Yellow kapok bush Plant Care

Yellow kapok bush (Cochlospermum vitifolium) belongs to the Bixaceae family within the Cochlospermum genus. Yellow kapok bush is also known as Butter silk tree, Cotton tree.

Yellow kapok bush displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Yellow kapok bush produces large yellow flowers with five petals.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Yellow kapok bush 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.

Yellow kapok bush thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Cochlospermum vitifolium tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Yellow kapok bush prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Yellow kapok bush to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Yellow kapok bush 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 sandy soil mix with organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Yellow kapok bush is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Yellow kapok bush can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 15 ft (5 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 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 Yellow kapok bush 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.

Yellow kapok bush is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Yellow kapok bush can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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

Yellow kapok bush is susceptible to aphids, scale insects. 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.

Yellow kapok bush grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. In cooler regions, grow Yellow kapok bush as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.