\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This article has been viewed 4,618,937 times. RF 2B9MJW4 - Bauhinia blakeana, commonly called the Hong Kong orchid tree, is a legume tree of the genus Bauhinia, with large thick leaves and striking purplish Since they're unique, you can display them in fun ways, like creating hanging planters to show off their eye-catching blooms. This tall semi-evergreen tropical beauty boasts gorgeous fuchsia flowers that look just like orchids and last equally as long. San Diego Zoo's Wildlife Alliance provides an excellent guide to the Bauhinia orchid tree genus and some of its most common species, which can bear blooms in shades of purplish pink, red, orange/yellow, or white. The leaves on this tree Roots should being to form within 10-14 days. Fill in the berm with water and add a 2-inch layer of mulch when the water is absorbed. These trees also grow quite fast, adding about a foot or more to their height every year. Make sure the room your orchids are in receives circulation, or set an overhead fan to low if it doesnt. Clear pots can help you determine when its time to water your orchidsif theres no condensation on the inside of the pots, then its time to water. These trees thrive under full sun but can also be planted in partial shade. Thank you! Dig a hole at least twice the size of the rootball. has. One trick to help promote vigorous blooms on this tree is to avoid overwatering. Bauhinias grow wild in tropical and subtropical regions of the world and this particular variety was found in China. They can also be pruned back and maintained as shrubs or bushes. The Hong Kong orchid tree benefits from a fertilizer application three times a year, in spring summer and autumn. How To Grow And Care For A Hong Kong Orchid Tree. The Orchidaceae family contains almost 30,000 species grouped into almost 900 genera. with the saltiness of the Phoenix area water. Get rid of pests with rubbing alcohol or insecticides. The orchid-like blooms of the trees, which bloom in winter and last until early summer, are well-known. HOURS: Monday . Leaves are consisting of 2 broad leaflets, that are fused together along the inner edges. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. Next, wrap the cut area first in pre-moistened peat moss, then in plastic wrap secured by ties or bands. 7.2K views 4 years ago It's the beginning of Spring time, and you may have noticed these beautiful blooming Hong Kong Orchid Trees in Phoenix (botanical name is Bauhinia Blakeana). Keep the soil moist but not overwatered. Growing steps of Hong Kong Orchid Tree 1. You'll normally aim for feeding 1/4-1/3 of the recommended dosage every week during the growing phase of a balanced orchid fertilizer. Blooming Hong Kong Orchid Trees in Phoenix It's the beginning of Spring time, and you may have noticed these beautiful blooming Hong Kong Orchid Trees in Phoenix (botanical name is Bauhinia Blakeana). The gist of this process is to cut and peel off the bark of a . Cons Daily clean up blossoms, which are large and messy Non-native status Always plant non-invasive/hybrid Can't be planted indoor Weak wood body However, the Just Add Ice Orchids brand found that using ice cubes to water orchids causes no harm and makes caring for these plants a little easier. When moss and bark are moist, you'll see the condensation on the inside of the pot. They also have darker and rougher trunk bark. Lay the orchid on a clean, flat surface and use your fingers to lightly comb the roots to separate and remove any clinging material. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. However, their larger limbs are a couple of degrees more hardy. Water your orchid whenever the soil feels dry, and fertilize it with a 10-10-10 fertilizer once a month while its flowering. This broadleaf specimen is a hybrid multitrunked semi-evergreen flowering tree that has an umbrella-like form along with an irregular crown. Step 1: Clear weeds and other debris from the planting site and water the plant in its nursery pot to ensure the roots are well hydrated. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Moss-based media retain moisture better and are usually cheaper than bark, so you dont have to water it as frequently. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. An individual tree was discovered in 1880 growing at a monastery in Hong Kong. Watering frequency You can give this mixture to your orchid on a weekly basis (though it's better to under-fertilize than over-fertilize). She has 30 years of experience propagating and growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals. USDA zones 9 to 11 are ideal for orchid trees. It's possible to plant a young tree in a container, but it will inevitably outgrow its pot or simply be too heavy to move indoors in colder climates. Over time, new roots will grow into and through the peat moss. Open 9am . All this said, hungry or curious pets left in the yard are liable to munch on just about anything they find. If even after treating the root rot, the roots continue to die off and you are unsure of the cause, isolate the orchid and contact your local greenhouse grower or extension agent for expert advice. gets hot and dry. Hong Kong Orchid trees tend to have more than one main trunk. