Powder Puff Tree: Stunning Red "Flowers" on a Tropical Shrub

Botanical Name: Calliandra haematocephala

The bright red "flowers" are actually dense stamens up to 3 inches wide, covering the plant nearly all year. Dark-green bipinnate leaves (2-inch leaflets) on a shrubby plant that becomes a small tree. Needs sun, warmth, and high humidity — sunroom or greenhouse ideal.

Care for Continuous Blooms

Repot or Top-Dress

Spring repot to one size larger. To keep small, top-dress annually: replace top 2 inches soil with fresh mix, avoiding surface roots.

Prune Hard for Shape

Prune back hard in spring to 3 ft (90 cm). It responds well and makes a charming bonsai.

Quick Reference: Powder Puff Tree Care

• Origin: Bolivia (South America)
• Height: 10+ ft (3+ m) unpruned; dwarf to 6 ft (1.8 m)
• Light: Bright to full sun year-round; shade from strong summer sun
• Water: Evenly moist year-round. Yellow leaves = overwatering.
• Humidity: Moderate to high; tray or humidifier if dry
• Temperature: 60–80°F (16–27°C)
• Soil: Good all-purpose mix
• Fertilizer: Balanced liquid every 2 weeks spring–summer, diluted by half
• Propagation: 3-inch stem tip cuttings spring, root in moist perlite