Overview
Calliandra surinamensis Benth. is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. The plant is native to South America, and it is commonly found in Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela. The plant goes by various common names, including Pink Powder Puff, Red Powder Puff, and White Tassel
Appearance
The Calliandra surinamensis Benth. is a small, evergreen shrub that typically grows up to 3 meters in height. The leaves of the plant are elongated and have a bright green hue. The plant produces clusters of beautiful and vibrant flowers that range in color from pink to red or white. The flowers have a pom-pom like appearance, which gives them their common name, Powder puff
Uses
Calliandra surinamensis Benth. has several uses, both ornamental and medicinal. The plant is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks due to the beauty of its flowers. The flowers of the plant are also used to make garlands and as a decorative element in floral arrangements. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat several ailments. For instance, the bark of the plant is used to treat toothaches, and the leaves are used to treat inflammation and fever
Light Requirements
The Calliandra surinamensis Benth. plant grows well in full sun to partial shade, which means it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. When planted in an area that receives less sun, the plant growth can be less vigorous, and it may produce fewer flowers than usual.
Temperature Requirements
The Calliandra surinamensis Benth. plant grows well in warm, humid conditions with temperatures ranging between 65°F-80°F (18°C-27°C). It does not tolerate frost and can only survive in areas with mild winters. Additionally, humidity is important for this plant's growth.
Soil Requirements
The Calliandra surinamensis Benth. plant thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients to support the plant's growth. If the soil is too compacted, consider adding sand or perlite to improve drainage. It is best to avoid planting the Calliandra surinamensis Benth. in heavy clay soil.
Cultivation
The Calliandra surinamensis Benth. plant thrives well under full to partial sunlight exposure and in well-draining soils. It is preferred to cultivate the plant in warmer climate zones where temperatures range between 10°C to 38°C. To take care of the plant, consider planting it in the ground or growing it indoors in containers and hanging baskets.
Watering Needs
The Calliandra surinamensis Benth. plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. During the hot and dry months, it is recommended to water the plant twice a week. When temperatures drop, watering once every week is sufficient. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure that the soil is well-draining, and water the plant only when the top layer of soil dries up completely.
Fertilization
To maintain healthy growth, feed the Calliandra surinamensis Benth. plant with a balanced N-P-K (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium) fertilizer every month during the growing season. It is recommended to give half the recommended dose of fertilizer per application and avoid feeding the plant during the dormant phase. Alternatively, you can apply compost or organic matter around the base of the plant to supplement the soil nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning the Calliandra surinamensis Benth. plant stimulates bushier growth and leads to a fuller appearance. Prune the plant in early spring before the new growth appears. Cut off any dead branches, damaged leaves, or weak stems. To maintain the desired shape and size of the plant, prune some of the top branches but avoid cutting off more than 30% of the plant's total foliage. Pinch off the tips of new growth to encourage branching.
Propagation of Calliandra surinamensis Benth.
Calliandra surinamensis Benth., commonly known as Surinam powderpuff, is a tropical evergreen shrub or small tree that belongs to the Fabaceae family. Propagation of this plant can be done through seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation through seeds
The seeds of Calliandra surinamensis Benth. can be collected from the mature pods. The pods are collected when they are fully ripe and start to split open. The seeds are then extracted and cleaned properly. Before sowing, the seeds are soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the hard seed coat and facilitate germination. The seeds are then sown in a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm, humid place until they germinate. The seedlings can be re-potted once they reach the appropriate size.
Propagation through cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is another efficient way to propagate Calliandra surinamensis Benth. The cuttings are taken from mature and healthy plants during the growing season. The cutting should have at least five nodes and be around 10-15 cm long. The lower leaves are removed, and the cutting is dipped into rooting hormone powder before planting in a well-draining substrate. Ideally, the cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid environment until they start to root.
Propagation through layering
Propagation through layering is another common method to propagate Calliandra surinamensis Benth. This method is particularly useful for large, established plants that cannot be moved. To propagate through layering, a low-hanging branch of the plant is selected and a wound is made on the stem where it touches the ground. The wound is then covered with soil, and the stem is held in place with a stake or rock to keep it in contact with the soil. Once roots have developed, the new plant can be separated from the original plant by cutting the stem between the roots.
Disease and Pest Management for Calliandra surinamensis Benth.
Calliandra surinamensis Benth. is a hardy plant that is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, some common pests and diseases can affect the plant.
Pests
Some of the common pests that may affect Calliandra surinamensis Benth. include:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests suck the sap from the leaves, which can cause leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To manage them, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: These pests can cause damage to the leaves, flowers, and fruits. To manage them, handpick the caterpillars or spray with Bacillus thuringiensis.
- Aphids: These pests can damage the plant by sucking sap from leaves and stems. To manage them, spray the plant with a strong stream of water or with insecticidal soap.
Diseases
The following are some of the common diseases that can affect Calliandra surinamensis Benth.:
- Mold: This disease is characterized by the formation of white powdery spots on the leaves. To manage it, spray the plant with a mixture of baking soda and water.
- Rust: This disease is characterized by the formation of rust-colored spots on the leaves. To manage it, remove the infected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide.
- Leaf spot: This disease is characterized by the formation of brown spots on the leaves. To manage it, remove the infected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide.
In addition to the above-mentioned disease and pest management measures, maintaining proper cultural practices such as watering the plant correctly and providing adequate nutrients to the plant can also help in managing diseases and pests.
