Consulta Plantas

Care of the tree Chorisia speciosa or Silk floss tree

The Chorisia genus, family Malvaceae, is currently classified as the Ceiba genus and includes 20 species of trees native to tropical and subtropical regions of the American continent. Some species are: Ceiba speciosa, Ceiba insignis, Ceiba pentandra, Ceiba erianthos.

Common name: Silk floss tree. This species is native to Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina.

They are deciduous trees with a wide crown that reach 15 meters (49.21 feet) in height. The characteristic trunk is bottle-shaped, green in color and has large conical spines. The leaves are compound, alternate and with long petioles. The flowers are large and have various colors: pink in the petals and yellow, white and red in the center. They bloom in late summer and early fall.

They are fast-growing plants that are used in gardens as isolated specimens and in streets, squares and public parks.

The Ceiba speciosa needs full sun exposure and a warm climate; they resist light and sporadic frosts.

The soil must be well drained and contain organic matter.

Watering must be moderate; wait until the substrate has dried completely. They are very resistant to drought plants.

Fertilize in fall with compost or manure.

They can be lightly pruned after flowering to maintain a compact appearance.

They propagate easily by seeds sown in spring.

Images of the tree Chorisia speciosa or Silk floss tree