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American silk cotton (Calotropis procera)-i
American silk cotton (Calotropis procera)-i
American silk cotton (Calotropis procera)-i
American silk cotton (Calotropis procera)-i
American silk cotton (Calotropis procera)-i
American silk cotton (Calotropis procera)-i
American silk cotton (Calotropis procera)-i
American silk cotton (Calotropis procera)-i
American silk cotton (Calotropis procera)-i
American silk cotton (Calotropis procera)-i
American silk cotton (Calotropis procera)-i
American silk cotton (Calotropis procera)-i
American silk cotton (Calotropis procera)-i
American silk cotton (Calotropis procera)-i

American silk cotton

Scientific name
Calotropis procera

Basic Information

Apocynaceae Family Calotropis Genus American silk cotton Species
Apocynaceae > Calotropis > Calotropis procera
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  • Shrub
Height
400cm ~ 400cm
Flower Color
Leaf Color
Anthesis
spring, summer, fall
Sunlight Exposure
Full Sun
Hardiness Zones
10
Cold resistance
Poor
Heat resistance
Excellent
Habitat of origin
Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia
Growth Rate
Fast

What is American silk cotton (Calotropis procera)?

What is American silk cotton (Calotropis procera)

American silk cotton benefits from pruning to maintain its shape, promote new growth, and remove dead or damaged branches. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. To prune, use clean, sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts just above a leaf node or lateral branch. Remove any crossing or crowded branches to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration. After pruning, water the plant thoroughly and apply a balanced fertilizer to support regrowth. Regular pruning helps American silk cotton stay healthy and vigorous, ensuring a beautiful appearance in your garden.

BloomingBeth@NY
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American silk cotton, also known as Calotropis procera, is a long-living bush native to North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. It is portrayed by its dense, leathery sheets and milky latex sap. The bush spawns big, showy flowers that are typically white or lavender in color, attracting various pollinators.

Flower meaning

The flower language frequently used in the United States for the American silk cotton plant is: - Resilience - Protection - Strength - Endurance A typical example is

SarahPlantMom
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American silk cotton is best potted due to its large size and rapid growth. To pot this plant, choose a container with drainage holes and well-draining soil. Plant the American silk cotton at the same depth as it was in its previous container, ensuring the roots are covered. After planting, water thoroughly and place in a sunny location. Repotting should be done every 2-3 years in a larger pot to accommodate growth. If the plant becomes root-bound or outgrows its pot, repot immediately to prevent stunted growth.

Calendar of American silk cotton (Calotropis procera)

Calendar

American silk cotton thrives in full sun exposure, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. It exhibits excellent heat tolerance, preferring temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Cold tolerance is limited, with temperatures below 50°F (10°C) potentially causing damage. During winter, it is advisable to bring the plant indoors or provide protection from frost. Optimum placement includes a south-facing location to ensure maximum sunlight exposure. Overexposure to intense sunlight may lead to leaf scorch, so partial shade can be beneficial in extremely hot climates. Regular watering is essential, especially during hot weather, to maintain soil moisture. American silk cotton's resilience in sunlight makes it a suitable choice for sunny gardens or landscapes.

BloomingBeth@NY
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American silk cotton blooms in summer. Flowers peak in July. Blooming time is 2 to 3 weeks long. Extend blooming by giving enough light, water, nutrients. Remove dead flowers. Keep plant healthy through water, fertilizer. This helps longer blooming.

How to grow American silk cotton (Calotropis procera)

Watering

American silk cotton can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, and air layering. Seeds should be sown in well-draining soil, kept moist, and placed in a warm, sunny location. Cuttings can be taken from healthy stems, treated with rooting hormone, and planted in a soilless mix. Air layering involves girdling a branch, applying rooting hormone, wrapping with moist sphagnum moss, and covering with plastic. To maximize success rates, it is advisable to use a combination of propagation methods. Harvest seeds when the pods split open, take cuttings in the spring, and air layer in the summer.

BloomingBeth@NY
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The American silk cotton tree requires well-draining soil. In spring and summer, water every 7 to10 days. In fall and winter, water every 2 to 3 weeks. Water thoroughly and allow excess to drain. Check soil moisture 1 to 2 inches deep before watering.

Soil and Fertilizer

American silk cotton typically blooms in the United States during the summer months, specifically from June to August. The flowers are at their peak in July. The blooming period usually lasts for about 2-3 weeks. To encourage longer blooming, ensure the plant receives adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients. Pruning dead flowers can also promote continuous blooming. Maintaining a consistent watering schedule and avoiding over-fertilization can help prolong the flowering season. Additionally, protecting the plant from strong winds and extreme temperatures can prevent premature flower drop. It is essential to monitor the plant's health and address any issues promptly to support healthy blooming.

BloomingBeth@NY
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American silk cotton tree thrives in well-drained sandy or loamy soil. Fertilize in early spring before new growth. Apply balanced fertilizer around base of tree every 4 to 6 weeks during growing season. Check soil regularly to ensure good drainage and fertility.

