The coral tree (Erythrina christa-galli) is a very popular and relatively easy-to-care-for container plant due to its showy flowers. In a suitable location in the house, this plant can also be cultivated as a houseplant all year round.
The coral tree is pretty and easy to care for
Don't worry about falling leaves
Some plant lovers panic when the leaves of the coral tree gradually say goodbye with the onset of winter and the tips of the shoots dry up a bit. However, this is no reason at all to dispose of the plant. On the contrary: This cycle is quite normal in the coral tree, the visually striking flowers are then perceived all the more clearly before new leaves are finally formed in spring. However, the situation is different when leaves are shed during the growth phase in spring and summer. Then you should examine the plant for care errors or diseases and pests.
Choosing the perfect location
When cultivating as a houseplant, the coral tree should be placed in a location where the relationship between incident sunlight and the prevailing temperature is favorable. Heated conservatories with a temperature of over 25 degrees Celsius are less suitable for caring for the coral tree than so-called cold conservatories, which have a slightly cooler temperature. You should also give the coral tree a sunny spot indoors from spring to autumn. But make sure that the coral tree can quickly become a breeding ground for annoying spider mites in heat stress and dry indoor air.
The right care in the house
When spending the winter indoors, excessive moisture poses a risk to the health of a coral tree that should not be underestimated. At the end of summer, let the plants dry out together with the substrate before wintering and gradually water coral trees cultivated indoors as houseplants all year round more sparingly from autumn onwards . It can also make sense to only water over a coaster, as is often done with bougainvillea. Simulate a tropical dry season in the wintertime and ensure the following conditions:
- no fertilization in winter
- Water the plant very rarely
- Ideally, the location should not be too warm, more like 15 degrees Celsius
tips
Even coral trees that are cared for all year round in the house should only be pruned shortly before new growth occurs in spring, as this is when they can cope particularly well.