bushes that look like bonsai trees Buy "Shaving Brush Tree - Pseudobombax ellipticum"
SKU: 48934079323
bushes that look like bonsai trees

bushes that look like bonsai trees Buy "Shaving Brush Tree - Pseudobombax ellipticum"

Sale price$24.52 Regular price$27.24
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $6.81 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 3 - Jul 8

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

bushes that look like bonsai trees Buy "Shaving Brush Tree - Pseudobombax ellipticum"Introducing the shaving brush tree, which is known as Pseudobombax ellipticum; and it belongs to the Malvaceae tree family. It has several other common names, such as Amapolla tree and Bombax ellipticum. The Pseudobombax ellipticum has a caudiciform growth habit, which means it has a swollen stem or caudex at its base. The ellipticum means "elliptical", referring to the shape of the leaflets. Native to dry and rocky locations of Southern Mexico,

Introducing the shaving brush tree, which is known as Pseudobombax ellipticum; and it belongs to the Malvaceae tree family. It has several other common names, such as Amapolla tree and Bombax ellipticum. 

The Pseudobombax ellipticum has a caudiciform growth habit, which means it has a swollen stem or caudex at its base. The ellipticum means "elliptical", referring to the shape of the leaflets. 

Native to dry and rocky locations of Southern Mexico, Central America, and parts of South Florida, it's a deciduous tree, which means it sheds its leaves seasonally. During the winter dry season, it can lose its leaves, but the leaves emerge back when the rainy season arrives. 

The shaving brush tree can reach impressive heights of up to 60 feet tall as mature trees in the wild but can be much shorter, about 40 feet tall in cultivation. This Bombax ellipticum has a characteristic gray-green trunk that can grow up to 4 feet wide at the base and stores water during dry summer spells. Its trunk is usually stout and covered in thorny spines, which act as a defense mechanism against herbivores.

The flowers of the Pseudobombax ellipticum are large and fluffy and resemble a shaving brush, hence the name shave brush tree. During the late winter and spring, while the trees are bare, these fragrant flowers bloom on the blunt twig in a variety of colors, including red, pink, and white flowers. In addition to enhancing the tree's allure, the flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. generally begins to bloom when it reaches a mature size, typically starting around 8-10 years of age, though some may bloom earlier or later depending on growing conditions.  

The leaves of the Bombax ellipticum are palmate, meaning they are divided into multiple leaflets that radiate from a central point, giving them a unique appearance.  

Apart from its aesthetic appeal, the shaving brush tree also has cultural significance. In some regions, its wood is used for construction and making furniture. Additionally, the tree has traditional medicinal uses, with various parts being used to treat ailments such as coughs and skin conditions. 

Additionally, the Pseudobombax ellipticum is considered mildly toxic for humans or pets. It's always a good idea to keep your Bombax ellipticum out of reach of curious pets or children, just to be safe. 

Watering Needs

When it comes to Pseudobombax ellipticum care for your shaving brush tree, it's important to provide it with adequate water, especially during its growing season. As a tropical tree, Pseudobombax ellipticumneeds plenty of water to grow. 

During the dry season, when the shaving brush tree may lose its leaves, it's important to water it regularly to prevent dehydration. Make sure to water deeply so that the water reaches the root zone. This helps the tree absorb the moisture it needs to stay healthy. However, it's also important not to overwater your Pseudobombax ellipticum shaving brush tree, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot or other issues.  

Every time you water the soil, let it dry out a little. By inserting your finger about an inch deep into the soil, you may determine the moisture content. If the soil feels dry, it's time to water. Remember, the exact watering needs can vary depending on factors like climate, soil type, and the size of the tree. Observing the tree's response to watering and adjusting accordingly is always a good practice. 

Light Requirements 

If you are growing your Pseudobombax ellipticum shaving brush trees indoors, it's important to provide it with bright, indirect light. Place it near a window where it can receive ample sunlight, but make sure to protect it from direct, harsh sunlight that can scorch its leaves. If the shaving brush tree isn't getting enough light when grown indoors, you can supplement it with artificial grow lights to ensure it gets the necessary light intensity. 

For outdoor growing, the Shaving brush tree needs full sun to light shade. Pseudobombax ellipticum prefers bright, direct sunlight for a significant portion of the day. Find a spot in your garden or yard that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight, preferably in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is not as intense. This will help the tree grow and flower to its full potential.

Remember, the shaving brush tree is native to tropical regions, so it loves warmth and sunlight. If you're growing it indoors, try to mimic its natural habitat as closely as possible. When growing it outdoors, make sure to consider the specific light conditions in your area to provide the optimal environment for the tree. 

