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Dwarf Powder Puff Care Sheet Brought to you by S & S Bonsai of Colorado Springs, Colorado (Most of the included information is obtained from several online sources.) “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” —Mahatma Gandhi— The Dwarf Powder Puff (Calliandra emarginata or Calliandra haematocephala ) General Information: Calliandra consists of 150 plus species of tropical, evergreen shrubs and trees which can be found throughout tropical regions of the Americas, Asia, Madagascar and along the Mediterranean and in Europe. In the landscape they are primarily grown for their showy inflorescence. Calliandra 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. The actual flower buds resemble raspberries and are very small, delicate crimson `puffs`, 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. The Calliandras attract hummingbirds due to the bright pink or red puffy flowers. 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. C. schultzei is an exception! This Bonsai is an easy to grow plant that will flower year round. It is perfect for beginners as it is drought tolerant and resistant to diseases and pests. CARE Puff is thin and damages easily, so take care when wiring Temperature: Zones 9b - 11. Protect below 40°F. Prefers winter temperatures between 59-64 degrees. The Powder Puff is typically an outdoor plant in warmer climates and prefers consistent warmth. Frost is dangerous to this plant. New foliage breaks on old wood, therefore severe pruning responds nicely. Frequent foliage trimming, any time of year, encourages more compact foliage. Remove spent flowers to encourage more! This practice will save 'energy' in the plant for growth, so that it will not try to make 'fruit'. Lighting: If grown indoors, you must choose a bright sunny location or supplemental lighting would most likely be required. If outdoor temperatures permit it to be outside, it will enjoy bright light with protection from midday sun to prevent burning of leaves. 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. Air: Ventilation is good but too much wind may cause the leaves to close up. Watering: Calliandra prefers moist and slightly alkaline soil. Keep the Powder Puff bonsai evenly moist in well drained soil. Not too wet, not too dry. Powder Puff Bonsai need humidity, so misting and keeping your Bonsai on a humidity tray will be beneficial. The Dwarf Powder Puff is not tolerant of salt. Fertilizing: During the growing season, a regular weekly feeding program with a balanced liquid fertilizer (once a month during cooler weather) will keep your Calliandra nourished. Occasional leaf yellowing can be resolved with an iron supplement. Pruning / Training: Prune your Dwarf Powder Puff during its growing season, spring and summer. The Dwarf Powder Puff may be wired, however it must be done early because older branches become stiff and brittle. It is best to wire only the new growth that has not hardened yet. 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. The bark of the Powder Insects / Pests: Powder Puff bonsai outdoors are susceptible to very few pests and/or diseases. Aphids may be the most likely nuisance. Watch for the common greenhouse (indoor) pests such as aphids, scale and mites. With good air circulation pests are limited to occasional aphids and infrequent scale. The best remedy is a spray wash of soap and water. Propagation: Calliandra 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. Repotting: Repot every two years. The best seasons for styling, potting and repotting this bonsai tree are spring and summer. In warm climates, you will have success repotting year round. Check the roots annually to ensure that they are not becoming root bound. Occasionally severe root pruning may cause leaf drop. Calliandra schultzei is very fast to re-create extensive roots. Calliandra haematocephala is much slower and it also responds slowly to leaf loss. Use a well draining soil, adding organic to the mix is recommended. Design and Styling: Can be done in most styles including informal upright and cascade.