Fouquieria formosa care guide
Fouquieria formosa
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Fouquieria formosa
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 7 days
- A summer grower: while leafy, water thoroughly a day or two after the soil dries, as a guide, and hold back when leafless.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 14 days
- Once leaves begin to drop, water less, a few days after the soil has dried through, as a guide.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 30 days
- After leaf drop keep it nearly dry, giving a little at the pot's edge about once a month.
Light and placement for Fouquieria formosa
A sun lover: generally full sun outdoors away from prolonged rain from spring to fall; it branches faster than its relatives, so ample light and moving air keep it compact.
Overwintering Fouquieria formosa
Overwintering guide: 8°C (46°F) or above
Rather tender: as a guide, bring it to a bright window early, when nights reach about 12°C, keep it above 8°C, and keep a leafless plant on the dry side.
Fertilizing and repotting Fouquieria formosa
Fertilizer
A little slow-release fertilizer around May as the leaves start, or diluted liquid feed about once or twice a month from May to September; stop as it cools in fall.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Fouquieria formosa
- Cold at a winter window damages the branch tips, which blacken and die back.
- Kept too moist while leafless, the roots rot.
- In a dim room the branches grow lanky and the leaves sparse.
Tips for growing Fouquieria formosa
- It grows quickly, so pruning in early summer adds branches and balances them with the trunk.
- Leaves come and go with watering; if they drop, keep it on the dry side rather than watering more.
- The branches are spiny, so keep it out of walkways and away from pets.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
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