Flame-of-the-forest Plant Care

Flame-of-the-forest (Butea monosperma) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Butea genus. Flame-of-the-forest is native to tropical and sub-tropical parts of South Asia and Southeast Asia. Flame-of-the-forest is also known as Palash, Dhak, Bastard Teak.

Flame-of-the-forest displays a medium-sized deciduous tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 25 ft. Flame-of-the-forest produces showy clusters of bright orange-red flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Flame-of-the-forest 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.

Flame-of-the-forest thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Butea monosperma tolerates temperatures of 60–90°F. Flame-of-the-forest prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Flame-of-the-forest to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Flame-of-the-forest every 8 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 loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Flame-of-the-forest is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 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.

Flame-of-the-forest can spread to about 25 ft (7.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 25 ft (7.6 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 Flame-of-the-forest 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.

Flame-of-the-forest 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.

Flame-of-the-forest can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to flame-of-the-forest plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Flame-of-the-forest is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, leaf miners. 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.

Flame-of-the-forest grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Flame-of-the-forest is native to tropical and sub-tropical parts of South Asia and Southeast Asia. In cooler regions, grow Flame-of-the-forest as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.