African Tulip Tree, Spathodea campanulata

African tulip tree delights flower lovers with the most spectacular flowers from the world of tropical plants. As soon as the flower stalks look proudly out of the evergreen crown, an impressive one begins Spectacle: After the outer circle of flowers has faded, the next row of buds is already blooming. Each flower lasts for weeks. Spathodea campanulata needs a suitable location, then the care is effortless.

location in summer

The ideal place for an African tulip tree is definitely not to be found outdoors due to the climatic conditions in this country. In order for it to unfold its full splendor and transform itself into a sea of ​​flowers, it needs tropical conditions:

• much warmth
• high humidity
• sunny to full sun location
• consistent temperatures throughout
• lots of space

In temperate climates it is a typical container plant, an inhabitant of closed rooms. Only in the hot summer months is this plant from the trumpet tree family allowed to go outside temporarily in a bright, sunny and wind-protected spot. Only plants that have already developed lignified branches are allowed outside.

A greenhouse and a winter garden flooded with light offer the trumpet tree consistently good living conditions, so that the best flowering success can be achieved in them. Over the years, however, the tree can reach an impressive size - even if it is regularly pruned. Therefore, when buying or self-sowing a new plant, the future space requirement should be taken into account. It needs enough space to grow taller, but also enough space for the roots to develop.

location in winter

Because of its origin from the hot continent, African tulip tree is more sensitive to low temperatures than other tulip tree species. If he has been outside during the summer, he must definitely come back in during the cold days, as he still needs a warm environment.

• from autumn no longer outdoors
• Heat of at least 20 degrees
• not exposed to frost
• Temperatures not below 10 degrees
• Temperatures around 3 degrees are only possible for a short time

Under no circumstances should the African tulip tree be exposed to frost, as this will irreparably damage the root system of the tree.

potting soil

Well drained soil with plenty of nutrients is good for an African tulip tree. This should also be enriched with coarse-grained material, such as gravel, crushed lava or expanded clay. They loosen up the soil and keep it nice and airy. Humus also stores nutrients and water. Here it is worth using high-quality potting soil, even if it is more expensive.

seed cultivation

An African Tulip Tree can be grown from the bright and light seeds all year round. Pre-treatment of the seeds is not necessary. However, presoaking the seeds in warm water does not accelerate subsequent germination. The germination period is about 2-3 weeks, provided the temperature is constantly at just over 20 degrees.
Instead of normal potting soil, it is better to use low-nutrient and air-permeable potting soil, which is available in garden centers.

1. Fill a small pot with potting soil
2. Scatter the seeds over it.
3. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil
4. Squeeze the soil and gently press it down with your fingers.
5. Cover the pot with cling film to prevent water evaporation.
6. Put the pot with the seeds in a bright place
7. Ensure an even heat of around 20 degrees
8. Keep soil constantly moist, it must not dry out.
9. Avoid waterlogging.

Young seedling

As soon as the first signs of a little plant are recognizable, it must be protected from the blazing sun. Change location if necessary. This precautionary measure is particularly advisable if a hot summer has been chosen for sowing. When the germinated African tulip trees have grown slightly larger, you can prick out the seedlings individually.

After about 8 weeks they should have reached the appropriate size of about 10 cm. Be careful with the still tender roots so that they are not damaged. You can now expose the young plants to the sun carefully and in doses so that they slowly get used to it and do not suffer burns on the leaves.

propagation by cuttings

Young shoots cut off in spring can be used for propagation. They are placed in pots with potting soil.

• Ambient temperature constant at min. keep 20 degrees
• Keep growing soil moist
• use soft water
• Place foil over the shoots

New shoots and leaves are a sign that everything went well and the cutting is rooted.

Pour

The African tulip tree needs regular and large amounts of water. Especially in summer, the soil must never dry out. The African tulip tree is extremely sensitive to drought. Its leaves turn brown at the edges or even fall off completely. Since this occurs with a time lag, the brown leaves are often not associated with drought.

