Erythrina tahitensis Plant Care

Erythrina tahitensis (Erythrina tahitensis) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Erythrina genus. Erythrina tahitensis is native to the island of Tahiti in the Society Islands of French Polynesia. Erythrina tahitensis is also known as Coral Tree.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Erythrina tahitensis 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.

Erythrina tahitensis thrives in full sun to partial shade.

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

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

Feed Erythrina tahitensis 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.

Erythrina tahitensis is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Erythrina tahitensis 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 Erythrina tahitensis 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.

Erythrina tahitensis 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.

Erythrina tahitensis 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.

Erythrina tahitensis 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.

Erythrina tahitensis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Erythrina tahitensis is native to the island of Tahiti in the Society Islands of French Polynesia. In cooler regions, grow Erythrina tahitensis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.