Firmiana colorata
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Firmiana colorata

Indian parasol tree

Tier 1 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
20–35 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 10–10
Click count
1
Observations
7

Description

Source: wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

Firmiana colorata, the scarlet sterculia, is a medium-sized tree with spreading branches. It sheds leaves before the onset of flowering. After leaf-shedding, buds sprout and develop into flowers. The tree flowers from March to April.

Care Guide

💧 Water

The scarlet sterculia thrives in humid climates where moisture is effectively retained. It prefers consistent hydration and typically needs to be watered twice a week. Its growth is influenced by rainfall patterns, as it responds to seasonal wet and dry conditions. Additionally, it demonstrates moderate drought tolerance.

☀️ Light Full sun

Scarlet sterculia is native to open habitats, like sunny meadows and forest edges, which offer plenty of light. It grows best in full sun but can also tolerate partial sun, adapting to a range of sunlight exposures.

Ideal: Full sun
FAQ
What are the sunlight requirements for Scarlet sterculia (Firmiana colorata)?

Scarlet sterculia, also known by its botanical name Firmiana colorata, thrives in various sunlight conditions. For optimal growth, it requires 'Full sun' which means the plant should receive above 6 hours of sunlight daily. However, it can also tolerate 'Partial sun' conditions, needing about 3-6 hours of sunlight. When planning where to place your Scarlet sterculia in the garden, it's important to observe the movement of sunlight throughout the day. Choosing a spot that provides a perfect balance of light and shade is crucial for the happiness and health of your plant.

🌡️ Temperature 20–35°C

Scarlet sterculia is native to temperate regions and performs best at temperatures of 68 to 95°F (20 to 35°C). Environmental adjustments are only required if temperatures fall outside that range.

Ideal temperature: 20–35°C
FAQ
What is the botanical name of Scarlet Sterculia?

The botanical name of Scarlet Sterculia is Firmiana colorata.

What are the ideal temperature conditions for growing Scarlet Sterculia?

Scarlet Sterculia thrives best in temperate locations, with ideal temperature conditions ranging from 68 to 95°F (20 to 35°C). Adjustments to the plant’s environment are recommended if temperatures fall outside this range to ensure optimal growth.

💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

The best time to fertilize a Scarlet sterculia is in early spring as it comes out of dormancy. This encourages overall growth and the development of flowers. Fertilizing improves the foliage, stems, and branches and supports the production of large, vivid, and long-lasting blooms. It helps move nutrients from the roots to the flowers and enhances the plant's health and resistance to disease.

🪴 Pot & Repot Every 3 years
Suggested frequency: Every 3 years
✂️ Pruning

The Scarlet Sterculia is known for its vibrant red flowers. To keep the plant healthy, prune it in early spring by removing dead branches and thinning out excessive growth to improve air circulation. This helps prevent overcrowding, promotes a strong structure, and encourages healthy flowering. Make sure to use clean, sharp tools to minimize stress on the plant and reduce the risk of disease.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Tree
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Firmiana
Family
Malvaceae
Hardiness Zone
10
Mature Height
14.94 m
Mature Spread
7.92 m to 11.89 m
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Red
Flower Size
3.05 cm
Bloom Time
Late spring, Early summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Native Area
Nepal, Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Laos, Thailand, China

Tags (7)

Common Names (1)

en Indian parasol tree