Calliandra haematocephala aka Powder Puff Tree

Taxonomy

Calliandra haematocephala, a species of flowering plants in the Fabaceae family, is a large tropical shrub or small tree. It features 45cm long leaves composed of glossy, dark green leaflets. This evergreen plant is a member of the legume family and has bipinately compound leaves that close up at night or during dry periods. During spring and late summer, raspberry-like buds grow in the leaf axils and open into powderpuff-like flowers, which are made up of a multitude of long, colorful, and showy stamens. Following the flowers, leathery seed pods appear, eventually bursting open when ripe and curling up. The dwarf variety 'nana' is particularly suitable for bonsai due to its slow growth and more frequent blooming.

Common names

Powder Puff Tree, Powderpuff Tree, White Powder Puff

How to care for Powder Puff Tree

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Powder Puff Tree, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Lighting

Powder Puff Tree thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your White Powder Puff.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Powder Puff Tree plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.


More info:
Wikipedia