Mulungu Plant Care

Mulungu (Erythrina mulungu) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Erythrina genus. Mulungu is native to the cerrado and caatinga ecoregions in Brazil and Bolivia, South America. Mulungu is also known as Mulungu Tree, Coral Tree.

Mulungu displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Mulungu produces showy clusters of red, orange, or yellow pea-like flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Mulungu 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.

Mulungu thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Erythrina mulungu tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Mulungu prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Mulungu to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Mulungu 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 well-draining sandy loam with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Mulungu is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 12b.

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.

Mulungu can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 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 Mulungu 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.

Mulungu is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Mulungu can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to abyssinian coral tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Mulungu is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. 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.

Mulungu grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Mulungu is native to the cerrado and caatinga ecoregions in Brazil and Bolivia, South America. In cooler regions, grow Mulungu as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.