Water
Water thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch, typically during the growing season. Reduce watering significantly in cooler, dormant periods to prevent root rot. Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogging.
Pochote (Ceiba aesculifolia) is a striking tree with a distinctive swollen trunk and large, showy flowers. It's a vital component of dry tropical forests.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry out between waterings, less in winter.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Thrives in warm to hot climates; protect from frost.
Light
25% intensity
Feed sparingly during growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the soil is dry to the touch, typically during the growing season. Reduce watering significantly in cooler, dormant periods to prevent root rot. Ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogging.
Prune to shape the tree, remove dead or crossing branches, and manage size. Light pruning can be done anytime, but heavier pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Use clean, sharp tools.
Propagate primarily from seeds sown in spring. Scarify seeds before sowing. Cuttings are also possible but can be more challenging to root. Ensure seeds are fresh for best germination rates.
Young plants may benefit from repotting every 2-3 years in spring. Mature trees rarely need repotting and prefer to be slightly pot-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Pochote (Ceiba aesculifolia)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Ceiba |
| Species | Ceiba aesculifolia |
Similar in genus Ceiba
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data