Erythrina falcata
Care, watering, light and tips for Erythrina falcata on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Fabaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Erythrina falcata
Erythrina falcata, commonly known as Ceibo, is a deciduous tree from the Fabaceae family, native to South America, renowned for its spectacular red or orange claw-shaped flowers that bloom before the leaves emerge. Its robust, thorny trunk and vibrant flowering make it an ideal ornamental tree for large parks and gardens, standing out for its exotic beauty and summer shade. It is a floral symbol in several South American countries.
Native range
South America, mainly Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Care tips
It requires full sun for optimal flowering and robust development, thriving in warm and subtropical climates. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry slightly between waterings, and reduced during winter when it loses its leaves. It prefers well-drained soils, rich in organic matter, and with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. A common mistake is planting it in small pots or in poorly drained soils, which can severely affect its growth and flowering.
How to save a dying Erythrina falcata
- Warning signs
- Yellow or falling leaves, wilting young shoots, dry or brittle branches.
- First aid
- Check drainage and watering. Ensure full sun, prune dead branches. Protect young plants from cold.
- What kills it
- Overwatering causing root rot, or lack of light. Does not tolerate shade or waterlogging.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly and there's no severe damage to the trunk or main roots. Look for new sprouts.