Red powder puff (Calliandra haematomma)
Care, watering, light and tips for Red powder puff on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Fabaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 4 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Red powder puff
Calliandra haematomma, commonly known as powder puff plant, is an evergreen shrub native to tropical America, renowned for its striking spherical inflorescences of red or pink stamens, resembling pompoms. Its abundant and prolonged blooming makes it an excellent choice for tropical and subtropical gardens, either as a standalone specimen or in large pots on patios and terraces. It attracts pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies, adding life and color to the space.
Native range
Tropical America, including the Caribbean and northern South America
Care tips
It requires full sun exposure for optimal flowering, though it tolerates light partial shade. Watering should be regular, keeping the substrate moist but not waterlogged, especially during flowering periods; reduce frequency in winter. It prefers well-drained soils, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic. A common mistake is neglecting pruning, which can lead to a leggy plant; perform shaping and maintenance pruning to encourage denser flowering and a compact form.
How to save a dying Red powder puff
- Warning signs
- Yellow or falling leaves, dry and brittle shoots. Poor flowering or prematurely wilted flowers.
- First aid
- Check watering (moist but not waterlogged soil), bright indirect light indoors, or partial shade outdoors. Light fertilization.
- What kills it
- Prolonged drought or constant waterlogging. Lack of light or very strong direct sun without acclimatization.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, it often recovers well with adjustments in watering and light, especially if the roots are not rotted.