Ceiba speciosa 'Silk Floss Tree'

A remarkable deciduous tree native to the seasonally dry tropical regions of South America. Formerly classified as Chorisia speciosa, it belongs to the hibiscus family, Malvaceae. Young trees develop a swollen green trunk covered in large, cone-shaped spines, giving the plant an unmistakably prehistoric appearance. The trunk stores water and gradually becomes thick and bottle-shaped as the tree matures. Its canopy consists of palmate leaves divided into several narrow leaflets. Mature specimens produce large pink to rose-purple flowers, typically during fall when the tree may be partially or completely leafless. The flowers are followed by woody pods filled with seeds surrounded by soft, silky fibers. When grown in a container, Ceiba speciosa can be maintained as a smaller ornamental tree or trained as an unusual bonsai specimen.

☀️ Light

Provide full sun for the strongest growth and thickest trunk. Young plants can tolerate bright, filtered light, but they should gradually be acclimated before moving into intense direct sunlight.

💧 Water

Water thoroughly, then allow the soil to dry partially before watering again. Established plants are drought tolerant because their swollen trunks store moisture. Reduce watering significantly when the tree drops its leaves or becomes dormant during cooler weather.

🌱 Soil

Use a fast-draining soil mixture. A combination of cactus soil, pumice, perlite, and coarse bark works well. Avoid dense soil that remains wet around the roots.

🌡️ Temperature

Ceiba speciosa prefers warm conditions and grows best between 65°F and 90°F. Protect young or container-grown plants from frost and prolonged temperatures below 40°F.

💨 Humidity

Average household or outdoor humidity is suitable. Good airflow is more important than high humidity, particularly during cooler weather.

🌿 Fertilizer

Feed monthly during active spring and summer growth with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength. Stop or greatly reduce fertilizing when growth slows or the plant becomes dormant.

🪴 Growth

This is a fast-growing tree that can eventually reach 30 to 60 feet outdoors. Container growing, root restriction, and pruning can keep it considerably smaller. Handle the trunk carefully because its spines are extremely sharp.

🐾 Toxicity

Non toxic