Is the coral bean (Erythrina corallodendron) poisonous? A guide to growing it

Coral bean (Erythrina corallodendron) is something many people absolutely adore; its flowers bloom in long strings and look simply stunning. What is the method for growing coral bean? Is coral bean poisonous?

Growing method for coral bean:

1. Choosing the pot and soil

Coral bean is a fairly large woody flowering plant, so a larger pot should be chosen for container growing. The soil should be a well-drained, fertile, loose sandy loam. It does not demand high fertility, but the soil must not be too poor; in soil that is too poor or too dry, coral bean will grow poorly.

2. Light and temperature

Coral bean likes a growing environment with plenty of light and can tolerate partial shade; ideally it should receive about 5 hours of light per day. It likes a warm climate, can tolerate high temperatures, and has poor cold tolerance. The suitable temperature for coral bean growth is between 20°C——28°C. In winter it needs to be kept warm; if conditions allow, it can be moved into a greenhouse to overwinter.

3. Watering and fertilizing

Coral bean likes a humid environment, but it should not be waterlogged, so watering must be moderate. During hot, dry summer weather, watering should be increased to keep the potting soil moist; if needed, water can be sprayed on the leaves. In winter, when temperatures are low, watering should be reduced, especially after it is placed in a greenhouse. As for fertilizing, it can be fertilized once every half month during the growing period, and once or twice with phosphorus and potassium fertilizer during the flowering period. After autumn begins, fertilizing should be stopped.

Is coral bean poisonous?

Coral bean belongs to the genus Erythrina, and plants in the genus Erythrina are mostly poisonous. Without a doubt, coral bean is poisonous too. The flowers, leaves and stem bark of coral bean all contain toxic alkaloids, and alkaloids mostly act on the nervous system, causing significant harm to the human body.

That is all for the introduction to the growing method of coral bean. This coral bean is poisonous, so care should be taken when growing it.

Points to note when growing coral bean

Avoid excessive contact

Coral bean has abundant flowers and bright colors, making it very suitable for growing as an ornamental flowering plant, but because it is poisonous, care should be taken during cultivation to avoid excessive contact. Do not let your hands touch its sap, and do not place it somewhere children can easily reach.

Never "take it by mouth"

Although coral bean is poisonous, its floral scent is not poisonous. So as long as we do not come into excessive contact with it, and place it on a windowsill or balcony as a potted ornamental, it is for viewing only and must never be mistaken for food and swallowed.

When coral bean is in bloom it has high ornamental value; we should only admire it and never eat it! As long as we do not pick it and eat it by mistake, its toxicity will not harm us!

The value of coral bean

Economic value

Because the wood of coral bean is very soft, it can be used to replace cork in making bottle stoppers. In addition, the bark of coral bean has relatively high medicinal value; its bark contains certain substances that can be used to make anesthetics and pain-relieving sedatives.

Ornamental value

When coral bean blooms, it is a brilliant swath of red, as beautiful as red coral freshly brought up from the sea. The deep red flower clusters look like a red crescent moon, dazzling and eye-catching. It is a very beautiful ornamental plant and is widely used in parks and courtyards to beautify the environment.

Coral bean is grown as an ornamental flowering plant and has high ornamental value; it can not only beautify the environment but also purify the air! However, because it is poisonous, care should be taken during cultivation to avoid excessive contact. Do not let your hands touch its sap, and do not place it somewhere children can easily reach.