Bombax Ellipticum (Shaving Brush Tree) - Mexican Pink Flowering Tree
Bombax Ellipticum (Shaving Brush Tree) - Mexican Pink Flowering Tree
Plants are shipped bare root unless otherwise specified. Orders placed before Friday 6 AM (AEST) are shipped the following Monday, or Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday.
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Bombax Ellipticum (Shaving Brush Tree) Online in Australia
Discover the spectacular Bombax ellipticum, commonly known as the Shaving Brush Tree, one of the most stunning tropical flowering trees available in Australia. Also called Pseudobombax ellipticum, this extraordinary Mexican flowering tree produces breathtaking pink blooms that resemble fluffy shaving brushes, creating an unforgettable display in gardens, patios, and indoor spaces.
What is Bombax Ellipticum?
Bombax ellipticum (syn. Pseudobombax ellipticum) is a deciduous tropical tree native to the dry forests of Mexico and Central America. Known as the Shaving Brush Tree or Mexican Shaving Brush Tree, this ornamental species belongs to the Malvaceae family and is prized worldwide for its spectacular flowering display and unique caudex trunk.
Why Collectors Love This Tree:
- Spectacular Flowers: Vibrant pink blooms up to 15cm across
- Unique Form: Develops attractive bottle-shaped caudex trunk
- Bonsai Potential: Excellent Pseudobombax ellipticum bonsai specimen
- Easy Care: Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance
- Tropical Beauty: Brings exotic Mexican charm to Australian gardens
- Conversation Starter: Rare and unusual flowering tree
The Spectacular Shaving Brush Flowers
The Bombax ellipticum produces some of the most extraordinary flowers in the plant kingdom. Each bloom consists of numerous stamens extending outward like bristles of a shaving brush, creating a stunning pink explosion of color.
Flowering Characteristics:
- Color: Bright pink to magenta (some cultivars cream or red)
- Size: 10-15cm diameter blooms
- Shape: Dense cluster of stamens resembling shaving brush
- Season: Spring and summer (September-February in Australia)
- Duration: Individual flowers last 2-3 days; succession blooming extends display
- Timing: Blooms on bare branches before leaves emerge
The Flowering Cycle:
In its natural deciduous cycle, Bombax ellipticum drops its leaves in late autumn/winter, then produces its stunning pink flowers on bare branches in early spring. This creates a dramatic spectacle as the entire tree appears covered in pink "brushes" before any foliage appears. Following flowering, fresh green leaves emerge to create a lush canopy through summer.
Growth Habits & Mature Size
Outdoor Garden Cultivation:
- Height: 3-6 meters (can reach 8-10m in ideal tropical conditions)
- Width: 3-5 meter spread
- Growth Rate: Moderate to fast (60-90cm per year when established)
- Trunk: Develops swollen caudex base (bottle-shaped)
- Form: Rounded to spreading canopy
Container & Indoor Growing:
- Height: 1.2-2.5 meters (container restricted)
- Width: 1-1.5 meter spread
- Trunk: Pronounced caudex development in pots
- Growth Rate: Slower but manageable for indoor spaces
Pseudobombax Ellipticum Bonsai:
- Size: 30-60cm depending on training
- Style: Informal upright, windswept, or root-over-rock
- Trunk: Caudex base creates impressive bonsai proportions
- Flowers: Blooms readily even as small bonsai specimen
Complete Care Guide for Bombax Ellipticum
Light Requirements
Bombax ellipticum thrives in full sun but adapts to bright partial shade:
Outdoor Placement:
- Full sun: 6-8 hours daily for best flowering
- Partial shade: Morning sun, afternoon shade in extreme heat
- Protection: Shield from strong winds that damage flowers
Indoor Growing:
- Brightest location: South or west-facing windows
- Supplemental light: Consider grow lights for optimal flowering
- Rotation: Turn pot monthly for even growth
- Summer outdoors: Move outside during warm months
Flowering Tip: Maximum sun exposure produces the most prolific blooming. Insufficient light results in fewer flowers and leggy growth.
