Calliandra Haematocephala – Red Powder Puff

🌿Plant Care Guide

📝 Description

Calliandra haematocephala, commonly called red powder puff, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to bolivia. It was formerly included in the legume or pea family, but has recently been shifted into the mimosa family. It typically grows 10-15’ tall in its native habitat . Bipinnately compound leaves (5-10 pairs of leaflets per pinna) open copper-pink but mature to dark green. Raspberry-like flower buds open to hemispherical red powder puff flower heads (to 3” across) consisting of masses of scarlet stamens. Blooms primarily in fall and winter, but sporadic additional bloom may occur throughout the rest of the year. Variations in flower color exist, with some pink and white forms being available.Calliandra haematocephala needs sunlight, warmth and high humidity to really thrive. If you can meet those requirements, your powder puff tree will do well indoors. A sunroom or greenhouse is an ideal spot for it.Move your plant outdoors for the warm months, if you want, to give it the sunlight it needs. Just shelter it from hot midday sun. This flowering shrub is a favorite of butterflies and hummingbirds. Keep soil evenly moist year-round. Yellow leaves are a sign of overwatering.Humidity: moderate to high (50% relative humidity — or higher). Use a humidity tray or a cool-mist room humidifier if air is dry. Propagation :easy to start from seed. Calliandra haematocephala seeds have hard coatings and need to soak in warm water for 24 hours before sowing. Seeds will germinate in about 2-3 weeks. They will also grow from cuttings. Take 3 in (7.5 Cm) stem tip cuttings in spring, dip cut end in rooting hormone powder, then insert the cutting in moist perlite. Keep the cuttings warm (70°f/21°c) until rooted (it’s a good idea to use a heating mat to maintain even temperature).