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