Watering Your Shaving Brush Tree
Bombax ellipticum is drought-tolerant once established but has seasonal water needs:
Growing Season (Spring/Summer):
- Water when top 5-7cm of soil is dry
- Approximately every 7-10 days
- Deep watering encourages strong root development
- Increase frequency during extreme heat
Dormancy Period (Fall/Winter):
- Reduce watering significantly after leaves drop
- Water every 3-4 weeks
- Keep soil barely moist, never wet
- Overwatering during dormancy causes root rot
Container Plants:
- Check soil moisture more frequently
- Ensure excellent drainage
- Water less frequently than in-ground specimens
Critical: Like many caudex plants, overwatering is the primary cause of failure. When in doubt, underwater rather than overwater.
Soil Requirements
Bombax ellipticum requires well-draining soil to thrive:
Ideal Soil Mix:
- In-ground: Loamy to sandy soil with good drainage
- Containers: 40% quality potting mix + 30% perlite + 20% coarse sand + 10% compost
- Bonsai: Standard bonsai mix (akadama, pumice, lava rock)
Soil Characteristics:
- pH: 6.0-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage: Excellent - water should drain within minutes
- Fertility: Moderate; too-rich soil promotes foliage over flowers
Soil Preparation for Planting:
- Dig hole twice as wide as root ball
- Amend heavy clay with sand and compost
- Create slight mound for drainage
- Mulch around base (keep away from trunk)
Temperature & Climate Suitability
Bombax ellipticum is a warm-climate tree that thrives in Australian conditions:
Temperature Tolerance:
- Optimal: 18-30°C
- Maximum: Tolerates 40°C+ with adequate water
- Minimum: 5°C (protect from frost)
- Frost: Not frost-hardy; requires protection below 5°C
Propagation Methods for Bombax Ellipticum
Seed Propagation
Growing Pseudobombax ellipticum from seed is the most common propagation method:
Step-by-Step Seed Starting:
- Seed Collection: Harvest from mature seed capsules when they split open
- Seed Preparation: Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting
- Sowing Medium: Use well-draining seed-starting mix
- Planting Depth: Plant seeds 1-2cm deep
- Moisture: Keep consistently moist but not waterlogged
- Temperature: Maintain 24-28°C for optimal germination
- Light: Provide bright indirect light
- Germination Time: 2-4 weeks typically
Seedling Care:
- Transplant when 2-3 sets of true leaves develop
- Gradually acclimate to direct sun
- Caudex base begins developing within first year
- First flowering typically occurs at 3-5 years old
Cutting Propagation
Semi-hardwood cuttings can also propagate Bombax ellipticum:
Cutting Procedure:
- Timing: Take cuttings in late spring/early summer
- Selection: Choose healthy semi-hardwood stems 15-20cm long
- Preparation: Remove lower leaves; retain 2-3 leaf sets at top
- Rooting Hormone: Dip cut end in rooting hormone powder
- Medium: Insert in well-draining propagation mix
- Environment: Keep warm (24-26°C) with high humidity
- Light: Bright indirect light, no direct sun
- Rooting Time: 6-10 weeks for root development
Success Rate: Moderate; seeds generally more reliable but cuttings preserve specific cultivar characteristics.
Choosing the Perfect Pot for Your Shaving Brush Tree
Container selection significantly impacts your Bombax ellipticum health and appearance:
Size Considerations
Young Trees (1-3 years):
- Pot 5-7cm wider than root ball
- Depth equal to width
- Repot annually into next size up
Established Trees (4+ years):
- Pot 10-15cm wider than root ball
- Deep enough for tap root development
- Repot every 2-3 years
Bonsai Specimens:
- Shallow pots (1/3 height of tree)
- Width 2/3 of tree height
- Repot annually when young; every 2-3 years when mature
Material Selection
Terracotta/Clay Pots:
- Advantages: Breathable; excess moisture evaporates; stabilizes temperature
- Disadvantages: Heavy; fragile; dries out faster
- Best for: Established trees; outdoor use; bonsai
Plastic Pots:
- Advantages: Lightweight; durable; retains moisture; affordable
- Disadvantages: Less breathable; can overheat in direct sun
- Best for: Young trees; indoor growing; temporary containers
Ceramic Glazed Pots:
- Advantages: Decorative; moisture-retentive; durable
- Disadvantages: Expensive; heavy; less breathable than terracotta
- Best for: Indoor display; established trees; decorative placement
Fabric Pots:
- Advantages: Excellent drainage; air-prunes roots; prevents root-binding
- Disadvantages: Dry out quickly; less aesthetically pleasing
- Best for: Growing on; developing young trees; temporary use
Essential Features
Drainage Holes:
- Mandatory: At least 3-5 drainage holes
- Size: Large enough (10-15mm diameter)
- Mesh: Place screen over holes to prevent soil loss
Saucer/Tray:
- Catch excess water
- Empty regularly (never let plant sit in water)
- Elevate pot slightly for air flow underneath
Shape & Stability:
- Depth: Deep enough for tap root (minimum 30cm for adult trees)
- Width: Wider than deep for stability
- Base: Broad enough to prevent tipping as tree grows
Color Considerations:
- Light colors: Reflect heat; better for outdoor use in hot climates
- Dark colors: Absorb heat; avoid in full sun
- Neutral tones: Showcase pink flowers beautifully
Frequently Asked Questions About Bombax Ellipticum
Is Bombax ellipticum the same as Pseudobombax ellipticum?