Optimal Soil & Fertilizer Needs 

When it comes to soil, the Pseudobombax ellipticum succulent needs well-drained soil to germinate properly. A mix of loam, sand, and peat moss can create an ideal growing medium. This type of soil allows for proper water drainage while retaining enough moisture for the tree's roots. Instead, make or buy a well-draining potting mix, or ideally use our specialized succulent potting mix that contains 5 natural substrates and mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your Pseudobombax ellipticum succulent to thrive.

In terms of fertilizer, the shaving brush tree Pseudobombax ellipticum benefits from regular feeding during its active growing season. You can use a balanced (5-10-5), water-soluble NPK fertilizer specifically formulated for tropical plants. Follow the instructions for the correct dosage and frequency. 

During the growing and flowering season, which typically occurs in spring, you can fertilize the shaving brush tree once a year. However, it's important not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production.

Remember to always water the tree before applying fertilizer to prevent root burn. Additionally, during the tree's dormant period in fall and winter, you can reduce or stop fertilization altogether. By providing the right soil conditions and regular, appropriate fertilization, you can help the shaving brush tree thrive and produce beautiful blooms. 

Hardiness Zones & More 

When it comes to indoor temperature, the shaving brush tree thrives in average room temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F. It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures down to 55°F, but it's best to avoid exposing it to extreme temperature fluctuations or drafts. Maintaining a consistent temperature within this range will help the tree grow and flourish. 

If you are growing it outdoors; the shaving brush tree is typically suited for USDA zones 9 to 11. These zones are characterized by mild to warm climates, with a frost tolerance of 19.4° F for short periods. If you live in a region with colder winters, you may need to grow the shaving brush tree as a container plant that can be brought indoors during the colder months.

In terms of humidity, the shaving brush tree appreciates moderate to high humidity levels. Aim for a humidity range of 50% to 60% for optimal growth. You can increase humidity levels by placing the tree's pot on a tray filled with water and pebbles or by using a humidifier in the room where it is located. 

Additionally, this Pseudobombax ellipticum variety can be propagated by seeds and cutting. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring at least one set of leaves is above the soil surface.  

The Bottom Line  

Overall, the Pseudobombax ellipticum shaving brush tree is a tropical succulent tree that can add a touch of exotic beauty to your indoor or outdoor space. It features unique characteristics such as its striking red or pink flowers that resemble shaving brushes, hence its name. Shaving brush trees are caudex-forming plants, and they can be grown in the form of bonsai. The shaving brush tree prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It thrives in average room temperatures and appreciates moderate to high humidity levels. Regular watering and occasional fertilization during the growing season can help keep it healthy and vibrant.

Whether you choose to grow it indoors as a houseplant or outdoors in a suitable climate, the Pseudobombax ellipticum shaving brush tree can be a stunning addition to your plant collection. These succulents will surely make your balcony pleasing. Get these stunning Pseudobombax ellipticum for sale here at Planet Desert. 

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 48934079323

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell bushes that look like bonsai trees

