Pseudobombax

Family. Malvaceae.

Origin. Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala.

Description. Pseudobombax are large deciduous trees, reaching 18 m in height in the natural environment. The trunk is powerful, covered with brown-gray bark, which cracks as the tree grows and forms vertical green scars, which only adds to the attractiveness of this plant. At the base of the trunk, a caudex is formed, storing moisture reserves. Even before the leaves appear, the plant releases flower buds at the tops of the branches. The flowers have very long, numerous stamens and resemble fluffy brushes of white, red or pink color. The leaves are compound, consisting of several elliptical green segments, on long smooth petioles. Young leaf blades have a bronze tint. The veins of the leaves are often highlighted with a light shade. The edges of the leaf blades are sometimes wavy.

Height. In indoor culture it does not exceed 2 m.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Keep at room temperature all year. During the winter months, the temperature can be lowered slightly to allow the plant to go into a dormant state. Do not expose pseudobombax to temperatures below 15°C.

Lighting

A brightly lit place with shade during hot daytime hours. In autumn the bushes shed their leaves, and at this time lighting does not play any role.

Care

After flowering, stems that are too long can be trimmed to give the plant a compact shape.

Substrate

Air- and moisture-permeable soil with a high content of drainage material and the addition of organic matter in the form of peat and leaf humus.

Feeding

During the growing season, feed the tree monthly with liquid fertilizers.

Purpose

Pseudobombax can be grown in bonsai style. 

Flowering time

Flower buds form in spring, but flowering occurs rarely in indoor conditions.

Air humidity

Easily tolerates dry air and does not require spraying. 

Soil moisture

In spring and summer, water sparingly, drying the soil between spills to a depth of 3 - 5 cm. In the fall, reduce watering and in the winter months, when the plant has dropped its leaves, just do not overdry the soil. 

Transfer

Pseudobombax is replanted in the spring, as it grows or if it is necessary to change the soil to fresh one. For large tub specimens, the top layer of soil is replaced with fresh soil every year. Representatives of this species develop a large root system, so the pots should be spacious enough.

Reproduction

Seeds that are sown in the spring. Stem cuttings 50 - 100 cm long are rooted in damp sand under a glass or plastic cover. 

Pests and diseases

Rotting due to waterlogging in autumn and winter, as well as insufficient drainage.

Among the harmful insects, the most common are aphids, thrips, scale insects, and spider mites.