The Bombax ceiba, commonly known as the Red Silk Cotton tree or Kapok tree, is a majestic deciduous species belonging to the Malvaceae family. This impressive tree can reach heights of up to 40 meters, with a typical mature height of 25-30 meters. Its distinctive greyish-white bark and the presence of cone-shaped thorns on young trunks make it easily recognizable.
The Bombax ceiba thrives in various tropical and subtropical habitats:
Native to tropical and subtropical regions of:
The Bombax ceiba exhibits interesting growth patterns:
a) Seed Collection:
b) Seed Treatment:
c) Sowing:
d) Seedling Management:
a) Cutting Collection:
b) Cutting Method:
c) Alternative Large Cutting Method:
d) Seedling Management:
a) Rootstock:
b) Grafting:
c) Advanced Grafting:
d) Large Rootstock Grafting:
The Bombax ceiba, with its striking red flowers resembling joyful, dancing flames, has long been revered as a symbol of heroism in many cultures. Its impressive size, beautiful flowers, and adaptability to various tropical and subtropical environments make it a valuable species in both natural ecosystems and urban landscapes.
Separation: When cultivating large seedlings, perform a second separation when the height of sown or cut seedlings reaches 1.5-1.8 meters.
Subsequently, increase the plant row distance annually at the end of winter and early spring during the dormant period, based on the cultivation goal.
For a 7-meter-wide seedbed, it’s optimal to have 5-7 rows (spacing from 1.0 meter × 1.0 meter to 1.4 meters × 1.4 meters), depending on seedling size.
During transplantation, prune the main and lateral roots appropriately. Create a “raised bed and deep furrow” style seedbed or transfer to a large nutrition bag with a 40-centimeter diameter.
Watering: After planting, water thoroughly on the same day to establish roots. Subsequently, water 2-3 times monthly during dry seasons, ensuring proper drainage during rainy periods.
Fertilizing: For large seedlings, apply fertilizer thrice annually, typically using trench fertilization. Dig a trench 30 cm from the seedling root, reaching the root system’s concentrated distribution layer.
The fertilization schedule is as follows:
Pruning: Before autumn, remove all lateral and dead branches below 1-1.2 meters to promote robust growth and a prominent main stem.
Ornamental Planting: For ornamental purposes, use large-sized seedlings for solitary or row planting, with a spacing of 8 meters × 10 meters or wider.
Planting can occur year-round, but always transplant with intact root balls. The root ball size should correspond to the tree’s diameter at breast height – larger diameter requires a larger root ball.
Securely package the root ball to prevent damage during transport. When transplanting, avoid pruning side branches to maintain crown shape. Instead, remove 3/4 of the leaves, water thoroughly to establish roots, and continue watering 1-2 times daily for the first 30 days.
Afforestation: For forest plantations, transplant seedlings in late winter or early spring before leaf buds sprout. When removing seedlings from the nursery, prune the root system appropriately, apply a root dip, and plant on overcast or rainy days.
Planting with intact root balls is ideal. After planting, water thoroughly and apply sufficient base fertilizer. The planting hole should measure 60 cm × 60 cm × 60 cm, with a spacing of 5 meters × 5 meters to 6 meters × 6 meters.
Aim for a sparse rather than dense plantation, typically planting 20-30 trees per 667 square meters. Adjust density based on soil quality to ensure proper canopy closure.
Intensify management for the first 3 years: loosen soil and control weeds 1-2 times annually, fertilize 2-3 times. The forest should establish in 3-4 years.
Young kapok trees are primarily susceptible to leaf spot disease and anthracnose. Upon detection, promptly remove infected seedlings.
Treat unaffected seedlings with either:
Apply treatments every ten days, repeating 2-3 times.
Primary pests include leaf beetles, inchworms, and leafhoppers, which damage new growth. Control these primarily through trapping and targeted pesticide application.
Bark borers, such as longhorn beetles and weevils (particularly kapok weevil larvae), pose a significant threat. They damage the tree’s vascular system, especially in top shoots, impeding nutrient transport. This can lead to growth failure and bark dieback from the crown downward.
For control, apply a broad-spectrum insecticide at seven times the standard concentration, which has proven highly effective.
Research indicates that potassium fertilizer may help control these pests, while nitrogen fertilizer may exacerbate damage. Consider this when planning fertilization regimes.
The kapok tree’s large, striking flowers and majestic form make it an excellent choice for landscape design and as a street tree.
The blooming kapok flower, resembling a vibrant dancing flame, has long symbolized heroism in various cultures.
Peggie was once a high school mathematics teacher, but she set aside her chalkboard and textbooks to follow her lifelong passion for flowers. After years of dedication and learning, she not only established a thriving flower shop but also founded this blog, “Flowers Library”. If you have any questions or wish to learn more about flowers, feel free to contact Peggie.
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