Water
Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering significantly during the dormant winter period. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Ensure good drainage in the pot and garden.
Also known as Bauhinia · Buddhist Bauhinia · Bunga Makao
Orchid tree (Bauhinia variegata) is a deciduous tree known for its stunning orchid-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Requires at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry between waterings, reduce in winter.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm Tolerant
75% intensity
Prefers warm temperatures between 20-27°C. Protect from frost.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed annually in spring with balanced fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering significantly during the dormant winter period. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Ensure good drainage in the pot and garden.
Prune after flowering to shape the tree and remove any dead or crossing branches. This encourages a more compact form and better flowering in subsequent years.
Avoid heavy pruning, as it can reduce the next season's bloom.
Easily propagated from seed, which should be sown fresh. Cuttings can also be taken from semi-hardwood in summer. Grafting is an effective method for preserving desirable cultivars and ensuring faster flowering.
Repot young plants every 2-3 years in spring as needed. Mature plants generally prefer to be slightly root-bound and require repotting less frequently.
Use a well-draining potting mix and a pot that is only slightly larger.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Orchid Tree (Bauhinia variegata)
Where Orchid Tree (Bauhinia variegata) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Bauhinia |
| Species | Bauhinia variegata |
Similar in genus Bauhinia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
