Erythrina herbacea aka Coral Bean
Taxonomy
Common names
Coral Bean, Cardinal Spear, Cherokee BeanHow to care for Coral Bean
Difficulty
With its straightforward care requirements, Coral Bean is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
Water
Coral Bean should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Coral Bean loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Coral Bean prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Coral Bean plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Coral Bean is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Fertilizer
The Coral Bean is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.
Region of origin
Coral Bean’s native range is South-eastern N. America - North Carolina to Texas.
More info:
Wikipedia