If you are looking for a beautiful and vibrant small plant for your garden, here is How to Grow a Flame Tree Bonsai!
A fiery and stunning tree, Growing Royal Poinciana is no minor task since it can take years to bloom. However, the Flame Tree Bonsai is worth the wait as its fiery red and golden foliage will enrich any home and catch everyone’s attention. Let’s see How to Grow Flame Tree Bonsai.
Wanna try a Guava Bonsai? Check out Making a Guava bonsai here
How to Grow Flame Tree Bonsai?
Propagating Flame Tree Bonsai from seeds is really easy. You should scarify the hard seed shell by keeping it in lukewarm water, after which it needs to be planted in moist soil. It grows quite well from cuttings too.
However, both these methods can be time-consuming, so it would make a lot more sense if you get a well-grown specimen from a garden center.
Here are the Best Trees For Bonsai
Growing Requirements for Flame Tree Bonsai
Sunlight
Flame Tree Bonsai will appreciate sunlight exposure for at least 3-4 hours every day. Keeping the plant in a shaded area will slow down its growth. The best is to choose a spot with mild morning sun exposure and a dappled light all day long.
Soil
The Royal Poinciana grows best in a slightly acidic growing medium with a pH between 4.5 and 7.5. Amend the soil with plenty of organic matter and compost, along with a handful of sand during planting.
Watering
The Flame Tree needs a good amount of water in summer, but overwatering needs to be avoided. Simply water the plant when the topsoil feels slightly dry to the touch. Also, avoid wetting the foliage and follow the bottom watering technique.
Placement and Temperature
The Flame Tree Bonsai likes the sun and should be placed in warm temperatures. The best temperature for the Growing Royal Poinciana is between 50° F / 10° C and 68° F / 20° C.
Check out How to Grow a Jade Plant into a Tree here
Flame Tree Bonsai Care Tips
Fertilizing
To promote healthy growth, you can use worm castings once in 6-8 weeks. You also have the option to use a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to 1/2 of its strength, once in 2-3 weeks. It will make it bushier while speeding up the overall growth.
Pruning
The Flame Tree Bonsai will need pruning to control its excess growth and give its vibrant foliage the shape of an umbrella. Also, trim outgrowing branches to keep the shape in check.
Do not worry if you prune too much at any time since the Flame Tree Bonsai tolerates hard pruning and will likely grow back.
Pests and Diseases
Scales will likely pose a challenge when Growing Royal Poinciana. Use rubbing alcohol for a couple of weeks to eliminate the Scale entirely. You can also use a mild pesticide.
The Flame Tree Bonsai is also attacked by flame tree looper caterpillars, which should be removed manually. Look out for chewed leaves; you’ll know a caterpillar is hiding in the plant. You should also prune any affected buds to avoid problems.
