Espina de Cristo Plant Care

Espina de Cristo (Poinciana spinosa) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Poinciana genus. Espina de Cristo is native to Peru. Espina de Cristo is also known as Palo Blanco, Palo de Cristo, Chacaj.

Espina de Cristo displays a spreading, wide canopy tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 40 ft. Espina de Cristo produces showy clusters of red, orange or yellow blossoms.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Espina de Cristo 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.

Espina de Cristo thrives in full sun.

Poinciana spinosa tolerates temperatures of 60–90°F. Espina de Cristo prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Espina de Cristo to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Espina de Cristo 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 loam with organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Espina de Cristo 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.

Espina de Cristo 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 Espina de Cristo 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.

Espina de Cristo 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.

Espina de Cristo can be propagated through seeds, cuttings.

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

Espina de Cristo 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.

Espina de Cristo grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Espina de Cristo is native to Peru. In cooler regions, grow Espina de Cristo as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.