Ochroma pyramidale
TAXONOMY
FamilyMalvaceae
GenusOchroma
Zone10
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Ochroma pyramidale, commonly known as the balsa tree, is native to the tropical regions of Central and South America. It is known for its extremely lightweight wood, which is often used in model building and insulation. The tree grows rapidly and can reach heights of up to 30 meters. It thrives in wet tropical climates and is part of the Malvaceae family.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Balsa
Peruvian Cacao
Theobroma
Tiger Cocoa
Bombax angulata
Bombax angulatum
Bombax pyramidale
Bombax pyramidatum
Ochroma bicolor
Ochroma boliviana
Ochroma concolor
Ochroma grandiflora
Ochroma lagopus
Ochroma lagopus var. bicolor
Ochroma lagopus var. occigranatensis
Ochroma limonense
Ochroma limonensis
Ochroma obtusa
Ochroma obtusum
Ochroma peruviana
Ochroma pyramidale var. bicolor
Ochroma pyramidale var. concolor
Ochroma tomentosa
Ochroma tomentosum
Ochroma tomentosum var. ibarrense
Ochroma velutina
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterVery Wet
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (8 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity80%
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
The balsa tree requires bright, direct sunlight and thrives in warm, humid conditions. It prefers consistently wet soil and should be watered regularly to maintain moisture. The tree grows best in moderate to high temperatures and high humidity levels. Regular pruning is necessary to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth.Soil
Ochroma pyramidale prefers loamy soil that is well-draining yet retains moisture. The soil should be rich in nutrients to support its rapid growth. Ensure the soil remains consistently wet but not waterlogged.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. Fertilize the tree regularly during the growing season to support its rapid growth. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and frequency.Repotting
Repot young balsa trees as they outgrow their containers, typically every 1-2 years. Choose a larger pot with good drainage and fill it with a nutrient-rich, loamy soil mix. Handle the roots carefully to avoid damage during repotting.Propagation
Propagate Ochroma pyramidale through seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a warm, humid environment with consistent moisture. Cuttings can be taken from healthy, mature trees and rooted in a suitable growing medium.Pruning
Prune the balsa tree regularly to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. Remove any dead or damaged branches and trim back excessive growth to promote a strong structure. Pruning is best done during the growing season.Toxicity
Ochroma pyramidale is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. However, as with all plants, it is advisable to prevent pets and children from ingesting any part of the plant.Additional
The balsa tree is known for its rapid growth and lightweight wood, making it a valuable resource in various industries. It is also an important component of tropical ecosystems, providing habitat and food for various wildlife species.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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