Does it need a lot of water?

It is quite drought tolerant once established but appreciates regular water during its active growth phase.

Why is my tree dropping leaves?

It is a deciduous tree and naturally sheds its leaves in response to cooler temperatures or dry periods.

Plant guide

Silk floss tree.

Ceiba speciosa

Pronounced SAY-buh spee-see-OH-suh

Also known as Silk Floss Tree, floss-silktree, silk-floss tree

The silk floss tree is a stunning tropical specimen known for its dramatic, thorny trunk and vibrant pink flowers. It makes a bold statement in large landscapes where it has room to spread its canopy. You will love watching it bloom in the cooler months when other plants start to fade.

Another photo of Silk floss tree — Photo by Cecilia Fer Díaz (CC BY) via gbif

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Deciduous tree
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 30 to 60 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 9 to 11
Bloom time: Late summer to early winter

Care

Give this tree plenty of sun and well draining soil to keep it happy. Watch for yellowing leaves which can indicate overwatering or poor drainage. It is quite drought tolerant once established but appreciates regular moisture while young.

Watering: Water deeply when the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Prune only to remove dead or crossing branches during the dormant winter season.
Repotting: Repot young trees every few years until they reach a size suitable for permanent ground planting.
Soil: Well draining sandy or loamy soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: -2 to 40°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: High
Lifespan: Long lived, often over 50 years in ideal conditions.
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Stunted growth despite proper care.

Safety

People: The plant is not considered toxic, but the sharp spines pose a significant physical injury risk.
Pets: This plant is generally considered non toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: Keep children away from the trunk as the large, sharp spines can cause serious cuts and punctures.
Contact allergens: The sharp spines can cause painful skin punctures and irritation.
Airborne allergens: The fine, cotton like fibers released from the seed pods can be an irritant to those with sensitive airways.
Edibility: The seeds and fruit are not considered edible and may cause digestive upset.

How to identify it

Large, sharp thorns on trunk
Palmate leaves with five leaflets
Showy pink flowers with white centers
Large, pear shaped seed pods
Fluffy white fibers inside pods

Height: 6 to 15m
Spread: 4 to 9m
Leaves: green, deciduous
Flowers: pink, white, purple, 10 to 15cm
Fruit: brown, white, Spring

Problems to watch for

Cottony Cushion ScaleCommon
Sooty MoldCommon
ChlorosisUncommon
Leaf SpotUncommon
Root RotUncommon
CankerRare

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: seed, cuttings
When to plant: spring, early summer
Overwintering: Protect young trees from frost with burlap or frost cloth. Ensure the soil remains well drained to prevent root rot during wet winters.
In containers: It is not well suited for containers due to its massive size and extensive root system.

Seed

1. Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours.
2. Plant in well draining potting mix.
3. Keep warm and moist until germination.

Plant smaller, drought tolerant shrubs at the base to create a layered look without competing for water.

Grows well with

Lantana · It thrives in similar sunny, well drained conditions.
Bougainvillea · Both plants enjoy full sun and heat.

Similar species

Kapok tree · It is a related species with similar growth habits and seed fibers.

Science

Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Ceiba
Order: Malvales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: South America, specifically Brazil and Argentina.
Conservation: This species is not currently threatened and is widely planted in tropical and subtropical regions.

It thrives in open, sunny areas and is adapted to survive seasonal dry periods by dropping its leaves.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Uses: ornamental specimen, street tree, shade tree

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 3/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 8/9
Temperature: 8/9
Moisture: 4/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need a lot of water?: It is quite drought tolerant once established but appreciates regular water during its active growth phase.
Why is my tree dropping leaves?: It is a deciduous tree and naturally sheds its leaves in response to cooler temperatures or dry periods.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Ceiba comes from a Taino word for the tree, while the species name speciosa refers to its showy, beautiful flowers.

Good to know

The tree is often called the silk floss tree because of the silky fibers surrounding its seeds.
It is a member of the mallow family.
The trunk is green when young, allowing it to photosynthesize.

Also in

Drought-tolerant plants

Keep your silk floss tree growing

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.