Characteristics
Bush with dark colored leaves, lanceolate, and with serrated margins. Its particular hanging flowers stand out, in the shape of bright red lanterns that contrast with the dark foliage.
Location
It needs humid and partially shady areas. We will place the bonsai in outdoor areas, where it is not directly hit by sunlight.
Watering
Shrub that needs a lot of humidity, since in its usual state it lives close to river areas. We will water with plenty of water when we observe that the surface of the soil is dry.
Fertilization
From spring to mid-autumn with organic fertilizer or liquid NUTRIBONSAI from MISTRAL, applied every two weeks through irrigation water.
Re-potting
Every 2 or 3 years, in early spring, just a bit before the beginning of the annual budding.
After transplanting it is convenient to water with a solution of VITABONSAI from Mistral Bonsai, to accelerate the recovery of the tree.
Substrate
A mixture of 6 parts of Akadama, with 4 parts of volcanic gravel can be used; otherwise, Mistral Bonsai TERRABONSAI can also be used.
Pruning and pinching
Pruning
Pruning will be done only to give the desired shape.
Pinching
Throughout the growing season we can perform light pinching to get a denser crown.
Wiring
It is not a bonsai to which the wiring of its branches is practiced much. However, in case of doing so, it is advisable to do it before the sprouting.
Curiosities
Its generic name derives from the Greek and means “tree of beautiful flowers.” Gender that, due to its high content of tannins in its bark, is used to tan skins. Also, for its high quality of wood, it is used for furniture making.