From our perspective, sunlight is our primary source of energy. We are sun-worshippers by nature. To thrive and produce our vibrant, papery bracts (often mistaken for flowers), we require a minimum of six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. Full sun all day is even better. In all these states—Florida, Texas, California, and Arizona—this requirement is easily met. However, in the hottest interior zones of Arizona and California, some very light afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent our roots from overheating in extreme summer temperatures, though it is not a requirement for our survival.
Our roots are highly susceptible to rot and fungal diseases if left sitting in waterlogged soil. Excellent drainage is not just a preference; it is an absolute necessity for our survival. We prosper in slightly acidic to neutral soil pH. Sandy soils, common in coastal areas of Florida and Texas, are excellent for us as they drain quickly. In heavier clay soils, you must amend the planting area generously with compost, pine bark, or other organic matter to create a raised mound or berm, ensuring water flows away from our root ball. A pot with ample drainage holes is also a perfect home for us.
Once established, we are remarkably drought-tolerant. Our water needs are modest. Overwatering is a far greater threat than underwatering. In the humid climate of Florida, natural rainfall often provides sufficient moisture, and supplemental watering should only be done when the top few inches of soil are completely dry. In the arid climates of Arizona and parts of California and Texas, a deep, thorough watering once every few weeks is preferable to frequent, light sprinklings. This encourages our roots to grow deep and strong, making us more resilient.
We are tropical and subtropical plants, meaning we crave warmth. We flourish in the heat of these states' summers. However, our major limitation is cold tolerance. We can withstand brief, light frosts, but prolonged freezing temperatures (below 32°F / 0°C) will damage our tender branches and can be fatal. In Florida's southern regions and the low deserts of Arizona and California, we are evergreen and grow year-round. In North Texas and cooler parts of California, we may die back to the ground in a hard freeze but often re-sprout from the roots in spring.
We flower on new growth. Pruning after a bloom cycle encourages us to produce more of that new, flowering wood. You should prune for shape and size control, but avoid severe pruning into old, leafless wood, as we may be reluctant to sprout from there. Regarding food, we are not heavy feeders. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in spring and mid-summer is sufficient. Too much nitrogen, however, will encourage us to produce excessive leafy green growth at the expense of our colorful bracts, which defeats the purpose of growing us.
