Its light green leaves resemble butterfly wings.
Other varieties go quiet for the winter season.
The showy trees grow quickly and need a wide area to grow in to accommodate their large canopy.
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They don’t tolerate cold and thrive in sun and heat.
While they can take shade, full sun produces more flowers in brighter colors.
Plant in moist, well-drained soil in early spring to establish the plant before summer temperatures rise.
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Here’s what to know to grow and care for orchid tree.
Note that some species of the tree are invasive in Florida.
Give the tree landscape fertilizer and water sparingly.
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Some pruning will help the orchid tree take the shape you prefer, but its not required.
Light
Orchid tree grows best infull sun.
It will tolerate partial sun, but full sun will bring out full flowers and the best colors.
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Soil
Plant orchid tree in loamy, neutral soil that drains well.
When planted in alkaline soil, the leaves turn yellow.
Water
Orchid tree thrives in the heat and humidity of the Tropical South.
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Put your orchid tree on a moderate, but regular watering schedule and ensure the soil drains well.
This plant doesnt want to sit in water and wont do well if overwatered.
Temperature and Humidity
Orchid tree grows inZones 9-11 (USDA)in the Tropical South.
Native to tropical parts of Asia, it grows best in sunshine and humidity.
Ask your nursery for the product that suits your growing conditions.
Regardless, every orchid tree will benefit from some pruning after it blooms.
Remove any leggy or damaged branches once a year.
These are best propagated by cuttings.
Late spring or early summer are the best times to propagate.
Collect seed pods during fall when they have turned brown and dried out.
Remove seeds from the pods and soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting.
Add well-draining, sandy soil to a small pot andsow the seeds1/2-inch deep.
Water the seeds and cover with plastic to create a greenhouse environment.
Place the pot in a sunny location and keep the soil moist.
Germination can take weeks to months.
Remove the plastic when seedlings appear.
Plant seedlings in a sunny, well-drained location.
If they become a problem, try a commercial, eco-friendly insecticide containingBacillus thuringiensis.
This natural bacteria creates a protein that is toxic to insects when eaten.
If possible, adapt your location to bring on full sun.
Here’s what it means if leaves are dropping or turning brown or yellow.
Leaves Turning Brown
If orchid tree leaves turn brown, its likely due to watering.
Dry heat or drought can cause the edges to turn brown.
Established plants are more drought tolerant.
Leaves Turning Yellow
Yellow leaves also indicate a watering problem.
Often the tree is being overwatered.
Find a balance between too much and too little water, as both can cause problems for the tree.
Soil should be moist but not soggy.
Check to see if leaves are brown or yellow or show signs of disease.
Give the tree adequate water and sunlight, and use a fungicide if disease is present.
Frequently Asked Questions
These trees grow quickly and have a long life span.
They mature at about 35 feet tall and can live for 50 years or more.
Some varieties of orchid trees can be messy.
They drop spent flowers, seed pods, and leaves after blooming.
Some gardeners dont mind the mess since the blooms last a long time.
Some varieties are hybrids that dont produce seed pods, and they are considered less messy.
These trees prefer full sun.
Plant them in a sunny spot where they will be sheltered from strong wind.
Because their wood is not extremely strong, they are susceptible to damage from wind and weather.
University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants.Bauhinia variegata.
