Fertilizer really should not be required to maintain the plant, but light applications will encourage more rapid growth. Caesalpinia pulcherrima is hardy to about 30F, after which it will likely freeze to the ground. With the exception of extremely cold winters, fortunately most established plants recover quickly late in the spring. Mulching the roots and lower stems will help to protect plants during the winter months. For really cold locations, the plant may be treated as an annual or cultivated in containers to allow for greenhouse protection during winter months.
Propagation is typically from seed.
A soak in warm water for several hours will improve the rate of germination. Once sprouted, seedlings should be brought along in small pots and planted out when they reach a height of 1 to 2 feet. Young plants are slow to establish, but grow more rapidly after the first or second year. Caesalpinia pulcherrima has demonstrated a surprising acclimatization to desert conditions. Despite the fact that it is native to the Caribbean, it has even naturalized in some areas of the Sonoran desert.