In nature, the coral tree can grow into a stately tree with a sprawling crown in tropical and subtropical forests. In this country, the plant with the striking red flowers is more commonly cultivated as a pot plant or as a houseplant due to its sensitivity to frost.
How do you properly care for a coral tree?
Coral tree care includes: regular watering without waterlogging, repotting every three years in spring, annual pruning, protection from pests and diseases, appropriate fertilization and wintering at temperatures above 15 degrees Celsius and dry substrate.
How often should a coral tree be watered?
As a plant of the tropics and subtropics, the coral tree loves a substrate that is always slightly moist. However, as with most plants, waterlogging is by no means recommended. Similar to a bougainvillea, coral trees can also be supplied with moisture via the water level in a saucer.
What should you consider when repotting the coral tree?
As a container plant, a coral tree should be repotted about every three years and provided with fresh planting substrate. Spring is the best time for this. To create suitable soil, simply mix ordinary garden soil with a generous amount of seasoned compost. If possible, the new pot should only be slightly larger than the previous pot.
When and how should you cut the coral tree?
So that a coral tree still fits into its winter quarters as it gets older, pruning is usually unavoidable from a certain point onwards. Ideally, the coral tree is thinned out in spring. If this subtle pruning is carried out regularly every spring, it is better tolerated by the plant than excessive pruning in autumn.
Which pests can harm the coral tree?
The coral tree is generally not particularly susceptible to pests, but heat stress can occasionally lead to an increased infestation of spider mites in summer.
What diseases can affect the coral tree?
Diseases are rarely a problem with coral trees. However, you should make sure that potted specimens can dry well before overwintering.
What should you consider when fertilizing a coral tree?
With regard to fertilization, many types of nutrient supply are possible for the coral tree:
- organic fertilizers
- mineral-organic fertilizers
- Long-term fertilizer
- Liquid fertilizer
Liquid fertilizers can be administered with irrigation water about every two weeks, slow-release fertilizers should be sprinkled once in March and then again in July. A mulch layer of well-seasoned garden compost not only supplies the coral tree with nutrients, but also protects the root area from drying out.
How does the coral tree get through the winter without any problems?
The frost-sensitive coral tree must quickly move to suitable winter quarters when temperatures are permanently below 10 degrees Celsius. The following conditions should prevail there:
- Temperatures above 15 degrees Celsius
- relatively dry plant substrate
- no fertilization during winter
- as much daylight as possible
Tip
The better a tropical dry season can be simulated during wintering, the richer the winter flowering of the plant will be, with good care and lasting until spring.
