Grow an orchid tree in full sun on soil that drains. Orchid tree is Bauhinia, also sold as mountain ebony.
Give it full sun, soil that drains, and little extra water once it roots
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Sun | Full sun for an orchid tree | Do not site it in deep shade |
| Soil | Garden soil that drains after rain | Do not plant in a low wet spot |
| Water | Water a new tree; then let the soil dry | Do not keep the roots in standing water |
| Feed | Little once it is rooted | Do not dump extra nitrogen |
| Frost | A nearly frost-free site | Do not leave a young tree in a hard freeze without cover |
An orchid tree wants full sun and soil that drains. Water a new tree through the first dry season. Once the roots take, water less often. Flowering is better when the soil dries between rains, and the wood is brittle in storms, so do not keep the roots wet. [1] [2] [3] purple orchid tree wants that same sun and drain. Hong Kong orchid tree takes the same bed. Pick the kind on Types of Orchid Tree. When the flowers fade, see Prune Orchid Tree.
Does an orchid tree need full sun?
Yes. Full sun is the site for growth and bloom. Deep shade cuts the flower show.
How often should I water an orchid tree?
Water a new tree until it roots. After that, water when the soil is dry. Do not leave the roots in standing water.
Plant with the nursery line at grade, and leave room for the canopy
Plant in a frost-free window you can water. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and a little wider. Set the nursery line even with the surrounding soil. Leave at least eight to ten feet from the house, and about eight feet from a walk, so drooping wood and fallen flowers stay off the path. [4]
- Plant in a frost-free window you can water. A nursery pot is the usual start. Tease circling roots if the pot is bound.
- Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and a little wider. Set the nursery line even with the surrounding soil.
- Leave at least eight to ten feet from the house, and about eight feet from a walk or drive. Read the mature canopy on the tag before you dig.
- Backfill, firm, and water in once. Keep the first season watered. Do not skip that because the tree later takes dry soil.
When should I plant an orchid tree?
In a frost-free window when you can water. Do not plant into cold, wet ground.
How far from the house should I plant it?
Leave at least eight to ten feet from the house, and about eight feet from a walk. Read the mature canopy on the tag before you dig.
Not a hardy orchid — and not an orchid cactus
A hardy orchid is Bletilla, a low terrestrial orchid from pseudobulbs — see How to Grow Hardy Orchid. Those shade clumps are not an orchid tree. Orchid cactus is Epiphyllum — see How to Grow Orchid Cactus. Those hanging stems are not a woody Bauhinia. Confirm the Latin on the tag.
Is an orchid tree the same as a hardy orchid?
No. Orchid tree is Bauhinia, a woody tree with two-lobed leaves. A hardy orchid is Bletilla. They are not interchangeable plants.
If a young tree sat dry, water it through the next dry spell before you add fertilizer.
FAQ
Can I grow an orchid tree in a pot?
A large draining pot can hold a young tree for a season. The usual landscape tree belongs in the ground, where the roots can run.
Can I grow an orchid tree from seed?
A purple orchid tree can sprout from fresh seed, and seedlings often appear under the canopy. Hong Kong orchid tree is sterile, so a nursery graft is the usual start.
Why are the leaves yellow between the veins?
Alkaline soil can yellow the tissue between the veins. Plant on ground that drains, and do not keep the roots wet. A tree fertilizer that includes potassium can help if the leaves stay pale.
Can I plant an orchid tree by the coast?
Do not assume every kind is a beach tree. Soil still has to drain. Confirm the tag before you plant on salt spray.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] UF/IFAS Extension -
https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST092 - [2] NC State Extension Gardener -
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/bauhinia-x-blakeana/ - [3] San Marcos Growers -
https://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=234 - [4] South Florida Plant Guide -
https://www.south-florida-plant-guide.com/hong-kong-orchid-tree.html
This note is part of Bauhinia Guides.
More first-season notes by plant are gathered in How to Grow Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors