🌳 Chorisia speciosa

Chorisia speciosa, now more accurately classified as Ceiba speciosa, and commonly known as the Silk Floss Tree, is a spectacular, semi-deciduous tree native to South America, particularly Brazil and Argentina. It’s best known for its extraordinary bottle-shaped trunk, covered in thick, conical spines, and its flamboyant, orchid-like flowers that bloom in shades of pink, magenta, or pale rose with creamy centres.

During autumn, the tree bursts into bloom on nearly bare branches, producing a dazzling floral display that rivals cherry or magnolia blossoms. After flowering, the tree develops large pods filled with silky fibres, giving rise to its common name.

In the UK, it’s grown primarily as a greenhouse or conservatory specimen, or as a summer patio feature in large containers, where its unusual form and showy flowers can be admired. It makes an extraordinary bonsai subject when grown in miniature.

🛠️ Chorisia speciosa – Comprehensive Care Guide

🌞 Light Requirements

• Requires full sun to thrive.

• Indoors: place in the brightest possible location, such as a heated conservatory or glasshouse.

• Outdoors in summer: place in a sunny, sheltered position with ample warmth.

💧 Watering

• Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the top 5cm of soil to dry out between waterings.

• Spring/Summer: water every 7–10 days, more in hot weather.

• Autumn/Winter: reduce watering to every 3–4 weeks when dormant.

• Avoid overwatering during dormancy – the swollen trunk stores moisture and helps it survive dry spells.

🌡️ Temperature

• Requires warm conditions: ideal range 18–30°C.

• Not frost-hardy – minimum temperature 5–7°C.

• In the UK, overwinter under glass or bring into a heated greenhouse/conservatory.

🌱 Soil

• Needs well-drained, light soil.

• Use a sandy, loamy cactus-style mix: 2 parts compost, 1 part sand or perlite, 1 part grit or bark.

• Ensure drainage holes in containers to prevent root rot.

🍽️ Feeding

• Feed every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer with a balanced fertiliser.

• A high-potassium fertiliser may encourage flowering in older plants.

• Stop feeding in autumn and winter.

🌿 Growth Habit & Pruning

• Fast-growing in warm climates; slower in the UK.

• Grows upright with a swollen, thorn-covered trunk that becomes more pronounced with age.

• Can be pruned in late winter or early spring to maintain shape.

• Suitable for bonsai cultivation, where the bottle trunk and spines are miniaturised but dramatic.

🪴 Repotting

• Repot every 2–3 years, ideally in spring before growth begins.

• Young plants prefer a slightly snug pot to encourage trunk thickening.

🐛 Pests & Problems

• Generally robust, but may attract:

  • Spider mites, whitefly, or aphids in dry indoor conditions.

• Avoid wet, cold soil – this is the most common cause of root rot in UK climates.

☠️ Toxicity

• Non-toxic, but sharp thorns on the trunk and branches can cause injury – handle with care.

• Not suitable for high-traffic areas or child-accessible zones.

🌟 Top Tips for Success

• A stunning collector’s specimen, ideal for warm, bright greenhouses or conservatory focal points.

• Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings, especially in winter.

• Best grown in large pots or as a bonsai tree in the UK due to climate limitations.