Yes! Pseudobombax ellipticum is the currently accepted botanical name, though it's still commonly called Bombax ellipticum. Both names refer to the same Shaving Brush Tree.
Why is it called the Shaving Brush Tree?
The flowers consist of numerous long stamens extending outward in a dense cluster, resembling an old-fashioned shaving brush. The pink "bristles" create this distinctive appearance.
Will my Shaving Brush Tree flower in a pot?
Yes! Bombax ellipticum flowers readily in containers. Even small bonsai specimens bloom reliably. Ensure adequate sun exposure and follow proper dormancy care for best results.
Is Bombax ellipticum deciduous?
Yes, it's naturally deciduous. In Australian climates with distinct seasons, it drops leaves in fall/winter and blooms on bare branches in spring. In tropical Queensland, it may remain semi-evergreen.
How long until my tree flowers?
Seed-grown trees typically first flower at 3-5 years old. Grafted or cutting-grown specimens may bloom sooner. Container restriction can also encourage earlier flowering.
Can I grow Shaving Brush Tree indoors?
Yes, but it requires very bright light (ideally a conservatory or sunroom). It's best suited to large containers that can be moved outdoors in summer and indoors for winter protection in cooler climates.
Is Bombax ellipticum frost-hardy?
No, this tropical tree is not frost-hardy. Protect from temperatures below 5°C. In frost-prone areas, grow in containers that can be moved to sheltered locations during winter.
How big does a Shaving Brush Tree grow?
In-ground trees reach 4-6 meters in Australian gardens (larger in tropical climates). Container-grown specimens typically reach 1.5-2.5 meters, while bonsai remain under 60cm.
When do Shaving Brush Trees bloom?
Flowering occurs in spring (September-November in Australia), typically before or as leaves emerge. The bare-branch flowering display is most dramatic in regions with distinct dormancy.
How do I make a Pseudobombax ellipticum bonsai?
Start with young seedling; plant in shallow pot; prune regularly to maintain size; wire branches for shaping; repot annually; expose caudex trunk base above soil; provide maximum light. First flowers appear within 2-3 years even at small size.
Why are my tree's leaves dropping?
Fall/winter: Natural seasonal dormancy - completely normal. Summer: Possible underwatering, pest damage, or stress. Check soil moisture and inspect for pests.
Where can I buy Pseudobombax ellipticum seeds?
We occasionally stock Pseudobombax ellipticum seeds when available. Contact us to check current availability or to be notified when seeds are in stock.
What's the difference between Bombax and Baobab trees?
While both have swollen trunks (caudex), Baobabs (Adansonia) are much larger African trees. Bombax ellipticum is smaller, has pink brush-like flowers, and is better suited to garden cultivation.
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Mexican Shaving Brush Tree (Bombax Ellipticum) - Buy Online in Queensland, Australia
Welcome to Succulents Online store! Here, you can buy the lovely Mexican Shaving Brush Tree (Bombax Ellipticum), a rather scarce tropical tree with striking shaving brush like blossoms. If you wish to improve the outside area of your house, or the inside one, this tree is a right selection. Originally found in Mexico the shrub is also called the Shaving Brush Tree or scientifically referred to as Pseudobombax Ellipticum. This species is related with other tropical plants and is used mostly for the ornament purposes.
