Caesalpinia pulcherrima (peacock flower)
Caesalpinia pulcherrima, commonly called peacock flower or Barbados Pride, is a fast-growing upright shrub or small tree which typically matures to 10’ tall (in shrub form) or to as much as 20’ tall (in tree form). It is native to the tropics and subtropics of the Americas and could be native to the West Indies, but its exact origin is unknown due to widespread cultivation. The plant produces showy clusters of up to 40 brilliant gold-to-orange flowers from spring to fall (year-round in tropical climates). The leaves of the plant are bipinnate, 20–40 cm long, bearing three to 10 pairs of pinnae, each with six to 10 pairs of leaflets 15–25 mm long and 10–15 mm broad. The fruit is a pod 6–12 cm long. Caesalpinia pulcherrima is the national flower of the Caribbean island of Barbados and is depicted on the upper left and right corners of Queen Elizabeth II’s personal Barbadian flag.
Exposure/Light: Caesalpinia pulcherrima plants prefer full sunlight to grow well and produce flowers. That means it should get at least six hours of direct sun on most days. A plant grown in conditions that are too shady might never bear flowers.
Watering: Caesalpinia pulcherrima plants have low to average water needs. Water them when it’s dry or almost dry. Be sure to let the water drain through the pot, and if there’s a saucer under it, don’t let it sit in any built-up water. Depending on how warm and bright your house is, watering might be every 10-21 days.
Temperature: Caesalpinia pulcherrima plants grow best in regions with a pronounced change in season. They will grow best at temperatures between 12.8 and 37.8°C (55–100°F) during the growing season and 1.7 to 10°C (35–50°F) during dormancy.
Humidity: Caesalpinia pulcherrima plants prefer moderate humidity levels between 40% and 60%. If your home is dry, you can increase humidity by placing a tray of water near the plant or using a humidifier.
Fertilizer: To keep your Caesalpinia pulcherrima plant happiest, fertilize in spring and summer with a slow-release granular fertilizer formulated for houseplants. Follow the instructions on the product packaging for application rates.
Soil / Repotting: Caesalpinia pulcherrima plants grow best when planted in nutrient-rich soil with excellent drainage. They are not overly picky about soil pH, though they grow best in slightly acidic soil. Repotting should be done every two years or so, or when roots start to grow out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
Pruning: Caesalpinia pulcherrima plants typically don’t need pruning, except to remove old leaves as they age out.
Propagation: Caesalpinia pulcherrima plants can be propagated by division or by rooting stem cuttings in water or soil.
Pests: Common pests that affect Caesalpinia pulcherrima plants include spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs, aphids, and whiteflies. Keep an eye out for these pests and treat them promptly if you notice any signs of infestation.
Pet Safety: Caesalpinia pulcherrima is not toxic to pets such as cats and dogs.
Here are some step-by-step instructions for caring for Caesalpinia pulcherrima:
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