🌷 GROWING GUIDE – African Tulip Tree (Spathodea)
🌷 Gabonese tulip tree (Spathodea campanulata)
Spectacular bright orange tulip-shaped blooms.
A fast-growing tropical tree, prized for its beautiful orange-red bell-shaped flowers.
☀️ Light
Full sun to partial shade. Minimum 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to encourage flowering.
💧 Watering
Water regularly and generously during the growing season. Keep the soil slightly moist. Reduce watering in winter but do not allow it to dry out completely.
🌡️ Temperature
Ideal temperature: 20-30°C. Minimum temperature: 12°C. Very sensitive to cold. Indoor plant in Quebec, can be moved outdoors in summer.
🌱 Fertilization
Use a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks in spring and summer. A fertilizer for flowering plants is recommended to encourage blooming.
🪴 Repotting
Every spring for young plants. Every 2 years for mature plants. Rich, well-draining potting soil.
✂️ Size
Prune regularly to control rapid growth and maintain a compact shape. Tolerates pruning very well.
🐛 Common problems
- Aphids: Treat with insecticidal soap
- Falling leaves: Water stress or temperature change
- Excessive growth: Prune regularly
🌷 Blooming
Flowers on mature plants (4-6 years old). Spectacular orange-red flowers in clusters. Flowering is possible year-round under good conditions.
Tropico-Québec Tip: The African tulip tree grows quickly. Prune it regularly to keep it a manageable size in a pot.