The Mexican Shaving Brush Trees (Bombax Ellipticum), trees are tropical flowers that bloom with a brilliant pink brush like a sheer beauty. These trees are very suitable to be planted in gardens and also home interiors. Due to its distinctive trunk and foliage the Shaving Brush Tree can be easily incorporated into any landscape or home garden setting.
Height and Length
The Pink Bombax generally has a height of 10 to 20 feet in case it is grown outdoor in proper environment. Some indoor plants are relatively smaller in size and could grow to a height of 4 to 8 feet depending on the size of the pot given to it as well as the care given. The trunk of the Shaving Brush Tree can increase up to 1 foot diameter which supports its magnificent flowers.
Color
The most interesting attribute of the Shaving Brush Trees is the flowers that bloom in a powerful red. The flowers are bright pink, about the size of palm, with a form resembling the shaving brush thus the tree got its name. The leaves are glossy and bright green that offers a gorgeous backdrop to the pink blossoms. The plant comes to bloom during the spring and summer periods and the tree is laden with these pretty flowers making it an interesting spectacle in varding and interiors.
Shape
Usually, the Shaving Brush Tree does not look like most tropical plants because of its strange shape. The cover of the tree is normally round or umbrella like with a large spread of foliage and blossoms. The leaves are compound consisting of several consecutively arranged leaflets, making the plant to look bushy. The flowers develop sotto, every single one of them looking like a compact mass of bristle, all of which enhance the appearance of the tree.
Plant Care Guide
To keep your Shaving Brush Tree healthy and beautiful, follow these simple care instructions:To keep your Shaving Brush Tree healthy and beautiful, follow these simple care instructions:
Light Requirements:
Likes direct sunlight but is adaptable to light or partial shade. guarantee exposure to light for your Shaving Brush Tree if it is planted indoors.
Watering:
These trees once developed, can grow in dry conditions without the need of constant water supply. Avoid applying a lot of water on the plant to prevent water logging. It is recommended to allow the soil to dry before watering the plant again to get the best outcomes.
Soil:
Grow it in well drained soils to maximize on the growth of the plant. It might be planted in soil in loamy and sandy regions that offer the plant with efficient drainage age.
Temperature:
It is very frost tender and grows best in regions where temperatures do not fall below 70º F. This tree should be planted in regions that have a similar climate to the regions of Mexico from which it hail.
Benefits
Aesthetic Appeal: It give s a very exotic and tropical look to your garden or even your room. It is ideal for gardeners who are in search of adding something extraordinary to their compound or area.
Easy to Grow: It has low maintenance, hence it can be used by those having little or no knowledge in gardening as well as those who are most experienced. Shaving Brush Tree requires very minimal maintenance hence it can be suitable to cultivate even by novices.
Eco-Friendly: This plant iss useful in that it is drought tolerant, therefore it does not require much water. The Shaving Brush Tree is recommended to those who are environmentally sensitive when it comes to gardening.
Take lots of time and order your Shaving Brush Tree today and enhance your dcor with a tropical touch of elegance. So do not click away from this plant without reading the following. If you are planning to purchase Shaving Brush Tree for the garden or wishing to order it as a gift for a green fingered friend, our store delivers to Queensland.
Additional Information
Another name for the Succulent is the Mexican Brush Tree and it is widely used in areas such as Florida due to its ability to grow and the attractive appearance. The Pseudobombax Ellipticum Bonsai is a dwarf of this stunning plant and ideal for use in Bonsai. We also have Pseudobombax Ellipticum seeds if you are interested in planting Shaving Brush Tree from the seeds.
As a gardener looking to buy a plant, Tree is one of the best choices one can ever make, especially if you are desiring to add an exotic plant to your list. Today, you can order this flower online to embrace the wonderful aesthetics of this plant.
How to Propagate the Shaving Brush Tree
Seed Propagation:
Collect Seeds: Seeds should be sought from a mature tree of Shaving Brush Tree. The seeds are normally enclosed in what is known as the tree’s fruit capsules.
Prepare Seeds: To ensure increased chances of germination, soak the seeds in warm water for about 24- hours.
Planting: Put small containers into drain well soil with a mixture of sand and compost. Bury the seeds approximately one inch in the soil.
