Orchid Tree Plant Care

Orchid Tree (Bauhinia variegata) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Bauhinia genus. Orchid Tree is native to an area from China through Southeast Asia to the Indian subcontinent. Orchid Tree is also known as Variegated Bauhinia, Mountain Ebony, Purple Orchid Tree.

Orchid Tree displays a small to medium-sized tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Orchid Tree produces showy, butterfly-shaped flowers in various colors.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Orchid Tree every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Orchid Tree thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Bauhinia variegata tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Orchid Tree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Orchid Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Orchid Tree every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Orchid Tree is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Orchid Tree can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Orchid Tree while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Orchid Tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Orchid Tree can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to brazilian orchid tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Orchid Tree is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Orchid Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Orchid Tree is native to an area from China through Southeast Asia to the Indian subcontinent. In cooler regions, grow Orchid Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.