Questions about the Red Butterfly received. The Mariposa Christia Vespertilion is known as the Red butterfly wing plant. I’m assuming it is dormant because it just dropped all of its leaves. Does the plants leaves grow back on the same stems? Should I cut it back? If so, where should I cut it?
Answer: Mariposa Christia Vespertilion plant is a rare plant and there is not much information about growing it in various climates. The grow new branches most of the time when producing new leaves.
Red Butterfly wing plant Growing
Exotic grower has over 2,000 red butterfly wing plant seeds ready to plant. We plan to plant them this month to start new plants using heat mats and grow light. After about 4-5 months most of the Mariposa Christia Vespertilion seedlings go outside.
The red butterfly plants grow in indirect sunlight until they are put in 3.5″ pots. Once in pots Exotic grower gives them 60% to 70% sunlight (under shade cloth house). Based on growing the Mariposa Christia Vespertilion in south Florida we keep the soil moist but not wet.
Dormancy: Red Butterfly wing Marisa Christia Vespertilion
In our area (tropical climate) they do not go 100% dormant. The Christia Vespertilion drop about 80% of their leaves during winter in our area (SE tropical Florida). Exotic grower has many clients in various cool to cold climates. They protect the plants from the cold (container growing them). I would not cut the plants back until you see where new grow occurs. Yes, they will grow in the ground in SE Florida!
Exotic Grower pruned 90% of their seed producing stock to see the outcome. We hope they grow back with thicker trunks and more branches as they do in the summer. The red butterfly wing pants were last pruned in mid-summer 2019 (8 months ago). Our company is still experimenting with them to gain more growing information.
Seed Germination of the Red Butterfly wing Plant
The seed stock plants produces seeds year round in our climate. In cooler and colder climates do not expect seed growing until late summer. Seed germination rate is about 40%. It can take 3 months or more to germinate seeds. Once germinated it will take several more months until they are ready to transplant.
If you have growing experience with the red butterfly wing plant please send information to AdeniumRose Company LLC. Any information is appreciated.