Care of the plant Calliandra tweediei or Mexican Flame bush |
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The genus Calliandra, family Fabaceae, includes 150 species of shrubs, small trees and herbaceous plants native to tropical and subtropical Africa, Asia and America. Some species are: Calliandra tweediei, Calliandra magdalenae, Calliandra emarginata, Calliandra parvifolia, Calliandra californica. Common names: Hairy thorny broom, Spiny broom. This species is native to southeastern Brazil. They are highly branched evergreen shrubs that reach 5 meters (16.4 feet) in height. The bright green pinnate leaves have numerous leaflets close together. The showy flowers are deep red. They can bloom almost all year round, especially in spring and fall. They are used as isolated specimens or in bushy groups with Grevillea, Callistemon and other plants of Mediterranean or subtropical climate. Calliandra tweediei prefers a light shade exposure avoiding direct sun in the central hours of the day. They resist occasional frosts but it is better that the temperature does not drop by 3 ºC (37.4 ºF). The soil must be light, deep, not calcareous and contain organic matter. They do not tolerate transplantation well. Water 2 times a week in summer, 1 time in spring and autumn and 1 time every 2 weeks in winter. They resist drought well. Fertilize with compost in fall and mineral fertilizer in early spring. Prune in autumn to obtain an arboreal appearance. They are quite resistant to pests and diseases; if they suffer from chlorosis, add iron sulfate or chelate in spring. They propagate by seeds sown in spring or by cuttings in summer or spring. |
Images of the plant Calliandra tweediei or Mexican Flame bush |
 Calliandra tweediei  Calliandra tweediei |