Scarlet Flame Plant Care

Scarlet Flame (Brownea coccinea) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Brownea genus. Scarlet Flame is native to Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela.

Scarlet Flame displays a tall tree with spreading canopy growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 20 ft. Scarlet Flame produces showy clusters of red or pink tubular flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Scarlet Flame every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Scarlet Flame thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Brownea coccinea tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Scarlet Flame prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Scarlet Flame to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Scarlet Flame every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and rich, well-draining soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Scarlet Flame is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Scarlet Flame can spread to about 20 ft (6.1 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 20 ft (6.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Scarlet Flame while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Scarlet Flame is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Scarlet Flame can be propagated through seeds, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to scarlet flame plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Scarlet Flame is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Scarlet Flame grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Scarlet Flame is native to Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela. In cooler regions, grow Scarlet Flame as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.