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.9 ★★★★★
Based on 261 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
J
Verified Purchase
Jeff Gomske
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Astonishing, Fun, Entertaining, Fantastic
Format: Kindle
I consider The Martian my favorite fictional novel of the last 15-20 years. The movie was incredible in that they actually followed the book closer than 99% of other films based on books. It remains my favorite movie of the last 15 years or so as well. I don't know anyone (personally) that loves either of them as much as I do. With that said, I was REALLY looking forward to Artemis. It was good...but, it was certainly not in the same caliber as The Martian was (at least not for me). I enjoyed it a lot, however and appreciated how author Andy Weir chose to go in a completely different direction and not just rehash another similar story, which I am certain would have been great as well. As a result, I was cautious regarding Project Hail Mary. It sounded a little too close to The Martian, but yet, also different in that the circumstances simply could not be more opposite and the stakes so much higher. I'm trying to figure out the best way to summarize without giving too much away from this utterly compelling novel. As I read several reviews, I noticed a recurring theme: SCIENCE. Lots and LOTS of science. Holy cow, they were right. Many years ago I read Apollo 13 and Jim Lovell and his co-writer, try as they might, simply could not dumb down Orbital Mechanics anywhere near enough for me to have even a minor clue as to what they were attempting to say...I just skipped 90% of it and hoped that the sentences written afterwards, would help to make sense of what I had just skimmed over. I'm a lot of things, but a math wizard is definitely not one of them. Michael Crichton (Jurassic Park) had an amazing talent for dumbing-down the science of what he was trying to explain in ways that genuinely made sense (most of the time). Not everyone has this talent, and I would say Andy Weir falls squarely in between. He's certainly better than Jim Lovell, but not quite as good as Crichton. But then again, outside of a science textbook, I haven't really read anything with quite as MUCH science as Project Hail Mary. So maybe he's just as good, but he just puts more science into his books than Crichton, maybe that's it...? Either way, be prepared for a lot of astonishingly interesting science within the pages of this novel...and I DO mean a LOT. I don't say this to make you wary or steer you away...on the contrary, Andy Weir has a special talent for making hard science truly entertaining. The book opens with an absolutely amazing and frightening premise: an astronaut awakes from an induced coma to find the only other two people on board have died at some point along their journey...but it gets worse. He has no idea who he is, or why he's on the ship, and oh yeah, they look to be a long way from home. A really, REALLY long way from home. In fact, the sun he sees isn't actually OUR sun at all. He's managed to leave our solar system entirely. And he has no idea why. ((Minor Spoilers)) The book goes through some clever flash-backs, which set the stage for why the mission happens, and slowly, carefully explains how they managed to get so far away from earth in such a short amount of time. Basically, earth's sun seems to be dying. At the rate of decay, we have maybe 19 years left before the gradual cooling has catastrophic consequences resulting in the death of billions (best guess). Why the sun is dimming is quite the conundrum in the first place. Turns out it really isn't dying, it's being killed by an outside source...which turns out to be easily the greatest find in history. It's alien life, and they are using the sun for food, essentially. It's alien life, but not intelligent life. But still, wow! ALIENS, right??? After this monumental discovery, and some tremendous research done by the most improbable scientist, the investigation into what is happening and why and what to do about it expands exponentially to other nations in order to pool all the resources possible to hopefully save the sun, and by extension, the human race as well. They learn. A LOT. A plan is put together, and with the help of the newly discovered microscopic alien life, which can also double as a power source (along with a few other nifty surprises), they begin to create one last, Hail Mary that could very well be the last chance we might have to save earth. It's audacious. It's dangerous, and it is absolutely critical that it succeed. As our astronaut's memory slowly unravels, so does his identity: Ryland Grace. He's a teacher on earth. Just a science teacher. Not even a college professor. He's amazingly smart, though. But he's no astronaut...and certainly not one who would volunteer to go on a one-way mission to another solar system to "try" and save humanity. Yet here he is. Alone. light years from earth, trying to solve the biggest riddle in all of human history. Ryland accepts his situation, such as it is, with relative indifference (for the most part). It doesn't matter HOW he got here. He's here now and he may as well use that time to be as productive as possible, right? Along the way, he unravels even more information regarding the microscopic alien life which is slowly dimming our sun during some additional flashbacks. The aliens, dubbed, "Astrophage" are quite the galactic plague as it turns out. Stars all over the galaxy are also losing their light, all due to the little buggers. All that is, except one particular star named, Tau Ceti. Now why would that one star be unaffected by Astrophage, when every single star around it has been affected to some degree. The plan is to go there and figure it out and send the information back, hopefully in time to save the sun before the damage to earth is beyond repair. There is an incredible amount of stuff going on. The story switches from Tau Ceti to flashbacks of how the whole mission was planned and implemented (which is VERY entertaining, especially Director Stratt, who may actually be my favorite character in the entire novel). Weir is becoming quite adept at building tension, and abruptly switching the story from Tau Ceti back to earth and building more of the backstory then switching back to Tau Ceti. Keeping it all in check and most importantly, interesting all while mixing in a healthy dose of science, which I am to understand is pretty much all genuine, is quite the juggling act. I have long known science can be astronomically entertaining (see what I did there?) when done right...but unfortunately very few people in a position to teach science actually know the best way to create that interest in others. I can say without reservation, Andy Weir definitely knows how to do it...at least in written