I've had this plant probably five years. It bloomed every year, generally starting in June, up until last year. Last year, I finally discovered that it was covered in scale. After I finally got rid of the scale, I fertilized and watered regularly and left the pot in the same place it had always occupied, ie, under a tree (part sun and part shade). So it has produced zero blooms in two seasons now.
( I have tried Superbloom to no avail.)
It is in probably about a 10 gallon pot. I've never cut it back severely or repotted it. Should this be my next step? Oh yes. It is greenhoused in winter and never dies down.
Next question: Should the leaves of this plant get a deep green? Mine never do no matter how much I try. I've used boron, ironite, and epsom salts, along with the regular fertilizers.
Has anyone had any experience with this plant?
Thanks for your advice!
Kay
Why won't my Brazilian Red Cloak bloom?
Thanks for the information, Dutchlady. (Oh, the Plastic Pink plumie I got from you has just put on such a beautiful show for me! Thanks so much for that trade (a year or two ago, I think?)
I saw RJ's picture of a plant that I thought was Brazilian Red Cloak posted on this forum. Its leaves appeared to be dark green in the picture. I could be incorrect in assuming that it is BRC. In case he does not see this post, I D-mailed him to ask his secrets about its care. If he clues me in, I'll let you know what he says if he does not post here.
Kay
My BRC doesn't have deep green leaves and it bloomed wonderfully when it was in a lot of sun (FULL SUN). The trees have grown and it gets bright shade. I think it needs a LOT of fertilizer too.
I believe that Carol has the answer; lots of sunlight!
I have several plants in the shade that have never bloomed.
I've had mine two year I think and it bloomed much better last year. This year I have one bloom on the entire plant and it's a pretty good sized plant. What type of fertilizer would you use in it? Mine gets a lot of sun; I actually moved it last year so that it would get more sun. Thanks!
Patty
I hit it with anything in the cart I have standing by: Triple 14, 10-30-10 or MG foliar. I don't think it is picky.
Thanks! I've used MG on it and one other plant food that has micronutrients included (not at the same time). I am not sure why it is not blooming like it normally does. We have been in a drought this summer, but I've been pretty faithful about watering it. We have just received our first rain this past week and so I am curious to see if that will help it along.