Delonix DECARYI

Delonix DECARYI - Bottle-trunk delonix, Poinciana, Flame bottle tree, Delonix decaryi.

Delonix is a genus of tropical trees in the family Fabaceae, comprising about 12 species and distributed in Madagascar and tropical regions of Africa and Asia.

Plants of this genus are deciduous or semi-deciduous trees with a spreading crown and pinnately dissected leaves. They are distinguished by spectacular flowering and an unusual trunk shape. Some species form caudiciform thickenings at the base.

Flowering occurs in the warm season. Flowers are large, bright, usually orange, red, or yellow, gathered in corymbose inflorescences. Fruits are elongated flat pods containing several large seeds.

Delonix decaryi is a rare representative of the genus, forming a massive bottle-shaped trunk capable of storing moisture. Plant height in cultivation is up to 2-3 m (6.6-9.8 ft), in nature up to 8 m (26.2 ft). Leaves are pinnate, delicate, light green, falling during the dry season.

Flowering is observed in summer. Flowers are large, with asymmetrical petals, colored in cream-yellow or greenish-yellow tones. Fruits are flat pods up to 15 cm (5.9 in) long, dark brown when ripe. Seeds are large, flat.

Before sowing, seeds are soaked for 8-12 hours in warm water. Then they are sown into a sandy moistened mixture. The container is covered with film, and germination is carried out in bright diffused light at a temperature of 25-28 °C (77-82 °F). Daily ventilation is conducted.

Seedlings appear after 1-2 weeks. After the appearance of 2-3 true leaves, seedlings are transplanted into individual pots. Young plants are provided with maximum lighting, careful watering, and protection from chilling. The first flowering occurs after 3-4 years, lasting from May to October. Flowering looks particularly impressive in spring in the almost complete absence of leaves.

© Greeniverse. All rights reserved.

Cultivation in a brightly lit location with mandatory access to direct sunlight is recommended. Lighting should be intense; brief exposure to direct sun is permissible. Indoors, the plant is placed on south or southwest windows. In winter, supplemental lighting is recommended. In hot seasons, a container with water is placed nearby to increase humidity; frequent misting is also recommended, avoiding water getting on the flowers.

In summer, a temperature of 24-32 °C (75-90 °F) is maintained. In winter, keeping at a temperature of 10-15 °C (50-59 °F) is preferable. The plant tolerates short-term frosts down to -1 °C (30 °F). Vegetative watering is carried out generously; in the winter period, watering is reduced to a minimum. With a lack of light in winter, the plant may shed its leaves, forming new foliage in spring. If lighting is sufficient, the dormant period may not occur.

A loose, permeable substrate with the addition of sand and perlite is used. Drainage is obligatorily laid at the bottom of the pot. Delonix does not tolerate stagnant moisture. Young plants are repotted annually in spring, mature ones once every 2-3 years with replacement of the top layer of substrate.

From early spring until autumn, fertilizers for ornamental flowering plants are applied once a month. From October, feedings are stopped. When a cool wintering is observed, flowering occurs more abundantly. Delonix responds well to formative and even hard pruning.

Sanitary pruning of dry twigs is carried out. Formative pruning is possible to maintain a compact shape. Propagation is carried out by seeds. Cuttings are not used.