Delonix regia is an interesting plant to keep. When flowering it is striking in a garden.
Concerning bonsai it has some limitations regariding style of bonsai, but it is still a plant worth working on. Today I have just one plant and unfortunately it seemd best to make it a cascade style. I dislike cascade a lot. I am hoping near the base it will form a new branch and it can then help balance the floiage and plant.
Delonix regia specifics
- Core Identification & Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Delonix regia
- Common Name: Fire tree, flame tree, Peacock Flower, Flame of the Forest, Phoenix Flower, Royal Poinciana
- Family: Fabaceae
- Varietals:
- Habitat/Range: possibly from Madagscar orinigally, but widespread since the 20th century
- Morphology & Characteristics
- Growth Habit: Medium sized tree grwing to 10m
- Leaves: Dark green and fern-like leaves the underside can appear grayish
- Flowers: large Orange-red flowers in summer
- Fruit/Seed: Fairly large brown seeds can be used to propagate after soaking in water
- Stem/Bark: Light brown Bark that can be easily scared by wiring
- Growth: Fast
- Bonsai Notes
- Sun Exposure: Full sun 4-8 hours daily. This plant can stand the afternoon sun.
- Water Use: moderate water
- Soil Mix: Limestone (anapog), Akadama, Pumice, Lava Rock
- Fertilizing: balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks during the active growing season (spring through autumn).
- Styling and Maintenance
- Pruning: Frequent pruning is essential to maintain a controlled canopy
- Defoliation: pinch pruning
- Wiring: Branches can be wired, but monitor the wire closely as it will scar the thin bark
Gallery images
Firstly, we are uploading pictures of our plants to show the parts of a plant that may help in identification. Secondly, we only have so many plants and my photography skills are not actually skillful. Finally, if it would help to see another angle or view, view us a message and we will attempt to get the right picture perspective.
