Powder puff tree (Calliandra purpurea)
Care, watering, light and tips for Powder puff tree on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Fabaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Powder puff tree
Calliandra purpurea, commonly known as "Purple Stickpea", is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to tropical America, renowned for its striking pom-pom-shaped inflorescences of intense purple. Its delicate "flowers" are actually long, silky stamens that give it an ethereal appearance. It is ideal for adding a vibrant splash of color in tropical and subtropical gardens, either as a standalone specimen or in low hedges.
Native range
Mexico and Central America
Care tips
It requires full sun for abundant flowering and optimal development, although it tolerates light partial shade. Watering should be regular, keeping the substrate moist but not waterlogged, especially during warmer months; reduce in winter. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils, rich in organic matter. A common mistake is lack of pruning, which can lead to a straggly shape and less flowering; it benefits from formative and maintenance pruning after flowering.
How to save a dying Powder puff tree
- Warning signs
- Leaves not closing at night, widespread yellowing, leaflet drop. Indicates water or nutrient stress.
- First aid
- Check substrate moisture. If dry, water thoroughly. If wet, check drainage. Remove severely damaged leaves.
- What kills it
- Lack of direct light, waterlogging (root rot) or extreme dryness. Sensitive to sudden changes.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if branches are still flexible and no severe rot. Act quickly and be consistent.