Flame Pea
Flame Pea (Chorizema spp.) is a lovely perennial in the legume family that has its origins in the South West of Australia. It usually grows close to the ground, with woody stems and linear, saw-toothed leaves. This plant has attractive vibrant yellow and orange pea flowers between spring and summer and can be found usually in dry sclerophyll forest. Flame Pea is perfect for the garden and can be grown in containers. They should be planted in a sunny to partially-shade area.
This plant prefers to be alowed to dry out between watering. In the summer, you should water it every two weeks or so, but water only when the top few inches of the soil is completely dry. During the Winter, water your Flame Pea only once every three to four weeks. In very hot or dry climates, you may need to water more frequently.
Flame Pea prefers full sun or light, dappled shade. In summer they benefit from some protection from the strong mid-day sun, but will still need at least 4 hours of direct sun per day and should be moved to a shadier spot in the winter if they get too much sun. Morning sun is ideal for this plant.
Flame Pea can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F (-7°C), but should not be exposed to temperatures lower than 10°F (-12°C). Flame Pea should also be kept away from any drafty areas as these can cause it to become stressed. The ideal temperature range for the Flame Pea is between 60°F and 80°F (15°C to 27°C).
These plants are fairly tolerant of lower humidity levels, but they prefer a relative humidity between 40% and 60%. To ensure the humidity stay consistent, consider setting up a humidity tray or misting the leaves to keep them hydrated.
Flame Pea enjoys soil that is well-draining. It likes a soil mix that is slightly acidic (pH 6.5 – 7.5) and rich in organic matter. You can use a standard potting mix or mix one up yourself using equal parts sphagnum peat moss, compost, and perlite or vermiculite.
Flame Pea responds well to regular fertilization during the growing season. Choose a balanced fertilizer, such as an all-purpose one, and use it once a month. Do not overfertilize, as this can cause problems. In winter you should reduce the frequency of fertilizing to every 6 – 8 weeks. Always read and follow the directions on the fertilizer label before applying it to the plant.
Flame Peas are generally pest-free plants, but they can occasionally fall victim to mealy bugs, aphids, or spider mites. To prevent these pests from infesting your plant, you can keep a close eye on it. If you do spot any insects on your plant, use an insecticidal soap to remove them and make sure to follow the instructions on the label. You can also introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to your plant to control the pest population.
Flame Pea does not need to be repotted often, as it prefers to be slightly root-bound in its pot. Generally, you should only repot Chan Pea every 2-3 years, depending on the size of the pot and how big the plant has grown. Use a high-quality potting mix, and make sure you loosen the roots of the plant before repotting so that it can absorb all the nutrients it needs.
Flame Pea does not need to be pruned often, but if you notice any dead or diseased stems or leaves, you should prune them off at the base, as this will allow the plant to thrive and bring new growth. You can also prune off any shoots that are growing in an unnatural direction or that have become overgrown.
Mulching your Flame Pea is a great way to help preserve the moisture in the soil and keep the root system cool in summer. The best mulches for Flame Pea are wood chips and bark chips.
Flame Pea is easy to propagate by taking stem cuttings. The ideal time to take cuttings is spring, just before the new growth is about to start. Cut 4 – 6-inch pieces just below a leaf node, and remove the bottom leaves. Dip the cutting into a rooting hormone, and then place in moist potting mix and water regularly. After a few weeks, once the cuttings have rooted, you can repot and start caring for them as normal.
For larger, more established Flame Peas, you may need to provide some support such as a stake or a trellis. This will ensure that the branches are not weighed down by the flowers and do not break in windy weather.
Flame Pea does not need a rest period. This is a plant that will happily grow all year round. In winter, however, you should reduce the amount of water and fertilizer given to the plant as it will be going through a period of dormancy.
Flame Pea is not considered toxic to pets, however, the leaves can cause some digestive upset if eaten in large quantities.
Air Plant
Air Plant (Tillandsia spp.) are epiphytic plants that grow without soil or roots connected to the ground. They typically attach to rocks, tree branche...
Aglaonema
Aglaonema is a genus of flowering plants in the Araceae family. These evergreen perennials are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and...
Amaryllis
Amaryllis (Hippeastrum spp.) is a bulbous herbaceous perennial from the Amaryllidaceae family native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americ...
Asplenium
Asplenium is a genus of evergreen, perennial, and generally tropical or subtropical ferns, robust and lovely in appearance. These species thrive in va...
Azalea
Azaleas are part of the Rhododendron genus and are popular garden shrubs prized for their deep, often fragrant, showy flowers. They thrive in a moist,...
African Spear
The African Spear (Sansevieria cylindrica) is an easy-care succulent with a striking architectural look. Despite its appearance, this houseplant’s mai...