Bauhinia, also known as the Orchid Tree, is a genus of over 200 flowering plants native to tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world. The plants are easily recognized by their characteristic flowers, which have five petals fused into a single, orchid-like blossom. Bauhinia species are popular ornamental plants, and many hybrids and cultivars have been developed for use in gardens and parks.
Is it easy to grow Bauhinia plant? Although this plant is easy to grow, it may have some small difficulties. The plant is native to China, India, and Nepal. It can grow up to 30 feet tall and has large, fragrant flowers. The flowers are white, pink, or purple and have five petals. The leaves are large and have a leathery texture. The plant does best in full sun and well-drained soil. It is important to water the plant regularly.
How big can it be? Since it is a climber, it can reach 6 m in height in nature, but when grown in room conditions, it is more compact, reaching a maximum height of 1 m.
How fast is the growth? The average growth rate for a Bauhinia plant is between 24 and 36 inches per year. Most Bauhinia plants will double in size every 2 to 3 years. During the first year, a young Bauhinia plant will grow slowly. Once the plant reaches 2 to 3 years old, it will start to grow at its maximum rate.
| Plant Form | Shrub |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Origin | Southeast Asia, Africa, China, India, South America. Some species found in Australia. |
How long is the lifespan? The average lifespan of a Bauhinia plant is 20-30 years. The plant can live longer if it is well taken care of and is in ideal growing conditions. Bauhinia plants are known to be very hardy and can tolerate a wide range of conditions.
What is the ideal temperature? Because Bauhinia is a tropical and subtropical plant, it requires high temperatures to thrive. In summer, the plant needs a very warm content, otherwise problems with flowering may occur. In winter, the bauhinium must be kept at a temperature of 53,6-59 ° F. Adult plants, after they have fallen leaves, can even withstand frosts to 23 ° F for a short time.
What about the humidity? Eventually, the leaves of Bauhinia will start to turn yellow and drop off if the humidity is too low. If you live in a dry climate, you can increase the humidity around your Bauhinia plant by grouping it with other plants, running a humidifier, or placing the plant on a pebble tray.
What amount of light this plant needed? The reason for the leaves of some plants to fade in too much light is that the plant is not able to produce enough chlorophyll to support the leaves. The plant will use up all its energy trying to produce chlorophyll, and won't have any left over to produce blooms.
What is good soil for Bauhinia? So, a ready-made weakly acidic or neutral ground of general purpose, a rich air-and water-permeable soil with the addition of a small amount of sand is suitable. Bauhinia is not very demanding on the soil. For own preparation, for example, you can take: 1 part sheet, 1 part turf and 1 part humus earth, 1/2 part coarse sand or perlite. Always use a pot with a hole.
How much I must water Bauhinia? Common Bauhinia (B. variegata) is a beautiful, evergreen, flowering shrub or small tree that is native to southern China and northern India. It grows up to 20 feet tall and has glossy, dark green leaves that are 6 to 8 inches long and 3 to 5 inches wide. The flowers are orchid-like, 2 to 3 inches wide, and bloom in clusters from late winter to early spring. They are followed by round, leathery seed pods that are 2 to 4 inches long and turn from green to brown as they mature. Bauhinia is a relatively easy plant to grow and care for. It requires abundant watering in the summer, but the plant is sufficiently drought-resistant, the surface layer of the soil should dry slightly between waterings. Excess moisture is harmful to the plant. In winter, watering is limited, moistening the soil only after the soil dries hard. Bauhinia can be propagated from seed or by rooting semi-ripe cuttings taken in late summer. It can also be grown from grafting.
About fertilizer. The Bauhinia plant is native to East Asia and southern China. It is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 15 feet tall. The leaves are divided into two parts, each with 5-7 lobes. The flowers are white, pink, or purple and have both male and female parts. The fruit is a pod that contains seeds.
How to reproduce Bauhinia? While the plant can reproduce through seeding seeds, it is best to wait until the seeds are mature and have fallen out of the pods. The seeds should be soaked for two days in order to swell and then be sowed in a mixture of peat and perlite. It is also recommended that one removes a small corner of the seed coat in order to accelerate germination. If germinating the seeds directly in the dish, be sure to check them daily. The plant can also reproduce through semi-mature stalk cuttings taken from the plant after pruning.
Why Bauhinia won't bloom? Unless it is the species, the color of the flowers differs. In B. schitkovidnoy they are of lavender color, in b. pointed - white, in b.wolf - in yellow, in b.purpur - pink-red. The bauhinia is called an orchid tree for the beauty of its flowers, although this plant has nothing to do with orchids. In the place of flowers (sometimes, when flowering still continues) pods forming up to 10-25 cm long are formed, self-seeding is possible.
How much I must water Bauhinia? Although Bauhinia plants are not fast growers, they will need to be transplanted every few years as they age. You can transplant them in the spring, and only need to change the surface layer of soil. With age, you may need to transplant them every 3-4 years.
How to care the plant? So, in summer it is desirable to regularly ventilate the plant or take out on the street or balcony.From the cold and autumn, the leaves may fall off the plant, but with good care, the number of fallen leaves is small.The plant should be cut off regularly. Also, the plant can be formed in the form of a stamping tree (for example B.purpurnum). For this, the bauhinia are plucked at a height of 40-50 cm. The sharpened bows are used in bonsai culture. It is necessary to remove wilted flowers in time.
What is the challenge when caring Bauhinia plant? Eventually, it will grow to about 3 meters high. It is affected by red spider mites and scabs. Yellowing of the leaves while keeping the green color in the veins is a sign of excessive watering. Fading leaves indicates excessive light. Twisting of leaves can be a sign of a lack of calcium, in this case, the plant needs additional fertilizing.
Are Bauhinia poisonous? If you have this plant in your yard, be sure to keep small children and pets away from it, as all parts of the plant are poisonous. The Bauhinia plant contains the alkaloids bauricine and bauhine, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested. In severe cases, Bauhinia poisoning can lead to tremors, seizures, and even death. If you think someone has ingested part of a Bauhinia plant, call your local poison control center or go to the emergency room immediately.
