\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Use sharp shears to make a clean cut on a thin branch just below a node, where a new smaller branch or leaf stem juts out and leave to root in a jar of water or plant it in soil. If you've removed it from the pot, soak the roots by submerging them in a small container of water until they start to plump up, Avoid wetting the foliage. If you ever wondered how plants get their botanical names, such as Bauhinia, consider this explanation from "What Tree Is That?" by Stirling Macoboy: "In the 18th century, when . Watering and fertilizing advice was also helpful. If you want to grow these fresh flowers, orchids are really easy to keep as houseplants under the right conditions. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. You're Shopping Main Website. Keep reading, and well cover all of the basic plant care for your orchids so they continue to grow and bloom for years to come! have an interesting double lobbed shape. EMAIL: info@deserthorizonnursery.com. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? 1). As such, South-Florida-Plant-Guide notes that the Hong Kong orchid tree is an excellent choice for those among us who get to spend their winters soaking up the Florida sun. Overview Pests Some large, established houseplants require more water than orchids, however, making it cumbersome to water with ice. One of the most beautiful Florida flowering trees, this is an ideal mid-size tree for snowbirds because of its winter color. It also is a good idea to finish with the The official tree of the island is the tree that was discovered by French missionaries on the western coast of Hong Kong. Over time, you'll start to develop a sense of how often your orchid usually needs water. "Ensuring orchids get just the right amount of water, without over or underwatering is the biggest challenge for orchid plant parents," says Marcel Boonekamp, director of growing for Just Add Ice. All plants require care at planting and the Hong Kong Orchid is no exception. The first scientific description of the Hong Kong orchid tree as a new species was published by S. T. Dunn, superintendent of the Botanical and Forestry Department, in 1908. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for both print and digital media. Dig a hole at least twice the size of the rootball. Does not perform well in xeric landscapes that have a . Since they're unique, you can display them in fun ways, like creating hanging planters to show off their eye-catching blooms. Another recommendation is to fertilize with quarter-strength, water-soluble fertilizer each time you water your plant. Their leaves, flowers, and small twigs will be killed It will bloom in full sun, partial sun or partial shade. Many species in these genera are often quitesuited to beginner orchid growers. Clean your tool with a quick spray of isopropyl alcohol after each cut. Matt Bowman is a Gardener, Landscaper, the Owner of Georgia Farm to Table, and the Owner of Tradition Property Services in Atlanta, Georgia. Roots that still show healthy color should be cut back to healthy tissue. 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). To return the orchid to full, good health, follow up with adjustments to its care schedule. According to another story, the plant was actually named after . So, some orchids require cool to cold winter exposure to trigger spring growth and flowering. The Hong Kong variety will not be dropping any seedpods, but the flowers and leaves will be plentiful. 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. As epiphytes, the diversity of orchids skyrocketed. These orchids typically wont thrive when grown indoors in a year-round mild, uniform climate. Since this tree is a fruitless sterile hybrid, it doesnt produce trees from seeds. Exceptionally long-blooming, the sterile flowers produce no seedpods, unlike Purple Orchid Tree (B. purpurea). Keep a watchful eye on the drainage holes of your grow pot for signs of roots to know each time it should be repotted. Snowbirds love it, as it has large reddish-purple flowers which are in bloom during the winter and early spring. Barbara Gillette is a master gardener, herbalist, beekeeper, and journalist. 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). ", temperature and light restrictions. This section will help in the choice suited to our environment, also care and feeding for we are first time growers. Contact the AZ Animals editorial team. It's true that orchid tree debris will make a bit of a mess in your yard, but it is unlikely to make a mess of your cats, dogs, or children. Care and Placement Hong Kong Orchid Trees, or Bauhinia blakeana, reach up to 40 feet, so you'll need to give them lots of room to spread out. You should be able to spot any dead roots right awaythey'll be dark and shriveled, compared to the firm, light-colored healthy roots. Thank you for your help. While you can grow these species indoors for part of the year, youll need to set them outside with a layer of leaf insulation for a period of time during the winter to trigger spring growth. If the humidity in your home is higher than 60%. In this article, we'll discuss how you can plant and nurture a Hong Kong Orchid tree in the Australian climate. 