Balsa

Also known as

Balsa Wood, Balsaholz, Bois flo, Bois flot, Bois madame, Bombast mahoe, Ceibon botija, Ceibon lanero, Corcho, Corkwood, Coton fleur, Coton mahaudeme and Cuano

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Ochroma pyramidale

Genus

Ochroma

Family

Malvaceae

Order

Malvales

How to care for Balsa

💦 Water

How often to water your Balsa

Balsa needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

No Yes

Select the pot size

☀️ Light

Finding light for Balsa in your home

Balsa may have difficulty thriving, and will drop leaves 🍃, without ample sunlight.

Place it less than 3 feet from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Balsa in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Balsa

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Balsa: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Balsa after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

💡 FAQs

🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Balsa is not known to cause harm to humans or pets. Regardless, if you, a family member, a cat, or dog has ingested any plant material, please consult a doctor or a veterinarian.

🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
Balsa can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 10a-12b. Find your local hardiness zone here.

Balsa Temperature Tolerance →

Balsa Hardiness Zones →

Landscaping Ideas with Balsa →

When to Plant Balsa →

How to Plant Balsa →

Where to Plant Balsa →

Winter Care for Balsa →

Best Companion Plants for Balsa →

Is Balsa a Weed? →

🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.