, especially in summer. For this reason, we must take care that it does not lack water, watering it from time to time. But, How many times a week should you water it?
The truth is that it depends on the climate of the region: the drier and hotter it is, the longer it will take, because the earth dries out faster. For example, I have to water it up to 3 times a week in the summer and 1-2 times a week the rest of the year, because the dry months coincide with the summer season.
Now, how do we know if we are watering too much or not enough? Looking at the symptoms you have:
- Symptoms of Too Much Water: the leaves quickly turn yellow and fall off, starting with the oldest (lower) ones; the floor will look damp and verdigris or mold may develop; if it is in a pot, you will notice that it is quite heavy.
- Symptoms of lack of irrigation: new leaves dry up and fall off; the earth will look and feel dry; and in severe cases there could be pests (mealybugs are usually the most common).
How to recover it? In the first case, we will suspend irrigation and apply a multipurpose fungicide (you can buy it here) so that the fungi do not damage it. If it is in a pot without holes or if we have put a saucer under it, we must change it for another that has holes in its base, and/or empty the saucer every time we water, otherwise the roots will rot.
And if what happens to him is that he’s thirsty, you’ll just have to water him. If it is in a pot, we will put it in a container with water for about half an hour, and from there we will water more frequently.
Forgetting to fertilize the flamboyant in spring and summer
Especially if the climate is temperate, it is important that it grows as much as possible so that it reaches the strong winter. For it, it is very important to pay it as long as the good weather lasts, since that’s when he grows up. But what to use? Fast-acting fertilizers, of course.
For example, guano is a popular natural fertilizer, but fertilizers for green plants or flowering plants can also be used. But in any case, you need to follow the instructions for use so that problems do not arise.
When do flamboyants bloom?
Image – Flickr/Zone Scott
To enjoy the beauty of its flowers, you have to wait at least 4 or 5 years, although it may take up to 10 years to flower for the first time. If the weather permits and it is planted in the ground, it should not take long to produce its pretty flowers; however, if the weather is mild and/or you don’t feel completely comfortable, it will take longer.
In reality, if it is kept in a pot it will have difficulty flowering, and it will be the same if you work in bonsai. It’s not that it’s hard for her to do it, but you’ll have to have more patience and pay her regularly so that she has the nutrients she needs to bloom.
I hope these tips are helpful for you on how to care for your flamboyant tree.