Floss Silk Tree
ceiba speciosa
Also known as: ["Palo de Ceibo","Silk Floss Tree","Kapok Tree"]
Overview
A large deciduous tree native to tropical and subtropical forests of South America, known for its spiny trunk and showy pink or white flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Genus: | Ceiba |
| Botanical Name: | Ceiba speciosa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a spacious area with ample sunlight
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually or as needed to maintain shape and health.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but blooms best in direct light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates; ensure adequate light indoors if grown as a container plant.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; place near south-facing window indoors.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; adjust based on season and weather.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes; amend with organic matter for nutrients.
Temperature
Thrives in warm temperatures (65–85°F/18–29°C); prefers frost-free conditions.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; maintain consistent warmth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Dilute fertilizer to half strength; avoid fertilizing newly planted or stressed trees; apply to moist soil.
Propagation
Methods
Seed or semi-hardwood cuttings.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cutting/collect seed, prepare medium, apply hormone (if cuttings), plant, maintain humidity, wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F/21–24°C), high humidity (70–80%), partial shade.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for cuttings.
Timeline
Seeds: 2–4 weeks to germinate; cuttings: 4–8 weeks to root.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining medium, humidity dome.
Quick Tips
Use fresh seeds for best germination; keep cuttings moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective branch removal; avoid topping; prune to maintain natural form.
Pruning Plan
Shape tree, remove dead/diseased branches, encourage airflow and light penetration.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune during dormancy, remove dead/diseased wood, shape evenly, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter for young trees; mature trees may stay in same pot with fresh soil.
Method
Use well-draining soil, trim roots if necessary, ensure pot has drainage holes, water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot young trees every 2–3 years; mature trees may not need repotting unless root-bound.
Checklist
Check root boundness, prepare new pot, trim roots, use fresh soil, water well, place in shade for recovery.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water early in the day to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Leaves may wilt, turn yellow, or drop; growth halts; risk of frost damage.
Solution: Protect from frost with frost cloth; move container plants indoors; avoid overwatering in cold.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering; may drop leaves to conserve water.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; mist foliage to cool.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, use balanced fertilizer, dilute properly, apply to moist soil, avoid contact with roots.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); reduce or stop in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume the seeds or pods of Ceiba speciosa. The toxicity is generally low, but individual sensitivities can lead to allergic reactions.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of the seeds and pods of Ceiba speciosa may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The compounds present are not highly toxic but can cause discomfort and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe seeds and pods of Ceiba speciosa contain compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and allergic reactions in some individuals. The physiological impact is generally limited to the digestive system, with no severe systemic effects reported.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does the Floss Silk Tree grow?
A: It can grow up to 30 meters (100 feet) tall in its native habitat.
Q: Does the tree require full sun?
A: Yes, it thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Q: Are the seeds of Ceiba speciosa edible?
A: No, the seeds are not typically consumed by humans and their edibility is not well-documented.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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