Edible Delonix Plant Care

Edible Delonix (Delonix edulis) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Delonix genus. Edible Delonix is native to southwest Madagascar. Edible Delonix is also known as Edible Flame Tree.

Edible Delonix displays a large spreading tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 40 ft. Edible Delonix produces showy clusters of red, orange, or yellow flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Edible Delonix 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.

Edible Delonix thrives in full sun.

Delonix edulis tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Edible Delonix prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Edible Delonix to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Edible Delonix 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 and well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Edible Delonix 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.

Edible Delonix can spread to about 40 ft (12.2 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 40 ft (12.2 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 Edible Delonix 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.

Edible Delonix 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.

Edible Delonix can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to royal poinciana plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Edible Delonix 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.

Edible Delonix grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Edible Delonix is native to southwest Madagascar. In cooler regions, grow Edible Delonix as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.