Watering: The soil should be moist at all the time but not waterlogged at any one time. Spray it with a spray bottle to moisten the soil from time to time.
Light: Put the pots in a warm place preferably an area with direct sunlight. Seeds need light to grow and this is why they are sown either on the surface of the soil or a little prick into the ground.
Germination: Seeds normally takes about 2-3 weeks to germinate. If the seedling has grown two or three sets of leaves it can be transferred to larger bigger pots or even directly into the garden.
Cutting Propagation:
Select a Branch: Collect a branch that is appropriately young and slightly larger than the previous one from the Shaving Brush Tree which should be mature.
Cutting: Take a sterilized pruning shears; cut off a branch having a length of about 6-8 inches from the tree. Ensure that at least two nodes are provided with the name cutting.
Prepare the Cutting: Cut off leaves on the stem part or blow off leaves found at the base of the tree cutting or near the mid-rib. Take the cut end of the cutting and dip it in the rooting hormone in order to stimulate root development.
Planting: Submerge the cutting in a medium that is not very sarry to support good drainage in the pot. Once you have buried the cutting in the soil, ensure that you press down the soil so that it has a good grip of the cutting.
Watering: The scrutiny should ensure that the cutting gets proper water supply and should be moist always. It is also important not to over-water it or the fruits may rot before fully ripening.
Light: In general, it is advisable to place the pot where there will be less direct sunlight. Especially new cuttings should not be placed under direct sunshine as it is very intense.
Rooting: In this stage, it normally takes about 4-6 weeks for roots to develop from the ground. If the cutting begins to grow its roots then it can be transferred to a new pot or garden.
Pests and Diseases: Prevention and Treatment
The Shaving Brush Tree (Bombax Ellipticum) is moderately resistant to many or most pests and diseases though it can also be subjected to few of them. Here’s how to identify, prevent, and treat common issues:Here’s how to identify, prevent, and treat common issues
Common Pests:
Aphids
Mealybugs
Spider Mites
Common Diseases:
Root Rot
Leaf Spot
Powdery Mildew
Choosing the Right Pot for Indoor Planting
Selecting the right pot for your Shaving Brush Tree (Bombax Ellipticum) is crucial for its health and growth. Here are some tips to help you choose the best pot:
Size: SOME FACTS TO KNOW WHEN GROWING A YOUNG SHAVING BRUSH TREE Positions the tree in a pot that is 2-3 inches wider in diameter than the root ball. This is sufficient for root growth to take place It affords suffcient room for the roots to grow.
Repotting: When the tree is young, transfer it into a bigger pot every 2-3 years so that the roots can have enough room to spread. Rearrange the plants in a new pot that is 1-2 sizes larger each time in order to avoid root-bound situations.
Material:
Terracotta Pots: These are aeration and they let out excessive moisture consequently avoiding root rot. Nevertheless, they may be bulky and very fragile at the same time.
Plastic Pots: Easily available, cheap and lightweight, the plastic pots are better in retaining moisture than the terracotta pots. Make sure they have provisions for drainage to minimize on accumulation of water.
Ceramic Pots: These normally have added elegance and may give esthetic appeal. As long as I am certain they are glazed inside they will not dry out too swiftly and become an unmanageable medium for soil.
Drainage:
Drainage Holes: It is always advisable to use a pottery with drainage holes from the base in order to let out excess water. This helps to control diseases such as root rot and other diseases that are as a result of excessive moisture.
Saucers: Place saucers beneath pots to collect the excess water but remember to always drained them to avoid water gathering at the pots’ base.
Shape:
Depth: Shaving Brush Trees have deeper root systems therefore, opt for a pot which is deeper as compared to its width. This is very ideal for root development because of the plenty of room available for that space.
Stability: Make sure that the pot the tree is in is strong enough to hold the tree especially as it grows and becomes sturdier.
Aesthetics:
Color and Design: However, functionality has to take the central stage, but accessing should be made in line with your environment indoors. The pot should complement the appearance of your Shaving Brush Tree and blend with the rest of the items in your interior.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The succulent plant housed in the red pot comes in a 130mm diameter container. While the image provides a representative depiction of what you will receive, but may vary slightly because no two succulents are the same.
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