Leucospermum cordifolium: caring for this tropical shrub

The Leucospermum cordifolium It is one of those shrubs that has flowers that do not seem real. They are so curious, that it is possible that when you see them once you will not forget them. Its color and shape are ideal for decorating, for example, a balcony.

The plant is not excessively large: maximum height of two metersand so and everything must be borne in mind that if it is grown in a pot it will be smaller. Would you like to know more about her?

How is he Leucospermum cordifolium?

It is an evergreen shrub native to South Africa. As we have mentioned before, it can measure a maximum of 2 meters in height, and around 1,5 meters in diameter if it is allowed to grow on its own. It therefore has a more or less rounded bearing, with long and woody branches. The leaves are green in color and leathery in texture, but without a doubt what attracts the most attention are the flowers, which are actually red-orange or yellow inflorescences.. These are rounded and resemble dancers’ pom poms, except the styles are firm.

As a curiosity, you have to know that in their place of origin the ants collect the seeds and store them in the ground. After a fire, they germinate. For this reason, if you get some, it is highly recommended to sow them in summer, which is when it is hotter, or in spring but only after having had them overnight in a thermal bottle with hot water (without burning).

How do you take care of yourself?

We now turn to what interests us: the maintenance of this plant. It is not easy, since being originally from South Africa it is very sensitive to cold and sub-zero temperatures. Therefore, it should only be grown outdoors throughout the year in frost-free climates; in the rest, as soon as it drops below 15ºC you have to put it at home. That said, let’s know what care to be given:

Location

• Abroad: The Leucospermum cordifolium it is a shrub that needs direct sun. Also, it is important that you give it throughout the day.
• Inside: inside the house it must be in a room where there are windows through which a lot of light enters, and the pot must be rotated a little every day so that it can grow well. But yes, it should not be placed right in front of these as the leaves would burn.

Earth

• Flower pot: If you are going to choose to grow it in a pot, it is advisable to fill it with a substrate composed of black peat mixed with perlite and worm castings in equal parts.
• the garden: it is very sensitive to excess water in the roots, so it should not be planted in heavy or compact soils.

Irrigation

The frequency of watering will be rather low. During spring and summer it will be watered 2-3 times a week, but only if the soil looks dry. In fall and winter it will be less, once a week or so. If in doubt, check the moisture in the substrate or soil with a meter or a wooden toothpick.

It is not good to put a plate under the pot. The water that is not absorbed will fall into it, and if we do not remove it, the roots could rot. In addition, it must be watered by directing the watering can to the ground, because if the flowers get wet they will spoil.

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You have to pay the Leucospermum cordifolium occasionally. It will be done from when spring has been established until temperatures begin to drop below 18ºC in autumn. For this, it is recommended to use fertilizers authorized for organic farming, since the flowers attract pollinating insects.

For example, guano, seaweed compost (for sale here!), herbivorous animal manure … these are all good. Just keep in mind that you have to follow the instructions for use that you can read on the product packaging, and that it is better to use liquid fertilizers if you are going to grow your plant in a pot.

Multiplication

If you want to multiply your plant and get new specimens You have to do it by sowing its seeds as soon as you acquire them in spring or summer. To do this, the first thing you have to do is have them in hot water for 24 hours in a thermal bottle, and then sow them in pots of about 8 centimeters in diameter with substrate for seedlings (for sale here!), putting a maximum of two in each one. You have to cover them with a little substrate, and then water them.

To finish, place the seedlings outdoors, in a sunny place, and water from time to time. In a month they should start to germinate.

Rusticity

It is a plant that can’t stand the cold; on the other hand, it does endure the heat a lot. Temperatures of 40 degrees do not affect you too much as long as you have water.

Did you know the Leucospermum cordifolium?