How to Grow Erythrina Indica | Indian Coral Tree Care

Learn How to grow Erythrina Indica with our article. We provide easy-to-follow steps and tips to successfully grow Indian Coral Tree!

Let’s dive into the secrets of growing your very own Erythrina Indica which is also popular as Erythrina variegata! The Indian Coral Tree is a must have in your garden if you love red flowers!

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About Erythrina Indica

Erythrina Indica, also popular as Indian coral tree, is a medium-sized deciduous tree that is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. Erythrina Indica is a medium-sized tree that can reach heights of 10-20 meters (33-66 feet). It features a spreading canopy with large, compound leaves composed of three leaflets.

Erythrina variegata produces showy, vibrant red or orange flowers in clusters, resembling a coral reef, hence its name.

Indian coral tree is found throughout India, but it is more commonly grown in the central, western, and southern parts of the country. Erythrina variegata is often planted as an ornamental tree in parks, gardens, and along roadways due to its striking flowers and attractive foliage. Additionally, the tree is also valued for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, making it beneficial for agroforestry and ecological restoration projects.

Erythrina Indica is commonly used in traditional medicine for various purposes, such as treating skin ailments, respiratory problems, and fever. Indian coral tree is also valued for its timber, which is used for furniture, construction, and carvings. Erythrina variegata is a beautiful and useful tree that can be found in many parts of Asia.

Common Names: Variegated Coral Tree, Dedap, Derdap, Mountain Ebony, Indian Coral-Tree, Tiger’s Claw, Variegated Tiger’s Claw, Dedap Batik, Chengkering, Cockspur, Dadap, Coral Tree.

Here are some common names of Erythrina Indica in different languages:

English: Indian coral tree, Tiger’s claw
Hindi: Pangara, Mandar, Mandara
Bengali: Mandar, Palash
Tamil: Maramanjal, Palasam
Telugu: Mareda, Palasa
Kannada: Palasha, Parisha
Malayalam: Palaasham, Muttapalaasham
Marathi: Pangara, Mandar
Gujarati: Pangar, Palas
Punjabi: Pangar, Palas

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How to Propagate Erythrina Indica?

Erythrina Indica, also known as Indian coral tree or tiger’s claw, can be propagated through various methods including seeds, stem cuttings, and air layering. Here’s a step-by-step guide for each propagation method:

Seed Propagation:

1. Firstly, Collect mature seeds from a healthy Erythrina Indica tree. The seeds are usually enclosed in bean-like pods.
2. Soak the Erythrina variegata seeds in water overnight to help soften the hard seed coat.
3. Fill a seed tray or pots with well-draining soil mixed with compost.
4. Plant the Erythrina variegata seeds about 1 inch deep in the soil, spacing them at least a few inches apart.
5. Water the soil thoroughly and keep it consistently moist, but avoid overwatering.
6. Place the tray or pots in a warm, sunny location with indirect sunlight.
7. Lastly, germination should occur within a few weeks. Once the seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.

Stem Cutting Propagation:

1. Firstly, take stem cuttings from a healthy Erythrina Indica tree during the dormant season (winter).
2. Select a healthy, non-flowering stem that is about 6 to 8 inches long.
3. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few sets of leaves at the top.
4. Dip the cut end of the Erythrina variegata stem in a rooting hormone powder or gel to promote root development (optional).
5. Prepare a well-draining potting mix or a mix of sand and peat moss.
6. Insert the Erythrina variegata cutting into the potting mix, burying about half of its length.
7. Water the soil thoroughly and place the pot in a warm location with indirect sunlight.
8. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering.
9. After a few weeks, the cutting should start developing roots. Once the roots have established, the new plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the ground.

Requirements to Grow Erythrina indica

Sunlight

Erythrina Indica thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In addition, plant Erythrina variegata in a location where it can receive ample sunlight to ensure optimal growth and flowering.

Soil

Erythrina Indica prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Additionally, it can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy or loamy soil.

Ensure the soil has good drainage to prevent waterlogging, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.

Water

Provide regular watering to Erythrina Indica, especially during the growing season. Water deeply, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Once established, Erythrina variegata can tolerate brief periods of drought. In addition, avoid overwatering to prevent waterlogged conditions.

Temperature

Erythrina Indica thrives in a tropical to subtropical climate. It prefers temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C and can tolerate brief periods of cooler temperatures.

Erythrina variegata is well-suited to regions with high humidity and annual rainfall ranging from 800 to 2000 mm (31 to 79 inches).

Erythrina indica Care

Fertilizer

Fertilize annually in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer. Use a fertilizer with a ratio of nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (N-P-K) around 10-10-10 or a similar formulation.

Follow the package instructions for application rates. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, as it may result in vigorous foliage growth but fewer flowers in Erythrina variegata tree.

Pruning

Prune Erythrina Indica during the dormant season (winter) to shape the tree and remove dead or damaged branches. Be cautious when pruning, as the tree has thorns.

Remove suckers or water sprouts to maintain a tidy appearance. Pruning also helps promote better air circulation and flowering.

Pests and Diseases

Monitor Erythrina Indica for common pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and caterpillars. Treat infestations with appropriate insecticides or insecticidal soaps. Watch out for fungal diseases like powdery mildew and root rot.

Provide good air circulation, avoid overwatering, and ensure Erythrina variegata is planted in well-draining soil to minimize the risk of these diseases.

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