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
Ochroma pyramidale
Ochroma
Malvaceae
Malvales
How to care for Balsa
Water
How often to water your Balsa
every 9
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
Light
Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.
Select a city to check sunlight intensity
Finding light for Balsa in your home
a window
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
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.
Care Summary for Balsa
Balsa
Greg recommends:
Water
0.5 cups every 9 days
Placement
< 3ft from a window
Nutrients
Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.
