How to save my Royal Poinciana Trees

Question

I live in Orlando, Florida and decided to try and grow Royal Poinciana trees from seed after we saw them in the Bahamas while we were on vacation. I read all about them and had them in pots in our backyard this past summer. They were doing good and then in anticipation of the colder weather we moved them inside to keep them warm, as I understand they cannot tolerate the cold. They are near a window that gets plenty of light, but I think they are dying.

Almost all of the branches have fallen off – one has only one branch left. I don’t know if they go through a hibernation stage in the winter and if all of the branches are supposed to fall off. I have attached pictures of what they look like now. (They are the two in the terracotta pots) Please advise what I should do, as I would really hate to see them die.

Thank you!!!

Answer 1

This sun loving, tropical tree will not survive indoors.
You are seeing the results of indoor conditions that are not favorable to the trees recommended growing of zones 10 -12.
Also known as Flame Tree or Flamboyant Tree, it will not survive in temperatures below 45 degrees F.
Though it is receiving a bright indoor light, this is not nearly the amount of sunlight your tree will need.
You can add additional light from a grow light to help it along until temperatures warm enough to return it outdoors.

It is unlikely this specimen will do well in a pot, unless it is a dwarf variety.