Maintenance Landscaping Design

Bombax ceiba is a species of tropical tree in the mallow family, Malvaceae. It is native to the Indian subcontinent, southern China, and Southeast Asia. The tree grows to a height of 30–40 m (98–131 ft) with a trunk up to 2.5 m (8.2 ft) in diameter. The leaves are arranged spirally, each leaf is 20–35 cm (7.9–13.8 in) long and 15–25 cm (5.9–9.8 in) wide, with five to seven lobes. The flowers are borne in clusters of three to five. The fruit is a woody capsule 15–20 cm (5.9–7.9 in) long and 10–14 cm (3.9–5.5 in) wide, containing five to eight seeds.

Alternative name

• Kapok
  
• Silk-cotton tree
  
• Ceiba tree
  
• Cotton tree
  
• Kapok tree

Good to Know

• Bombax ceiba, also known as the red silk cotton tree or kapok tree, is a tropical tree native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
  
• The tree grows to a height of 30–40 m (98–131 ft) and has a trunk diameter of up to 3 m (8 ft).
  
• The leaves are large, compound, and composed of 5–9 leaflets.
  
• The flowers are large, red, and showy, and occur in clusters at the ends of the branches.
  
• The fruit is a large, woody capsule containing numerous seeds.
  
• The tree is cultivated for its fiber, which is used in the manufacture of ropes, nets, and textualiles.
  
• The tree is also used as a shade tree and as a source of fuelwood.
  
• The wood of the tree is used in the construction of boats, furniture, and other objects.
  
• The tree is sacred to Hindus, and is often planted near temples and shrines.
  
• The tree is considered to be the national tree of Bangladesh.

Growing Steps

1. For bombax ceiba, first step is to find the tree in the nature.
   
2. It is better to plant the tree in spring season.
   
3. Choose a planting spot which has full sun and well-drained soil.
   
4. Clear the chosen spot from the weeds and other plants.
   
5. Dig a hole which is twice the size of tree’s root ball.
   
6. Place the tree in the hole and fill it with soil.
   
7. Tamp the soil around the tree gently.
   
8. Water the tree regularly.
   
9. Fertilize the tree once in a year.
   
10. Prune the tree regularly to maintain its shape.

The Soil

About soil condition, Bombax ceiba likes deep, rich, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade, but it is not overly particular about soil type. Plants are typically quite tolerant of drought and heavy clay soils once they are established. They have a deep taproot and are not easily transplanted.

About light

Similar to other trees, the bombax ceiba needs sunlight to grow. It thrives in sunny areas and needs at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If it doesn't get enough sunlight, it will not grow as well.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is best suited for the growth of the bombax ceiba is the tropical to subtropical climate. The tree grows best in these temperature ranges and will not tolerate extremes in temperature. The tree is native to the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia and is therefore used to these types of climates.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant would be 50-60% Bombax ceiba thrives in tropical and subtropical climates with high humidity. The tree does best in an environment with consistently moist soil and high humidity, although it can tolerate short periods of drought. When grown in drier conditions, the tree is more susceptible to pests and diseases.

Fertilizer Requirement

Discussing fertilizer, this plant requires little fertilizer. In fact, too much fertilizer will result in fewer flowers. The best time to fertilize is in the spring, before new growth begins. Apply a general-purpose fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, at the rate of 1/2 pound per 10 square feet. Apply it around the base of the plant, taking care not to get any on the leaves or stems. Water it in thoroughly.

Plant Pruning

Pruning bombax ceiba is important to encourage new growth and maintain the health of the plant. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged leaves and branches. Cut back any long or leggy branches to encourage new growth.

About Propagating

Propagation Bombax ceiba can be propagated from both seed and cuttings. To propagate from seed, sow the seeds in a well-drained seedling mix and cover with a thin layer of sand or vermiculite. Keep the seedlings moist and in a warm, sunny location. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots filled with a well-drained potting mix. To propagate from cuttings, take stem cuttings from new growth in spring or summer. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and have at least 2-3 leaves. The bottom leaf should be removed and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before being inserted into a well-drained potting mix. Keep the cutting moist and in a warm, sunny location until roots have formed and new growth appears.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate in their first three years is between 1.5 and 2.5 m (5 and 8 ft), with some specimens reaching 3–4 m (9.8–13.1 ft) in height. Around the base of the tree, there is often an abundance of thicket-forming suckers. After three years, the rate of height growth declines, but the tree continues to thicken.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are caterpillars, aphids, and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled with the use of insecticides. However, it is important to follow the label directions carefully to avoid harming the plant. Caterpillars can also be controlled by hand-picking them off the plant.

Tips on Growing

• Make sure to plant Bombax Ceiba in an area that gets full sun.
  
• Bombax Ceiba requires well-drained soil. Add organic matter to the soil to help with drainage.
  
• Water Bombax Ceiba regularly. These plants are drought tolerant, but they will grow faster and produce more flowers if they are kept moist.
  
• Fertilize Bombax Ceiba monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Prune Bombax Ceiba after flowering to encourage new growth.
  
• Watch for pests and diseases. Aphids, scale, and mealybugs can all attack Bombax Ceiba.
  
• Propagate Bombax Ceiba by seed or cuttings.
  
• Bombax Ceiba can be used as an accent plant or as a hedge.
  
• These plants are salt tolerant, making them a good choice for coastal gardens.
  
• Bombax Ce

Related Plants

• Bombax buonopozense
  
• Bombax malabaricum
  
• Bombax mori
  
• Bombax pentandrum
  
• Bombax rheedii
  
• Bombax speciosum
  
• Ceiba acuminata
  
• Ceiba aesculifolia
  
• Ceiba chodatii
  
• Ceiba pentandra
  

Source:
Discover Nature at JCU - Bombax ceiba - JCU Australia
Wood anatomy and topochemistry of Bombax ceiba L. and Bombax …
(PDF) Aqueous Extract of Bombax ceiba Young Roots ... - Academia.edu