The water requirement is lower in winter than in summer due to lower air temperatures and the forthcoming growth pause. Nevertheless, this exotic tree needs evenly moist soil even in winter - but without standing in water.

Fertilize

In order to develop its magnificent, palm-sized flowers, the African tulip tree needs regular high fertilizer doses throughout its growing season from April to October. A commercially available complete fertilizer for flowering potted plants is completely sufficient. Once a week, the amount required according to the packaging is added to the irrigation water and watered with it.

You can also use stick fertilizer or long-term fertilizer, but these must be refreshed in good time. Rhododendron fertilizer and other acidic fertilizers are also suitable. Fertilizer is no longer required from November. The roots of this tree can no longer absorb fertilizer during the cool time of the year.

repot

As the African tulip tree grows, the size of the tub must also grow accordingly. A new pot is due about once a year. Only repot this ornamental tree in small steps. The new pot may only be a few centimeters wider than the old one. So that the tree is disturbed as little as possible during growth, repotting in high-quality soil should take place immediately before the start of a new growth phase in March. Since this trumpet tree is poisonous, you should wear gloves when doing this.

How to prune the tulip tree

The African tulip tree does not require pruning, at least not if it has enough space to develop and free growth is desired. In the first years of life, the tree hardly branches, then pruning can stimulate branching. Otherwise, if the tree is to remain small, it must be pruned gently in order to tame it.

topiary

• Never cut radically
• Prefer a smaller cut every year
• Best time: April and May
• Use sharp and clean cutting tools
• Green and woody shoots may be cut
• Only cut as much as absolutely necessary
• Cut inwards growing shoots
• Remove unfavorable sprouts

maintenance cut

Every now and then individual parts of the plant can dry up. These dead branches and shoots should be removed early, as should branches that have accidentally snapped off. Even those branches that are attacked by pests and diseases must be cut out immediately to stop the spread of the disease.

• Time for the cut: immediately
• Use sharp and clean cutting tools
• Wear gloves as it is toxic
• Green and woody shoots may be cut
• Remove all dead shoots
• Cut all diseased and affected shoots
• Then clean and disinfect the cutting tool.

heyday

In their homeland, the African tulip trees bloom all year round. This is a flower dream that unfortunately cannot be fulfilled here. Furthermore, it also takes several years until Spathodea campanulata finally shows the first flowers. We're talking about 3 to 7 years, so patience is the order of the day.

The individual flowers are about 10 centimeters long and are reminiscent of a bell, the edge of which is unusually frayed. They don't appear individually, but rather are circular and arranged in several rows. The outer corolla blooms first, once it has faded, the nearest corolla follows, and so on. The flowers shine in yellow, orange or red from May. The light brown sepals are mottled with dark spots.

Almost all withered and dried flowers fall off by themselves. However, some dried flowers remain. You can carefully remove them. Use a clean and sharp tool for this. Don't forget your gloves, too, because this trumpet tree is as poisonous as it is beautiful. Also remove any dead leaves that have accumulated in the bucket to prevent rot. After flowering, seeds form that can be used for propagation.

diseases and pests

The tulip tree is quite resistant to native diseases. Only too much watering and the associated waterlogging can cause the roots to rot. Unfortunately, a fungicide then has to be used to combat it. It is much better to prevent with the right care and not let it get that far in the first place.

Brown discoloration on leaves and flowers is caused by lack of water or soil salts. Once the cause is eliminated, improvement occurs. Root damage due to hypothermia also occurs if the tree is exposed to temperatures below 3 degrees for a long period of time in winter.

The tulip tree is not susceptible to pests. If so, imported plants are more likely to be affected. They leave grazing marks and holes in the leaves and bark and require quick action. Examine the plant thoroughly to accurately identify the pest. Treat the plant with a suitable agent. You may have to remove damaged parts of the plant.

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