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. If you feel dampness, don't water yet. Grabbed a shot of one in the Scottsdale DMV parking lot yesterday in full bloom. The show-stopping blooms of the Hong Kong Orchid tree make it a wonderful addition to gardens and open spaces. Step 1:Clear weeds and other debris from the planting site and water the plant in its nursery pot to ensure the roots are well hydrated. Both groups of orchids showed similar results for the overall health of the plants, indicating that ice cubes are an effective and safe way to water orchids. Hong Kong orchid tree (Bauhinia blakeana) Care Guide Hong Kong orchid tree is a showy plant prized for its attractive, orchid-like blooms. ), and clip off the dead roots. Orchids might have different needs compared to most of your plants, but if you can master the basics of their care, they can be easy-care houseplants too. Use a basic granular organic fertilizer, mixing it in with the top layer of soil, and be sure to check the weather forecast to make sure its not going to rain for at least 3 days after you apply it. Healthy roots should be swollen and firm, green or silvery gray green with a darker tip. Step 4:Lower the plant into the hole, making sure the trunk is upright and the base of the trunk is an inch above the surrounding soil. This tree is best suited to a tropical or subtropical climate, but will tolerate a light frost and can withstand temperatures down to 22 degrees for short periods in winter. Bauhinia x blakeana was originally found by a mission of monks in 1880 in Pok Fu Lam, what is now a residential area on the island of Hong Kong, according to the Hong Kong Biodiversity Information Hub. However, after millions of years, a large group evolved to thrive outside of the soil, clinging to rocks (lithophytes) and attaching themselves non-parasitically to the bark of trees (epiphytes). These. The final consideration for growing orchids indoors is fertilizing. Step 3:Carefully dislodge the plant from the container so as not to damage the root ball. The Hong Kong orchid tree ( Bauhinia blakeana , zones 9b through 11), is evergreen and produces magenta flower clusters. It's the Hong Kong Orchid Tree and from February to November it's a mass of colour. Water moderately Hong Kong Orchid Tree care for growing Hong Kong Orchid Tree 1. Bark-based medium drains well and helps prevent overwatering, but can break down quickly and needs to be replaced as it disappears. $5200. Flowers occur from autumn through to winter, and are purple-red in . Youll normally aim for feeding 1/4-1/3 of the recommended dosage every week during the growing phase of a balanced orchid fertilizer. The less common Hong Kong orchid tree is Place the orchid back in the pot (or repot) and refill with new bark. If you haven't tried growing an orchid before, stick to something simple, like a moth orchid, before working your way up to more high maintenance varieties. It seems like you are looking for orchid help today. Orchid trees can be grown as shrubs or a tree. Native to southeast Asia, these plants grow in all manner of climatesfrom hot, wet lowlands to high . 2) Only a few hours of limited sunshine per day are not enough; the plant is allowed full sun. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. The blossoms are pretty, but if that is your goal, go with Hong Kong orchid, B. blakeana, which has no seed pods (propagation by air layering works well). Plant a minimum of 10 feet away from any walls or structures, preferably in an area where you intend to create shade. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Over time, you'll start to develop a sense of how often your orchid usually needs water. