Flor-de-são-joão
Scientific name: Pyrostegia venusta
☘️ Toxicity: Safe for cats
☀️ Ideal light: Full sun (at least 4–6 hours daily)
💧 Watering: Moderate; tolerates short dry periods once established
The Flor-de-são-joão is a fast-growing tropical vine famous for its bright orange clusters of flowers that cover fences, walls, and pergolas. Ornamental, resilient, and safe for cats, it brings vivid color to sunny gardens.
Essential care
- Light: Requires full sun for abundant blooms.
- Water: Water regularly during the first year; later, water only during prolonged droughts.
- Soil: Fertile and well-draining; can be planted directly in the ground or in large pots with trellis support.
- Environment: Ideal for outdoor areas, sunny walls, and pergolas. Tolerates heat and wind.
- Fertilization: Every two months in spring and summer with phosphorus-rich fertilizer (e.g., NPK 4-14-8).
- Pruning: After flowering to control vigorous growth and promote renewal.
Flowering
- Season: Late fall to winter (June–August in the Southern Hemisphere).
- Intensity: Forms spectacular cascades of orange flowers.
- Tip: Light pruning after flowering encourages denser future blooms.
Pests and how to handle them
- Aphids and caterpillars: Control with neem oil or mild soap spray.
- Fungi: Avoid excess water and ensure good air circulation.
Propagation
- Cuttings: Take young branches after flowering and root in light, moist substrate.
- Seeds: Also possible, though slower to bloom.
Cat safety
- Classification: Considered non-toxic to cats (ASPCA).
- Best practice: Keep vines trimmed to prevent climbing or chewing.
💡 The Flor-de-são-joão blooms in June, coinciding with Brazilian June festivities — hence its name.
Quick checklist
- ☀️ Full sun
- 🪴 Fertile, well-draining soil
- ✂️ Prune after flowering
- 💧 Moderate watering
- 🐾 Safe for cats