How to grow Quisqualis Indica

Quisqualis Indica (the scientific name is Combretum Indicum) is an evergreen climbing plant native to tropical areas, also highly prized in our latitudes for its beautiful blooms, which change color over the weeks. It has oval, lanceolate leaves, bright green in color, that remain year-round. The flowers consist of five petals, white, pink, or purple.

Origins

John Ivor Murray, a Scottish surgeon who worked in China and the Asian region, sent the first seeds of the plant to the Botanical Institute of Edinburgh in 1851, describing the characteristics of the plant. He also described the therapeutic use that the Chinese made of it: they used the seeds and roots of Quisqualis Indaca to prepare infusions and decoctions that served to eliminate worms from the intestine and to block the Diarrhea.

Exposure and climate

The plant prefers a tropical climate. It must be exposed to very bright areas, but never to direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day. Since the climate must be temperate, to avoid growth and disease problems, flowering, during the winter it is advisable to move the plant indoors or into a greenhouse.

Land and cultivation care

The substrate should not be overly drained. For successful potting, a mixture of peat, potting soil, organic matter, pumice, and sand is recommended. However, Quisqualis indica is a climbing plant, and as such, it requires the necessary support to grow to a height of up to 8 meters. 

Watering

Plants grown in the ground require sporadic watering: two to three glasses of water every 15 days. Plants grown in pots should be kept moist, but avoid leaving excess water in the saucer. 

Sowing and flowering

Quisqualis indica propagates by seed or cuttings in the spring. It flowers in summer, but continues until October. Pruning to remove flowers and dead branches should be done in spring. 

Problems and remedies

This plant is highly resistant to pests and diseases, but in the presence of excessive humidity, it can show signs of suffering with the onset of fungal diseases. These diseases can also occur when there are significant temperature variations between night and day, or when rainfall is very heavy and frequent. At the end of the winter season, Quisqualis indica can be a target for cochineal.

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