Powder Puff Bonsai- the joy of frequent flowersPowder Puff bonsai is one of the showiest of tropicals. They bloom frequently and are often used indoors!This article was originally published in Bonsai Today magazine, Issue 73. It has been edited to suit this site.
Calliandra consists of 150 plus species of shrubs and trees which can be found throughout tropical regions of the Americas, Asia and Madagascar. In the landscape they are primarily grown for their showy inflorescence. The actual flowers are very small, however the brightly colored stamen make them appear larger (long stamens and pistils shoot out from a tiny calyx). The length of the stamens varies from species to species. As young trees, the trunk can be bent and shaped easily. Older trees are more difficult to bend and are usually styled as upright bonsai. Most species have flexible branches and take well to wiring. New foliage breaks on old wood, therefore severe pruning responds nicely. Frequent foliage trimming, any time of year, encourages more compact foliage.
(This is a 1980 photo of Joe Samuels and his amazing powder puff.) Calliandra trunk sizes vary from species to species as do the flowers. Start with a flexible enough trunk and a cascading shower of pink (or red) is possible. Flat, brown seed pods form after the blooms are spent. The major bonsai 'fault' of the haematocephala variety is the trunk rarely attains great thickness. Even many of the aged Calliandra specimens in the landscape have relatively small trunks. Calliandra. schultzei
C. schultzei is an exception to the slow growing trunk notation!This variety grows so quickly, it is likely to become root bound in a season. It will need additional water as the roots begin to fill the pot. It was one of those things I kept planning to dig up. When I offered it to Erik Wigert, he didn't hesitate! He has created a masterpiece from a rangy wild plant. Location and CareBonsai care for this plant is fairly easy. Calliandra prefers moist and slightly acid soil. It tolerates both full sun and full shade. The big difference will be the size of leaves. Like many legumes the leaves are compound. For more compact growth some sun or very high light is desirable.Keep the powder puff bonsai evenly moist in well drained soil. Not too wet, not too dry. During the growing season, a regular weekly feeding program with a balanced liquid fertilizer (once a month during cooler weather) will keep your Calliandra bonsai nourished. Occasional leaf yellowing can be resolved with an iron supplement.
Telltale LeavesCalliandra species have compound leaves that close up at night. The leaves may also respond to movement from one place to another, cold weather and even a windy day. If they actually wilt, it is usually a warning that it needs water.Propagation
Calliandra spp. are most often commercially propagated from seed; they may also be grown from cuttings and air layers. Many hobbyists begin their powder puff bonsai with nursery stock. The late Millie Cooper (Gold Coast Bonsai Society, Ft. Lauderdale FL) was known for her ability to propagate her own bonsai material. She started many plants from small cuttings and grew them on to be beautiful bonsai. This powder puff bonsai is a perfect example. Today this bonsai tree can be seen at
The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
in Palm Beach County, Florida. Root Pruning and RepottingThe best seasons for styling, potting and repotting this bonsai tree are spring and summer. In warm climates, growers have had success repotting year round. Check the roots annually. Occasionally severe root pruning may cause leaf drop. |
This Month's
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The Bonsai Articles Page holds a few surprises!
Bonsai Beginners,
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There are a number of bonsai articles on this site. Two of them are especially good for newcomers.
The first is important advice from an old timer and has become known as
"The Stuff Article."
Many teachers and clubs have reprinted Ten Steps for their members and students. For reprint details contact BonsaiMary.
Before you buy your first tools, be sure to read it.
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