Delonix decaryi, native to southern Madagascar, is a striking deciduous tree with a distinctive bottle-like trunk and vibrant white, yellow, and orange-red flowers. Seeds have a hard coat requiring scarification or hot water treatment to improve germination rates significantly. Under proper conditions with warm temperatures and adequate moisture, germination typically occurs within 1-4 weeks.
Before sowing
Hot water treatment (pour nearly boiling water on seeds, cool to warm temperature, soak 24 hours) is highly effective; alternatively mechanical scarification followed by warm water soaking
Sowing
What to expect
Tips
Scarify seeds lightly with sandpaper or treat with nearly boiling water (cool to warm) before soaking. Maintain warm temperatures between 20-35°C, optimally 25°C. Use well-draining substrate to prevent seed rot. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during germination. A heating mat can accelerate germination. Handle young seedlings carefully as they are fragile. Germinated seeds showing white radicles should be potted immediately for best success.
Sources: greg.app, tropical.theferns.info, onszaden.com, propagate.one, plantiary.com, selina-wamucii.com
