Brazilian Orchid Tree Plant Care

Brazilian Orchid Tree (Bauhinia forficata) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Bauhinia genus. Brazilian Orchid Tree is native to Brazil. Brazilian Orchid Tree is also known as Orchid Tree, Pata de Vaca, Inga forficata.

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

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Brazilian 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.

Brazilian Orchid Tree thrives in full sun to partial shade.

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

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

Feed Brazilian 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.

Brazilian Orchid Tree is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Brazilian 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 Brazilian 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.

Brazilian Orchid Tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

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

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

Brazilian 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.

Brazilian Orchid Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Brazilian Orchid Tree is native to Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Brazilian Orchid Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.