form. There is so much I want to say more regarding this truly phenomenal story, but I simply cannot without ruining a lot of the fun and surprises revealed along the way...and it is killing me to keep it locked in. Though I labeled a spoiler warning earlier, I don't think it gave away any more than what the author himself has revealed in interviews he has done regarding the book, and what you can glean from reading the summary here and just a couple other reviews. Tying all of that science together is truly astonishing to me. The creativity to put it into a novel that is remarkably exciting to read is nothing more than incredible talent. Kudo's to Andy Weir for not just hitting a home run, Project Hail Mary is a Grand Slam all the way. I truly did not want this story to end. By the way, I enjoyed the ending quite a bit. I don't know if everyone will. But it was fine for me. I think the ending screams "sequel" at some point too. A lot was left open-ended (IMO) and I wouldn't mind reading a follow-up to this. It doesn't HAVE to happen, but there are a lot of ways where the story could go if Andy chose to do it. Just sayin'. Just run out and buy this book.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2021
M
Verified Purchase
Mahlon Everhart
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 5
Wonderful
Format: Kindle
The amount of detail in this book is so interesting and the specifics of so much theoretical ideas revolving around true ideas makes it so fun to read. The writer does a great job and describing every situation enough where you get the point but not too much to try to bore you . The book is very easy to follow, keeps you on your toes, was pretty funny to me, and truthfully just a great book for anyone!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2026
J
Verified Purchase
John Haldane
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 4
Read it in 2 days
Format: Paperback
This is science based science fiction. How refreshing to read science without turning the story into horror. Without a plethora of characters, it is easy to remember who is who. The story moves along well enough that I wanted to keep going. It us a p age turner in many respects. All this said, there were too many crises suddenly resolved like some Star Trek episode from 1966. It reached the point where I said to myself, "OK, this doesn't matter. Move along, nothing to see here." There was good humor, some surprising twists, and enough involvement with characters that I didn't want to put it down. As science fiction goes, it was good like pulp stories go. It wasn't like Ursula LeGuin or Robert Heinlein but I would probably pick up the next book he writes.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2026
H
Verified Purchase
Hanay21
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 5
A book worth rereading
Format: Hardcover
This was a book club pick. Honestly, I wouldn't have chosen to read this myself, but I'm glad that I did. I would have missed out on an incredible story. I've been reading a lot of thriller and fantasy books lately, that I forgot how much I enjoy sci-fi. This brought it back for me. There's a lot of science-heavy discussions in the book and I loved it! When I got to a subject or term I didn't know, I would go online and learn more about it. I feel that Grace is a dork like me because he wouldn't curse. He had little anecdotes he uses in place of swearing. Something I definitely do myself! A lot of the book is the MMC talking to himself. Surprisingly, it worked. There's so much humor that it kept the story going. There was not a lull. Usually I dislike info-dumping as an introduction to get all the background story told, but I didn't mind it at all. Maybe I'm being biased because I love science talk. **SPOILERS AHEAD** What makes the whole plot engaging is the fact that the plot doesn't seem too fantastical. It's something that could happen. There's a lot of ethics and morals involved in determining what should be done. I would hate to be in a position where I have to chose what's best for everyone. That's why Stratt is a necessary character. I hated some of her decisions and how she operated, but you need someone who's focused on the general welfare of humanity. I would be too focused on myself, my family, etc. As much as it hurts to admit, I'm selfish (and a coward) like Grace. I wouldn't want to die. But was it right for Stratt to force him on the mission? This could also be taken religiously. If God has a plan and things happen for a reason, is it our right to deter what's going to happen? God wiped out the world many times because of humanity's sins, what if this was God's doing? So many questions and debates on right vs wrong, ethics vs morals, and religion vs humanity made for a incredible book club discussion. I love how this book ended. I wish I could continue reading about Rocky and Grace's adventures, it's that fascinating. However, I think Grace staying on Erid was the best outcome. If the roles were reversed, I don't think Rocky would have the same welcome. I feel that those in charge would have dissected and kept Rocky hostage, all in the name of science. Just as the Astrophage were first introduced, the first things the scientists did was poke and probe. Essentially torturing the Astrophage to see what makes them tick. I think Rocky would have the same fate. Oh, and my favorite part is the relationship between Rocky and Grace. I cried so many times when I was reading. Scared that something bad was going to happen to either of them. Especially in the scene where Rocky busted out of his tunnel to save Grace. I got upset and told the book that 'if Rocky dies, I swear, this is the worst book ever!' And the scene where Rocky learns about radiation poisoning. How he slowly becomes aware of what happened to his crew, his friends. I was a mess. This book is definitely one that I could go back and reread. I did watch the movie afterwards. There's a lot of differences to adapt the story to screen, but it was okay. They got the humor down pat, but I didn't get the direness of the whole situation nor the special bond that both MCs had.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2026
K
Verified Purchase
Kindle Customer
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 5
Excellent story
Format: Kindle
This book is worth your time. It is a great introduction to a variety of scientific disciplines without insulting the reader. It also respects and understands humanity, engineering, history and political science. Then it lays that foundation to tell the story of a unique friendship of two beings with mutual goals who have to communicate and problem solve together. Along the way, you can really contrast how Grace and Rocky do it, vice the Hail Mary team did it.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2026

recommand products