Bauhinia bidentata Plant Care

Bauhinia bidentata (Phanera bidentata) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Phanera genus. Bauhinia bidentata is native to China, Vietnam, Laos. Bauhinia bidentata is also known as Phanera bauhinioides.

Bauhinia bidentata displays a tall, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 8 ft. Bauhinia bidentata produces showy clusters of pink, purple, or white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Bauhinia bidentata every 7–10 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.

Bauhinia bidentata thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Phanera bidentata tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Bauhinia bidentata prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil mix with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Bauhinia bidentata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Bauhinia bidentata 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 loamy soil mix with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Bauhinia bidentata 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.

Bauhinia bidentata can spread to about 8 ft (2.4 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 8 ft (2.4 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 Bauhinia bidentata 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.

Bauhinia bidentata 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.

Bauhinia bidentata can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bauhinia hekouensis plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Bauhinia bidentata is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, whiteflies. 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.

Bauhinia bidentata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Bauhinia bidentata is native to China, Vietnam, Laos. In cooler regions, grow Bauhinia bidentata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.