Brownea grandiceps — an easy houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Brownea grandiceps

Brownea Grandiceps

Updated · 164 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Brownea grandiceps is a species of tree in the family Fabaceae. Its common names include the rose of Venezuela and the scarlet flame bean. It originated in South America but is now widely grown as a decorative tree in tropical gardens.

A note from PlantMom

Scarlet flame bean has strong resistance to disease and is generally unlikely to develop illnesses. Regarding care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only minimal watering, and larger specimens typically do not need pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have finished blooming. Scarlet flame beant is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, like a garden or deck, and does not require extensive experience in plant care.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Brownea Grandiceps.

Light

The scarlet flame bean prospers in strong sunlight and can tolerate moderate shade. Native to regions with abundant sun, the plant's health benefits from ample light. Excessive or insufficient sunlight can hinder its growth, and its different growth stages may have varying sunlight requirements.

Water

The scarlet flame bean, native to tropical regions, thrives in high humidity with consistent moisture, but it is important to avoid waterlogging. It generally requires watering every 1 to 2 weeks. To maintain the necessary humidity for its lush foliage and vibrant flowers during the active growing season, you can mist the plant or place it on a pebble tray filled with water.

Temperature

Scarlet flame bean comes from regions with temperatures ranging from 68 to 100 °F (20 to 38 ℃). The plant prefers warm conditions. When cultivated in other seasons, it may need temperature adjustments to replicate its native environment.

Fertilizer

The best time to fertilize a Scarlet flame bean is in early spring, as it breaks dormancy. This supports overall growth and the development of flowers. Fertilization improves the foliage, stems, and branches, while encouraging flowers that are large, bright, and long-lasting. It helps move nutrients from the roots to the blooms and enhances the plant's health and resistance to disease.

Pruning

The scarlet flame bean is known for its vibrant scarlet flowers and thick foliage. To promote growth and enhance flowering, prune the plant from early to late winter. Remove any diseased branches, thin out crowded areas, and shape the plant to improve its structure. This will help maintain good airflow and light penetration. Always use clean tools to prevent the spread of disease.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Tree
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Brownea
Family
Fabaceae
Hardiness Zone
10-11
Mature Height
7.62 m
Mature Spread
4.57 m
Leaf Color
Green, Brown
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Red, Orange
Flower Size
15.24 cm to 30.48 cm
Bloom Time
Late winter, Spring
Planting Time
Spring, Summer
Harvest Time
Late spring, Summer
Native Area
Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Ecuador
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Rose-of-Venezuela en Rose of Venezuela en Scarlet Flame Bean
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

How should I water my Scarlet flame bean plant?

Your Scarlet flame bean is not very particular about how you water it. You can use any common watering tool, such as watering cans, hoses, or even cups, to moisten the soil. It is important to water the plant directly on the soil and make sure all areas of the soil are equally moistened to provide water for the entire root system. Using filtered water is recommended, as tap water may contain harmful particles. It is also beneficial to use water that is at or slightly above room temperature, as extremely hot or cold water can be a shock to the Scarlet flame bean. However, the plant generally responds well to any type of water you give it.

Why should I put fertilizer on my Scarlet flame bean plant?

Fertilization plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall health and well-being of a Scarlet flame bean plant. By providing the necessary energy and nutrients, it promotes the growth of lush foliage, sturdy stems, and branches. The flowers of the Scarlet flame bean plant are highly valued by gardeners, and fertilization helps in producing large, vibrant, and long-lasting blooms. This is due to the fact that the right type of fertilizer facilitates the efficient transfer of nutrients from the roots to the flowers, fueling their growth. Additionally, proper fertilization enhances the plant's overall health, making it more resistant to diseases.

What are the sunlight requirements for Scarlet flame bean?

The Scarlet flame bean (Brownea grandiceps) thrives best in full sun conditions, which means it requires above 6 hours of sunlight daily. It can also tolerate partial sun, getting around 3-6 hours of sunlight. It's crucial to watch how sunlight moves through your garden and choose spots that provide the right balance of light and shade, ensuring the plant's health and happiness.

What is the ideal temperature range for Scarlet flame bean cultivation?

The Scarlet flame bean, also known by its botanical name Brownea grandiceps, thrives in warm climates, with its ideal temperature range being between 68 to 100 °F (20 to 38 °C). To ensure optimal growth, it's important to mimic these temperature conditions, especially when cultivating the plant in different seasons. Since it's extremely heat-loving, care should be taken to protect it from cold temperatures, which can be detrimental to its health.

What do I do if I give my Scarlet flame bean plant too much or too little water?

