Calliandra, commonly known as Powder Puff plants, are fairly common landscape plants in the tropics and subtropics. They are grown as small trees with woody stems and are especially prized for their profuse displays of red "powder puff" flowers that blanket the tree yearly. The puffs are actually the stamens of the flowers, and they really are beautiful. Indoors, these plants are kept smaller by necessity and, under the right conditions, can be coaxed into winter blooms or year-round blooms. Even though they are somewhat drought tolerant, they are not especially easy to bring to bloom inside. They are sensitive to cold, dry air, which perfectly describes the conditions in many homes. Even if the plant doesn't bloom, its fern-like, segmented leaves are drooping and beautiful.
Growing Conditions
Light: Calliandra needs bright light-especially indoors. The more, the better. During the height of the growing season, they might need protection from direct sunlight magnified by window-glass, but generally, for the rest of the year, they like very bright direct light.
Water: During the growth season, water frequently and never allows potting soil to dry out. You can reduce watering somewhat during the winter, but because the most common species is a winter-bloomer, you never want to suspend watering completely.
Soil: A rich, peat-based potting soil with excellent drainage is beneficial.
Fertilizer: Feed with a weak liquid fertilizer throughout the growing season. Cut fertilizer back to once a month or so in the winter.
Repotting
Repot in the early spring (when you take cuttings). In their native habitat, Powder Puff plants grow into medium-sized shrubs or small trees, depending on the year-round conditions and species. Indoors won't become that large, but if your plant is very healthy and thriving, it can easily outgrow your pot and overpower the space. To keep it smaller, only repot every other year.
Propagation
Powder Puffs can be relatively easily sprouted from stem cuttings. During the spring, when new growth emerges, and the winter bloom (if there is one) has faded, take a cutting and pot it in seed-starting soil. Rooting hormone and bottom heat increase your chances of success. However, these are not especially fast-growing plants, so don't expect a bloom that first year.
Grower's Tips
Powder Puff plants are not especially difficult to grow indoors, but it can be tricky coaxing them to bloom. They prefer regular moisture, high humidity, bright light, and high temperatures. In the absence of these conditions, they will not grow as vigorously and will likely not bloom at all. You'll probably have more success if you have a conservatory or sunroom. Powder Puffs are not especially susceptible to pests but sometimes suffer from mealybugs, aphids, and mite infestations. Signs of infestation include tiny webs on plants, clumps of white "powdery" residue, or visible insects on the plant. Treat infestations as soon as possible to prevent them from spreading to the rest of your collection. As always, start with the least toxic treatment option first, only progressing to more serious chemicals if your initial efforts fail.
Source: about.com
Links
- Back to genus Calliandra
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin