Surinam Calliandra Plant Care

Surinam Calliandra (Calliandra surinamensis) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Calliandra genus. Surinam Calliandra is native to tropical South America that is named after Suriname, a country in northern South America. Surinam Calliandra is also known as Pink Powderpuff, Surinam Powderpuff, Calliandra surinamensis.

Surinam Calliandra displays a small tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Surinam Calliandra produces puffball-like clusters of pink or white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Surinam Calliandra every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Surinam Calliandra thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Calliandra surinamensis tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Surinam Calliandra prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Surinam Calliandra to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Surinam Calliandra every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Surinam Calliandra is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Surinam Calliandra can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Surinam Calliandra while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Surinam Calliandra is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Surinam Calliandra can be propagated through seeds, softwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to narrowleaf calliandra plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Surinam Calliandra is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Surinam Calliandra grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Surinam Calliandra is native to tropical South America that is named after Suriname, a country in northern South America. In cooler regions, grow Surinam Calliandra as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.