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I've noticed all over central phoenix . Hong Kong orchids are big enough trees and fast enough growers that you likely won't be able to keep one in a container for very long. Fertilize the tree with compost in winter with potassium-rich fertilizer to encourage blooming in late winter. The vast majority of epiphytic orchids live in climates that are generally mild year-round, making them perfect candidates for indoor living. That's a purple orchid tree. It is very drought tolerant, and overwatering may cause it to bloom less vigorously. Problems include a tendency to show nutritional deficiencies, especially potassium; and the litter problem created by the falling leaves and flowers. This tree is best grown in loamy, sandy soil that is slightly acidic. A password reset link will be sent to you by email. Ensuring orchids get just the right amount of water, without over or underwatering is the biggest challenge for orchid plant parents. The hole should be three times the diameter of the nursery pot and at least an inch deeper. The botanical species name, blakeana, was named for Sir Henry Blake, British governor of Hong Kong from 1898-1903 and an avid . Can you grow Hong Kong orchid trees in containers? Moss is a good choice for these species because it supplies them with moisture for a longer period of time. Bauhinia blakeana, commonly called the Hong Kong Orchid Tree, [1] is a legume tree of the genus Bauhinia, with large thick leaves and striking purplish red flowers. This will ensure the fertilizer starts to feed the tree and enrich the soil and is not washed away too quickly by rain. These orchids are masters of arboreal life, with root systems adapted to intaking nutrients from the humid air, and nutrient and water-storage structures called pseudobulbs designed to survive life outside of the soil. The shape and colors of the flowers are very similar to orchids. Clean, sterilize and dry the pot, or choose a new pot, thenrepot the orchidusing fresh materials. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? If the medium is tightly packed and the plant rootbound, remove some of the potting material by hand, or gently shake the pot to release loose material. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. So, in this guide, well set you up for success by explaining which orchids are best suited for indoor growing, and everything you need to know to make sure theyll thrive in your care. Desert Horizon Nursery is locally owned and operated. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Hong Kong Orchid Tree Care This is a rapidly growing tree that can reach up to 40 feet in height, and its wide canopy (which creates ample shade) needs space to spread. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. During the winter, youll want to cut back to watering only enough to keep the growing substrate from drying out. Exceptionally long-blooming, the sterile flowers produce no seedpods, unlike Purple Orchid Tree (B. purpurea). Be sure to plant at least ten feet away from your house or other structure to avoid problems later on. Water the orchid tree regularly during the summer. is recommended because it helps keep the salt in our salty References hole 2 feet in diameter and 2 feet deep. Five Months of Vibrant Winter Flowers Bring your winter landscape to life with the large, pinkish-purple blooms of the Hong Kong Orchid Tree. Roots that are mushy, dried out or flat are no longer viable and can lead to infections and pests. Give the orchid several days, up to a week, to recover before resuming a normal watering schedule. This species is less winter hardy than most of the other orchid trees and may be badly damaged by frost and freezes. Of course, the amount of water your orchids need can vary based on room temperature, light, humidity, and the type of growing media (moss holds onto moisture longer than bark chips). To encourage them to grow tall like trees, you must prune them regularly and use stakes. Have you ever wondered which tree is deemed the most beautiful by plant care experts at a distinctly reputable nursery like Monrovia? the Hong Kong is sterile so it does not produce the messy beans that When trying to keep your orchids' elegant, butterfly-like blooms going, you might be tempted to be overly exuberant when it comes to watering. They are also fairly vulnerable to . Prune twice a year before and after flowering. Blooms normally appear by November, lasting well into spring providing blooms and comrading attention for almost five months. To air-layer a Hong Kong orchid tree, locate a branch about 2 inches wide; it should be part way up the trunk and easy to reach. Arizona 85142 United States. This can vary based on the humidity, light, air movement, and potting mix its roots are growing in. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. The lovely Hong Kong orchid tree produces color from winter through spring, with breathtaking reddish-purple flowers as large as 6 inches across. You're Shopping Main Website. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4b\/Care-for-Orchids-Step-4-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Care-for-Orchids-Step-4-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4b\/Care-for-Orchids-Step-4-Version-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Care-for-Orchids-Step-4-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"