Sunlight and Place

American silk cotton grows well in full daylight exposure. It requires 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily at least. The plant has excellent resistance to hot weather. It prefers temperatures ranging from 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 29 Celsius). Protect it from cold and frost during winter. Keep it above 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 Celsius) as the lowest temperature. Adding water regularly in summer maintains wet soil. Put it where it gets sunshine and the soil drains well for best growth. Although the plant can take strong sunlight, some shade during the most hot time of day may be helpful. Avoid sudden changes in sunlight to prevent stressing the plant.

SarahPlantMom
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American silk cotton is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including aphids, mealybugs, and leaf spot diseases. These pests can weaken the plant by feeding on its sap or causing damage to its leaves. Aphids and mealybugs can be controlled through the application of insecticidal soap or neem oil. Regularly inspecting the plant for signs of infestation can help prevent these pests from causing significant damage. Leaf spot diseases, caused by fungi or bacteria, can lead to the withering of leaves and affect the overall health of the plant. Proper sanitation practices, such as removing and destroying infected plant material, can help prevent the spread of these diseases. Ensuring proper air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering can also reduce the risk of leaf spot diseases.

Advanced Information of American silk cotton (Calotropis procera)

Pruning

American silk cotton has two main varieties: variety A with pink flowers and variety B with white flowers. When selecting seeds, choose plump, firm seeds without any signs of damage. For seedlings, look for healthy plants with vibrant green leaves and sturdy stems. Ensure the roots are well-developed and not root-bound. Variety A is preferred for its ornamental value, while variety B is known for its larger flowers. Consider your preference for flower color when selecting between the two varieties. It is essential to choose seeds and seedlings that are disease-free to ensure successful growth.

BloomingBeth@NY
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American silk cotton tree needs regular trimming to keep its form, help new parts grow, and stay healthy overall. Cutting should happen late winter or early spring before new parts start growing. Take off dead or hurt branches, and any that go across or are too close, so air can move better. Shorten the oldest branches by one-third to get new growth going. After trimming, water the tree completely and use a balanced feed to help it get over being cut and start new growth. Trimming every 2 to 3 years will help the plant look its best.

Planting and Harvest

American silk cotton, also known as Calotropis procera, is a perennial shrub native to North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. It is characterized by its thick, leathery leaves and milky latex sap. The plant produces large, showy flowers that are typically white or lavender in color, attracting various pollinators. Calotropis procera belongs to the Apocynaceae family and is commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions. The plant is known for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in harsh environmental conditions. It is often used in traditional medicine for its medicinal properties. The fruit of Calotropis procera is a follicle that contains numerous seeds with silky hairs, aiding in wind dispersal. The plant can grow up to 6 feet in height and is relatively easy to cultivate in well-drained soil. Its striking appearance and adaptability make it a popular choice for landscaping in dry climates.

BloomingBeth@NY
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American silk cotton is best container grown due to its large size and potential for root spread. To container grow this plant, choose a vessel with drainage holes and fill it with well-draining soil. Carefully transplant the plant into the vessel, ensuring the roots are covered but not buried too deeply. When re-container growing, select a slightly larger vessel to accommodate growth and refresh the soil every 2 to 3 years. Spray the plant occasionally to maintain humidity levels, and place it in a sunny location. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot and monitor for harmful insects regularly.

Propagation

The flower language commonly used in America for the American silk cotton plant is: - Elegance - Wealth - Prosperity One typical example is "Elegance," symbolizing the refined beauty and grace associated with the American silk cotton flower. Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flower_language

BloomingBeth@NY
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Pests and Diseases

For the American silk cotton plant, watering frequency should be adjusted based on seasonal changes. During the growing season in spring and summer, water the plant every 7-10 days, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. In fall and winter, reduce watering to every 2-3 weeks to mimic its natural dormant period. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Water the plant thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain out from the bottom of the pot. Monitor soil humidity levels by inserting a finger into the soil; if it feels dry up to 1-2 inches deep, it's time to water again.

BloomingBeth@NY
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American silk cotton succumbs easily to various insects and afflictions, inclusive of plant lice, mealy insects, and diseases of the leaf. They weaken the organism by drinking its fluid or harming its leaves. Tiny insects that absorb fluid from the organism, prompting stunted maturity and distorted leaves, are plant lice. Mealy insects, an additional widespread unwanted guest, may source yellowing of leaves and a gummy substance on the organism. Afflictions of the leaf, generated by fungi or bacteria, consequence in darkened blemishes on the leaves, eventually prompting leaf descent. To impede these quandaries, customary review of the organism for clues of insects or afflictions is essential. Furthermore, sustaining appropriate air diffusion encircling the organism and avoiding overwatering can assist impede the maturation of fungal afflictions. If infestations become apparent, insecticidal solutions or oils for gardening can be utilized to have power over insects, while fungicides may be obligatory to organize afflictions of the leaf.

Habitat of American silk cotton (Calotropis procera)

Habitat

Toxicity of American silk cotton (Calotropis procera)

Health Benefits

edible
Inedible
Toxic
toxic

NO DATA

Toxic for dogs and cats

NO DATA

Q&A of American silk cotton (Calotropis procera)

  • Is there a recommended way to choose?

  • Is there a recommended way to choose American silk cotton?

  • How have American silk cotton fibers been traditionally used for textiles and other applications?