Bombax ceiba
TAXONOMY
FamilyMalvaceae
GenusBombax
Zone10
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Bombax ceiba, commonly known as the Red Silk-Cotton Tree, is a large deciduous tree native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. It is known for its striking red flowers that bloom before the leaves appear. The tree can grow up to 30 meters tall and has a broad, spreading canopy. It has a dormancy period during the dry season when it sheds its leaves.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Bombacopsis Quinata
Gossampinus Malabarica
Gossampinus Rubra
Gossampinus Thorelii
Melaleuca Grandiflora
Northern-Cottonwood
Pachira Quinata
Pochota Quinata
Red Silk-Cotton
Red Silk Cottontree
Red Silk Cotton Tree
Salmalia Malabarica
Bombax aculeatum
Bombax ceiba
Bombax ceiba var. leiocarpum
Bombax fendleri
Bombax heptaphyllum
Bombax malabaricum
Bombax quinatum
Bombax thorelii
Bombax tussacii
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterMoist
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity60%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Bombax ceiba requires bright, direct sunlight and thrives in warm, tropical climates. It prefers moderate temperatures and high humidity. Water the plant regularly, allowing the soil to dry out partially between waterings. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.Soil
The Red Silk-Cotton Tree prefers well-draining loamy soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types but thrives best in fertile, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Ensure the soil has good drainage to prevent waterlogging.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 during the growing season. Fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks to promote healthy growth and flowering. Reduce fertilization during the dormancy period.Repotting
Repot young Bombax ceiba plants every 2-3 years to accommodate their growing root system. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and ensure it has good drainage. Repotting is best done in the early spring before the growing season begins.Propagation
Bombax ceiba can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until germination. Cuttings can be taken from semi-hardwood branches and rooted in a suitable growing medium. Propagation is best done in the spring or early summer.Pruning
Prune Bombax ceiba during the dormant season to remove dead or diseased branches and to shape the tree. Pruning helps maintain the tree's structure and encourages healthy growth. Use clean, sharp tools to make clean cuts.Toxicity
Bombax ceiba is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. However, as with any plant, it is advisable to keep it out of reach of small children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.Additional
Bombax ceiba is valued not only for its ornamental beauty but also for its medicinal properties. Various parts of the tree are used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments. The tree's wood is also used for making lightweight furniture and other wooden products.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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