When it comes to outdoor plants, especially newly planted ones or seedlings, they are often at risk of not getting enough water. To prevent this, make sure to water them adequately for the first few months when they are still small or newly planted. Once the roots are established, the Scarlet flame bean can rely mostly on rainwater. When growing Scarlet flame bean in pots, overwatering is more likely to happen. If you accidentally overwater your plant, take immediate action to fix the situation. First, stop watering the plant right away to minimize the effect of overwatering. Then, remove the plant from its pot to check the condition of its roots. If the roots are not affected by root rot, you can return the plant to its container. However, if you find any signs of root rot, trim away the affected roots and consider applying a fungicide to prevent further damage. Finally, repot the Scarlet flame bean in well-draining soil. On the other hand, underwatering is a problem that can be easily corrected. If you notice that the plant's leaves are drooping, drying out, or falling off, it is a sign that the plant needs more water. Water the plant more frequently to keep it healthy. Remember to adjust your watering frequency promptly when underwatering occurs. The plant's leaves will quickly regain their fullness after sufficient watering.

When should I fertilize my Scarlet flame bean plant?

To ensure optimal growth and flower development for your Scarlet flame bean plant, it is recommended to fertilize it primarily during early spring when it is coming out of its dormant phase and preparing to open its buds. This initial feeding provides the plant with enough energy for overall growth. However, it is also beneficial to feed the plant again in the fall, although a smaller amount of fertilizer is sufficient. Some gardeners opt to fertilize the Scarlet flame bean during planting, but this may not always be necessary.

Can Scarlet flame bean grow in artificial lighting?

Yes, the Scarlet flame bean can grow under artificial lighting, especially when natural sunlight is insufficient, such as in winter or less sunny spaces. For optimal growth, choose the right type of artificial light like LED lights, which can be customized to provide specific wavelengths needed by the plant. Full sun plants require 30-50W/sq ft, partial sun plants 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants 10-20W/sq ft of artificial light. Ensure to place the light 12-36 inches above the plant and mimic natural daylight hours, generally providing 8-12 hours of light per day.

How should I care for a Scarlet flame bean plant during winter?

During the colder months, especially in autumn and winter, it's recommended to bring outdoor-grown Scarlet flame bean plants indoors. Placing them near a bright window can provide them with much-needed light, but it's important to keep them at a safe distance from heaters to avoid damage. Maintaining a room temperature above 20°C is key to their growth during winter, as any temperature approaching 5°C or lower can be harmful to the plant.

How often do I need to water my Scarlet flame bean?

To ensure healthy plant growth, outdoor plants usually rely on rainfall. However, if your area experiences a lack of rainfall, you'll need to provide adequate watering. During the spring and fall, watering every two weeks should suffice. In the summer, more frequent watering is necessary. In the winter, when growth slows down and plants require less water, it's best to water sparingly or not at all. If your Scarlet flame bean is young or newly planted, it needs more frequent watering to establish and grow into adaptable, drought-tolerant plants. For potted plants like the Scarlet flame bean, there are two main methods to determine watering frequency. The first approach is to follow a fixed watering schedule, such as once a week or once every other week. However, this method may not consider the specific conditions of your Scarlet flame bean's growing environment. Additionally, it may not be sufficient during the summer when the plant's water needs are highest. An alternative method is to base your watering frequency on soil moisture. It's generally recommended to wait until the top two to four inches of soil, about one-third to half the depth of the pot, have completely dried out before giving more water. Adjusting the watering frequency based on the season and the plant's needs will help ensure optimal growth.

When is the best time to not fertilize my Scarlet flame bean plant?

During the winter, Scarlet flame beans are in a dormant phase and do not require fertilizing, just like many other plants. They don't need much energy from the soil to grow during this time. It's best to avoid fertilizing in winter to prevent negative effects from overfertilization. The main feeding times for Scarlet flame beans are in early spring and fall. This means that fertilizer is not needed for most of the spring and summer. If the plant is experiencing extremely hot or dry conditions, it is also recommended to delay feedings.

What are the symptoms of insufficient light for Scarlet flame bean?

Symptoms of insufficient light for Scarlet flame bean include small or lighter-colored new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slower or no new growth, and chlorosis (leaves turning yellow). Excessive sunlight can also harm the plant, leading to symptoms like sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching. These indicate that the plant needs a better balance of light to thrive.

What are the symptoms of low temperature damage in Scarlet flame bean, and how can I address them?

Scarlet flame bean plants show clear signs of distress when exposed to low temperatures. Symptoms include leaves lightening in color when the temperature falls below 1°C, eventually turning brown or black after frost damage, accompanied by wilting and drooping. To manage cold damage, trim off frost-damaged parts and move the plant to a warm environment indoors. Placing it near a south-facing window ensures ample sunlight while avoiding the placement near heaters or air conditioners to prevent air dryness.

PLATES
Brownea grandiceps leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Brownea grandiceps leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Brownea grandiceps flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Brownea grandiceps flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Brownea grandiceps fruit
PLATE 05 · fruit
Brownea grandiceps fruit
PLATE 06 · fruit
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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