How to cultivate cardinal coral

Growth habit

Cardinal coral is native to the West Indies in Central America. It likes warmth and grows in a place with plenty of sunlight but not too strong and good ventilation. It can also adapt to environments with high temperatures and semi-shady conditions. The cultivation soil must be loose, fertile and well-drained.

variety

There are varieties such as red cardinal coral, spotted leaf red cardinal coral and curled leaf coral. The white cardinal coral of the same genus is similar to the red cardinal coral, but the midrib of the leaves is not prominent, the leaves are thinner, and there are irregular white patches in the green.

value

Cardinal coral can be used as medicine, which has the effects of clearing away heat and detoxifying, dispersing blood stasis and reducing swelling, and stopping bleeding and promoting tissue regeneration. For external use, it can be used to treat bruises, fractures, traumatic bleeding, boils, ulcers, and keratitis.

Farming

Cardinal coral likes warmth and is drought-resistant. The suitable temperature for growth is 23℃ to 30℃. When frozen, the leaves turn white and fall off. It is shade-tolerant, and semi-shaded cultivation sites are conducive to flowering, and the leaf color is more beautiful. It is afraid of wind and is suitable for growing in a dry and windless environment. The cultivation soil should be sandy loam with good drainage and ventilation. Repot the plant once a year or every other year. If the branches are too long, prune them or support them with supports. If there are few branches, you can prune the branches as appropriate to encourage more side branches.

The amount of watering should be controlled during the growing period, and generally watering should be done after the soil is dry. Fertilization can be done with organic fertilizers or a small amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. In winter, the amount of fertilizer and water should be reduced. Cardinal coral is propagated by cuttings. Cuttings can be taken in the greenhouse all year round, but it is better to take cuttings in the warm season. Take the stem tips or tender stems and cut them into 10 cm long stem segments as cuttings. The cuttings should be dried first, or the cut should be inserted into dry ash or dry soil to allow the juice to be absorbed, and then the cuttings can be planted. The medium can be yellow sand, perlite or rice husk ash. After the cuttings have taken root, they can be transplanted into pots.

First, light: Cardinal coral is not very demanding on light. Its leaves are reddish under strong light and greenish under semi-shade. But don't expose it to direct sunlight in the summer, and don't place it in a too dark place indoors.

Second, temperature: Cardinal coral likes warmth, and the normal room temperature in spring, summer and autumn is suitable for growth. In winter, when the temperature drops below about 13 degrees Celsius, the leaves will turn white and fall off.

Third, watering: Cardinal coral is a succulent plant with strong drought resistance. During the growing season, wait until the soil in the pot is half dry before watering. In winter, water lightly when the soil in the pot is dry. Too much watering can cause mildew, and in more serious cases, rot at the base of the stem.

Fourth, fertilization: During the growing season, apply compound fertilizer to the plants once a month.

Fifth, potting soil: Cardinal coral is suitable for well-drained, loose and fertile sandy loam.

Sixth, reproduction: Cardinal coral can be propagated by cuttings of 5-15 cm long stem segments. Like other Euphorbiaceae plants, cardinal coral will ooze white latex once cut. If the cut is immersed in water, the oozing of white latex will stop. The cuttings should be dried in the shade for a day, and then inserted into the substrate after the cut is dry.