They are hardy to zone 8, which you are in so your plant should be fine; it sounds as though you did the right thing. Here's an article that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/esperanza/pruning-esperanza-plants.htm
What can I use to cure the problem?
Unfortunately, your photo did not come through. It sounds a bit like scale. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/control-plant-scale.htm
Mine isn’t blooming and tips of leaves are turning brown. I have it in a large container that does have drain holes
This should be pretty level with the soil. Generally, when it won't flower, the ratio of nutrients are to blame.
The will fail to flower when the nitrogen levels are too high, and phosphorus and potassium are not high enough. They prefer alkaline soil, which when the phosphorus and potassium levels are correct, it will be alkaline. Nitrogen rich soils are normally acidic.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/esperanza/esperanza-not-flowering.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/esperanza/esperanza-plant.htm
Please tell me during which month Esperanza seed pods turn brown in zone 9, San Antonio, TX. I picked some that are still green. Will they turn brown? Are they any good? Thank you. Sorry I don't have a photo and don't know how to upload one anyway.
Esperanza seed pods form all fall. You can clip off some to extend the bloom and leave some to collect seeds. Leave the seed pods on the stems as long as possible till they dry and are no longer green. The seeds should be dark.
Most seeds will not ripen off the plant.
https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/planting/seed-saving.html
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/esperanza/esperanza-plant.htm
mine looks like a shrub I DO NOT KNOW HOW TO UPLOAD A PHOTO
Nope! None of them are vines, in fact! They are a "shrubby" versions of their cousin.
Here is an article that will offer more information on their care:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/esperanza/esperanza-plant.htm
Have two cuttings from Esperanza bush. How to start them with rooting hormone
Dip the cut ends into the rooting hormone and insert in a rooting media such as perlite. Water, then cover the plants with plastic to create a greenhouse effect. Keep soil moist. When new growth forms, remove the plastic.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/projects/rooting-plant-cuttings.htm
How to prune Esperanza plant, etc.
I only pruned to remove dead wood in Spring. Here is some care info:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/esperanza/esperanza-plant.htm