How to Cultivate Flame Trees
As a representative of tropical landscape trees, flame trees are deeply favored by gardening enthusiasts for their fiery inflorescences and upright tree forms. However, many people often encounter problems such as sparse flowering and frequent occurrence of diseases and pests during actual maintenance. This article systematically sorts out the key points of flame tree cultivation to help you easily create a beautiful landscape tree.
Regulating the Growing Environment of Flame Trees
Accurate Temperature Control
The optimal temperature range for flame tree growth is 22-28°C. In the summer, high temperatures need to be reduced by foliar喷淋, and a sunshade net needs to be set up when the temperature exceeds 32°C. In winter, it is necessary to maintain a minimum temperature of 10°C for overwintering, and it is recommended to use greenhouse cultivation in the northern regions.
Scientific Watering Strategy
Use the dry-wet alternation method: water thoroughly every 7-10 days in spring and autumn, and 5-7 days in summer with morning and evening foliar sprays. A small trick for soil moisture detection: insert a bamboo stake to a depth of 15cm, and water when it does not stick to soil upon removal.
Nutrition Management Plan for Flame Trees
Fertilization Cycle During the Growing Period
Every 20 days from March to June, alternate between applying N-P-K compound fertilizer (N-P-K=15-15-15) and decomposed organic fertilizer. In September, apply high-phosphorus fertilizer to promote lignification, and apply slow-release fertilizer before winter to enhance cold resistance.
Pruning and Shaping Tips
Perform shaping pruning in early spring: retain 3-5 main branches, remove inner branches, and crossed branches. Timely pinch the tips during the growing period to control the plant height between 2-3 meters, maintaining an umbrella-shaped canopy is more conducive to flowering.
Prevention and Control of Diseases and Pests in Flame Trees
Common Pest Management
For aphids and red spiders, biological control is recommended: release ladybugs (5-8 per plant) combined with sophora root spray. For underground pests, you can use tea seed cake water to water the roots, which is environmentally friendly and leaves no residue.