PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; highly tolerant of coastal salt spray and windy conditions
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil dries out; drought-tolerant once established
Temperature
Thrives in 20–30°C; sensitive to frost, with damage occurring below 10°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Heart-shaped, glossy green, 8–15 cm long; pale, fuzzy undersides
- Flower: Cup-shaped, 7–10 cm wide; yellow blooms fade to orange/red by evening
- Stem/Bark: Gray-brown, smooth when young; becomes fissured with maturity
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth; avoid waterlogging
Fertilization
Apply diluted balanced feed every 4 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nutrients can reduce flowering
Banana peel compost tea：Compost banana peels for 2 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; discard solid peels to prevent odor and pest issuesPruning
- Trim overgrown branches in early spring to maintain a rounded canopy shape
- Remove dead, diseased, or damaged foliage to improve airflow and reduce pest risks
- Prune spent flower heads after blooming to encourage new growth and additional blooms
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA listed as non-toxic to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes coastal resilience in many Pacific island indigenous cultures
Usage: Ornamental shade tree for coastal gardens; traditional fiber source from inner bark
