Malpighia coccigera

Being a tropical plant, Malpighia coccigera is well suited to indoor cultivation. It should be placed in a brightly lit area, no more than 1 meter from a window that isn't shaded by curtains, and away from heat sources such as radiators. It's important to avoid cold drafts and low-humidity areas, which could damage it. During the summer, it can be moved outdoors in a partially shaded location, but should be brought indoors as soon as temperatures begin to drop below 15°C.

The common watering rule, which dictates watering whenever the soil feels dry to the touch, is also ideal for Malpighia, although more frequent watering is necessary during hotter periods and in strong winds. Often, in these cases, the soil risks remaining completely dry. It's also important to keep in mind that both a lack of water and an excess of water can cause serious problems for the plant. Specifically, a lack of water causes drooping leaves and stunted growth; excess water causes the leaves to blacken at the apical tips.

Repotting Malpighia coccigera should be done approximately every two years, in spring, using a well-draining and airy substrate. The ideal mix might be fine akadama, pumice, and a small amount of prepared soil. During repotting, you can selectively prune the roots, removing any damaged or excessively long roots. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot, which is particularly dangerous indoors, where evaporation is slower than outdoors.

Pruning is essential to maintain the compact shape of the Malpighia coccigera bonsai and stimulate the formation of new shoots. Pruning is best done in spring or after flowering. It's advisable to shorten overly long branches and remove weak or untidy ones. Since growth is quite rapid under favorable conditions, pruning can be done several times a year to refine the tree's structure.

Pinching involves removing new growth as soon as the shoots have produced 4-5 leaves. It's done with sharp scissors or directly with your fingers to stimulate lateral branching and contain excessive growth. This technique is very useful for achieving a compact and harmonious crown, essential for indoor bonsai, where space is often limited. Pinching should be done regularly from spring to fall, avoiding stressing the plant during the hottest periods or after repotting.

Wire is used to shape young branches, giving them the desired direction. Aluminum wire is recommended, applying it delicately to avoid damaging the thin bark. Malpighia coccigera has relatively flexible branches when young, but tends to lignify quickly. For this reason, it's important to regularly monitor the condition of the wire and remove it as soon as the branch retains its shape, usually within a few weeks or months, to avoid permanent damage.

Fertilization is essential to keep Malpighia coccigera vigorous and healthy, especially if cultivated in pots where nutrients are quickly depleted. During the growing season, from spring to fall (excluding summer), it is advisable to apply a balanced fertilizer every 15-20 days, or use a slow-release organic fertilizer. A slightly higher phosphorus and potassium content can promote flowering. Fertilization can be suspended in winter.

Grown indoors, Malpighia coccigera requires a stable microclimate, with abundant light, moderate humidity, and temperatures between 18°C ​​and 25°C. It can suffer in dry, poorly ventilated environments, conditions that favor the emergence of pests such as aphids, scale insects, or red spider mites. It is therefore important to regularly check the foliage and, if necessary, intervene with natural or specific remedies. A good practice is to periodically rotate the pot to ensure uniform growth and good air circulation around the plant.