How to Grow Powder Puff Plant | Growing Calliandra haematocephala

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Calliandra haematocephala is an easy-to-grow tropical plant with red flowers. Read on to know How to Grow Powder Puff Plant.

How to Grow Powder Puff Plant
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The Powder Puff Plant, a native of South America, is widely used as an ornamental plant for its striking flowers, which elevate the look of gardens. Scroll below to get all the know-how about growing it easily!

Want to Grow Raspberries in Pots? Click here


Powder Puff Plant Information

Powder Puff is an evergreen shrub or tree which originated in Bolivia in South America. The plant can grow up to 3-8 feet in height and spread in an area of around 2-3 feet. The showy red flowers bloom seasonally. This genus comprises more than 200 varieties of plants.

Botanical Name: Calliandra haematocephala

USDA Zones: 9 -11

Check our post on how to grow Barbados Cherry here


Propagating Powder Puff Plant

Propagating Powder Puff Plant

From Seeds 

The seeds of the Powder Puff plant need to be soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing to increase the chances of germination. Plant them in a well-draining potting mix, water well, and keep them where they get plenty of dappled light. They will germinate in 3-4 weeks.

From Cuttings

Propagation from cutting is faster than propagation from seeds. Take 5-7 inches-long stems and trim off unnecessary foliage. Fill a pot with a well-draining potting mix and plant it. Water well and keep the container where it gets bright but indirect light. The cuttings will show new growth in 3-5 weeks.

Here is One Secret to Grow Any Plant From a Cutting


Requirements for Growing Powder Puff Plant

 

Requirements for Growing Powder Puff Plant

Light

The plant won’t mind growing in the shade but if you want the best flowers, then make sure it gets a minimum of 5-6 hours of bright sunlight. The more sun it gets, the better it will for its growth and blooms.

Water

During the growing season, i.e., summers, the plant requires regular watering and constantly moist soil. Do this by moistening the growing medium whenever the topsoil feels a little dry to the touch.

Check out these Signs of Overwatering & How to Save an Overwatered Plant

Soil

The Powder Puff plant grows well in well-drained, moist soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The soil mixture can be made out of peat moss, perlite, or leaf molds for the best fertility.

Temperature & Humidity

This plant grows best in humid and warm temperatures. For indoors, make sure to keep it near a sunlit window and not in a cold spot. The best temperature range for it is 60-75F/15-40C. It can thrive well in normal humidity levels.

Here are Ways To Increase Humidity For Houseplants That Work


Powder Puff Plant Care

Powder Puff Plant Care
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Fertilizer

To encourage flowers, feed the plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer, once in 4-6 weeks. You can also go for a slow-release feed, once in 2-3 months, according to the instruction on the label. Do not feed the plant in winter.

Here are Super Useful Homemade Fertilizers for Indoor Plants in Water

Pests and Diseases

The most common pests to infect Powder Puff are mealybugs, especially when the plant is in the growing stage. Check regularly for infections and immediately use chemicals before it spreads to the whole plant and destroys it.

Pruning

Prune the plant every now and then to keep the growth and shape in check. Also, snip away spent and dead blooms from time to time.

Learn How to Dispose of Diseased Plants and Weeds here

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