Contents
Description
Calliandra Dysantha is a beautiful flowering plant that is native to South America. It is also known as the Powderpuff Tree or the Fairy Duster, and it is a member of the pea family. The plant usually grows up to 10 feet tall and can spread up to 8 feet wide. It has distinctive red blooms with long stamens that resemble powder puffs.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Leguminosae |
| Genus | Calliandra |
Appearance
The Calliandra Dysantha is a small to medium-sized tree that usually grows up to 10 feet tall. It has a slender trunk and a crown that can spread up to 8 feet wide. The leaves are small and feathery, and the plant produces striking red blooms that resemble powder puffs. The blooms are about 1 inch in diameter and are produced in clusters at the end of the branches. The long stamens give the blooms a wispy, delicate appearance.
Care Guide
To care for a Calliandra Dysantha, you should provide it with regular watering, fertilization, and well-draining soil. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.Watering: Water your Calliandra Dysantha regularly, but be sure not to overwater it. The plant prefers moist but not waterlogged soil.Fertilization: Fertilize your Calliandra Dysantha with a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season.Soil: The Calliandra Dysantha prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones: The Calliandra Dysantha is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Calliandra Dysantha is generally free from pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soaps or neem oil.
Habitat
The Calliandra Dysantha is native to South America and can be found in tropical and subtropical regions. It prefers well-draining soils and is often found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and abandoned fields.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Calliandra Dysantha?
A: Water your Calliandra Dysantha regularly, but be sure not to overwater it. The plant prefers moist but not waterlogged soil.
Q: How can I control pests on my Calliandra Dysantha?
A: The Calliandra Dysantha can be susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soaps or neem oil.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Calliandra Dysantha?
A: The Calliandra Dysantha is hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Q: What is the ideal soil for the Calliandra Dysantha?
A: The Calliandra Dysantha prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Related Plants
- Calliandra haematocephala
- Calliandra eriophylla
- Calliandra surinamensis
- Calliandra tweediei
References
- Calliandra Dysantha, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Calliandra Dysantha, Florida Native Plant Society
- Calliandra Dysantha, Plants of the World Online
- Calliandra Dysantha, Dave’s Garden
