How to Care for Red Bird Coral
Red Bird Coral, with its unique bird-like flowers and fleshy stems and leaves, has become a widely popular ornamental plant in recent years. This succulent plant, native to Central and South America, not only has the vibrant characteristics of tropical plants but also possesses the drought resistance of succulents. To maintain the beautiful shape and continuous blooming of Red Bird Coral, one needs to master three core techniques: temperature and humidity control, light adjustment, and scientific pruning.
1. Daily Care Tips
Temperature and Humidity Control
It is recommended to maintain the temperature within the golden range of 18-28°C. Special attention should be paid to keeping warm in winter, and when the temperature drops below 10°C, the plant should be moved indoors and watering should be stopped. Use a humidifier to maintain 50-70% air humidity, or use a misting spray bottle for foliar spraying in the morning and evening, taking care to avoid water accumulation in the leaf axils.
Light Management Strategy
In spring and autumn, adopt a "3+2 cycle mode": 3 days of 4 hours of morning light, and 2 days in a bright scattered light environment. In summer, use a shading net to filter 50% of the light, and in winter, the plant can be exposed to direct sunlight all day. Rotate the pot 180 degrees regularly to ensure even light exposure.
Water and Fertilizer Cycle Management
In the growing season, use the "wet and dry" watering method: water thoroughly when the top 3 cm of potting soil is dry. Apply a balanced fertilizer (N-P-K=10-10-10) mixed with organic liquid fertilizer once a month, and stop fertilizing and extend the watering interval to 15-20 days in winter.
2. Shaping Management Techniques
Best Pruning Time
Choose to prune in spring (March-April) or autumn (September-October) when the plant is in an active growth phase and the healing speed is fastest. Avoid the plum rain season and the high summer temperatures to prevent wound infections.
Tool Selection and Disinfection
Use sharp pruning shears that have been disinfected with alcohol. For branches with a diameter over 1 cm, it is recommended to use a professional pruning tool. Before pruning, quickly burn the cutting edge of the tool with a flame and cool it before proceeding.
Four-Level Pruning Method
① Basic pruning: Remove withered, yellow leaves and diseased branches. ② Shaping pruning: Cut back the branches that stick out of the crown by 1/3. ③ Flower-promoting pruning: Retain 3-4 buds on the flowering branches. ④ Shaping support: Use plastic-coated wire to guide the direction of the branches.
Wound Care Tips
Immediately after pruning, seal the wound with wood ash or a professional wound healing agent, and avoid getting water on it for 72 hours. After new buds sprout, supplement with a foliar fertilizer containing trace elements once a week.
Through scientific maintenance management and regular shaping pruning, Red Bird Coral can not only maintain a compact and full shape but also achieve the ornamental effect of blooming 3-4 times a year. It is recommended to take growth record photos every quarter and adjust the maintenance plan by comparison, allowing this tropical精灵 to thrive under your careful care and radiate brilliant colors.