Prune old woody circling roots (in favor of a higher up shallow bowl shape of new feeder roots - a process that can take a couple of years or more as you only want to take off 1/3 to 1/2 at any time). When you prune branches, try to keep an uneven number as it adds more interest and tension. Cut them back sharply (but above bottom-most growth on each in case they don't bud back well below that). I don't know how brittle or not the branches are in terms of wiring, so if you want to bring them down use little weights instead. Think about having 3 branches at different levels, which will look Oriental and leave room for the flowers and leaves - leaves should reduce somewhat over time, but each early summer try snipping their stems to see if they grow back in smaller (once mature) - just do a few this year in case they don't do well, and never completely defoliate in any one season). Always make sure you're growing it in a mix with lots of grit and some perlite for fast drainage, and stay away from peaty potting soil that stays soggy and compacts in time.

Are you using bottom heat after planting the seed? Many tropical plants will not germinate at room temperatures of 70-75 degrees, but require some heat (90 degrees plus). Scarifying the seed with a nail clipper is a technique I have used with seeds with such a hard outer coating, and it does work. I personal would not put them into boiling water (warm water soak before planting...overnight...is different). Also, one week is not sufficiently long to determine whether your seeds are still viable. If the seed process does not work for you, Delonix is also readily available from bare-rooted starter plants, and they are very quick growing! You might also try posting your question on the tropical plants forum. Good luck!

Stanofh: I have had the same observation about the California Delonix regias. They seem to be more compact and denser trees than in pictures of trees I have seen in Phoenix and in Florida. I haven't come to any conclusions why this is...does anybody have any ideas? Katie, there's two D. regias available for sale as of 8/9/08 at Hunter's Nursery in Spring Valley,CA. One is a 15 gal. for $139.00 and a 24" box for $495.00. I took pictures of these tree this past Sunday. I'll post the pics. Also, J.D. Nursery in Fallbrook, Xotx - Tropico Neo Flora Gardens in West Hollywood have them available for sale. Here is a link that might be useful: Sherman Heights, San Deigo - D. regia

I started one from seed almost exactly a year ago. I picked the seeds up on vacation from St.Lucia they were red flowers. Amazing tree. Tossed the seeds in pots with potting soil end of July, full sun, south facing yard. Seed came up really fast in hot humid Southern Ontario Canada. Winter.. took them in (two of them) south facing window one died near the heat vent. It didn't like the dry air or the cold from the window glass the other managed to survive gave it a nice big pot this year. Put it outside in the end of May. It had lost all it's leaves except the top few sets and never grew and branches. This summer it exlploded lots of lower branches and foliage. Looks great but still a long way to go. Hope this helps.