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. One of the orchid tree's (Bauhinia sp.) The orchids suitable for year-round growing are typically epiphytic tropical species that benefit from frequent, lose-dose fertilizing that mimics how they obtain nutrients in the wild. Great choice for a flamboyant yard or garden tree. The orchid-like blooms of the trees, which bloom in winter and last until early summer, are well-known. Also, the Hong Kong has larger flowers and leaves, Make a pruning cut with a hand pruners 1/4 inch above a lower living branch junction or next to the main branch or trunk. Furthermore, deep watering From a plant's perspective, houses usually have dim light, so you'll usually have better luck with orchid varieties that tolerate low light levels. Letting the soil around the base of the tree dry out between waterings helps to promote more vibrant growth and more flowers. A beautiful tree that will reward you with abundant flowers. Prune twice a year before and after flowering. Potted orchids must have good drainage holes and should never be allowed to sit in water. This species is less winter hardy than most of the other orchid trees and may be badly damaged by frost and freezes. Semi-evergreen. A thorough watering 24 hours before pruning plumps up the roots which helps you determine where to prune and how much to remove. It's the Hong Kong Orchid Tree and from February to November it's a mass of colour. This popular orchid tree was originally found in China, and is the floral emblem for Hong Kong. Interestingly, these trees are not related to the orchid family at all. Purple Orchid Tree B. variegata, B. purpurea These are the most common orchid trees in landscaping. unless the ground freezes, which never happens in the Arizona desert. Often, though, root rot is the result of a maintenance error; overwatering, poor drainage, or poor air circulation around the roots. Hong Kong Orchid Bauhinia Blakeana Considered the most beautiful tree available! This tree is best grown in loamy, sandy soil that is slightly acidic. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. 12 Signs You Need to Change Its Care, How to Grow and Care for Philodendron Silver Sword, How to Water Orchids in Bark, Moss, and Other Materials, How to Grow and Care for Philodendron Bernardopazii, How to Grow and Care for Zygopetalum Orchids. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This article was co-authored by Matt Bowman and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. But you can grow it from cuttings taken in summer and rooted over bottom heat: a method used to induce root growth by keeping the branch end coolant dormant. There may be a tendency for the tree to have nutritional deficiencies such as potassium, which can be fixed with regular use of the appropriate fertilizer. and a longer flowering period, from January to May. Hydrogen peroxide is an oxygen-based disinfectant that helps prevent fungal infections. So far, the Hong Kong Orchid Tree has been planted in Sri Lanka, Indo-China Peninsula and India. These trees are great and are more common in central Phoenix because they can sometimes be difficult to grow in the beginning. The botanical species name, blakeana, was named for Sir Henry Blake, British governor of Hong Kong from 1898-1903 and an avid . Just continue to water the water from accumulating around the roots. Cold Tolerance Exact recommendations vary by species. Pour sand into a planting pot and water . Why You Need a Moringa Oleifera In Your Garden. This tall semi-evergreen tropical beauty boasts gorgeous fuchsia flowers that look just like orchids and last equally as long. Lay the orchid on a clean, flat surface and use your fingers to lightly comb the roots to separate and remove any clinging material. Step 7:Build a berm (artificial ditch) about 3 inch tall around the base of the tree with a 12 inch diameter and fill it up with water. What Exactly Are the Health Benefits of Spending Time in Nature? Sometimes roots will circle the container before poking out. 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. Anacacho orchid tree is a hardy addition to the xeric landscape or garden; it can be grown as a large shrub or a small accent tree. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. The lovely Hong Kong Orchid Tree is a winter delight. Basin or flood irrigation If you planted your orchids in bark, use a 20-10-10 or 30-10-10 fertilizer mix to give your flowers more nitrogen and help them grow. Layering, as explained by the horticulturists at Oklahoma State University Extension, is also easy to do and can be accomplished by a novice gardener. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Well also briefly cover the Orchidaceae family in general before diving into specific indoor care requirements. Hong Kong orchid trees are propagated vegetatively while Purple orchid Although it is difficult to overwater orchids with the ice cube method, it's a good idea to check the media before adding your three cubes. Bauhinia galpinii is a red flowering shrub variety that will top off between 10 and 15 feet tall. Common Names: Blake's Bauhinia, Hong Kong Orchid Tree, Hong Kong Bauhinia, Butterfly Tree. 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. Can you grow Hong Kong orchid trees in containers? Handle seeds 2. All orchid trees produce gorgeous flowers that resemble but are not actually orchids. I've noticed all over central phoenix . Better Homes & Gardens - 100 years of powering your passions at home, Should You Use Snow to Water Your Houseplants? Light Needs: Full sun. Bauhinia variegata and Bauhinia purpurea are both names for the common purple orchid tree. USDA zones 9 to 11 are ideal for orchid trees. Protect from harsh drying winds, extreme heat, and hard freezes. Place the cutting in a plastic bag until you are ready to plant it. If you give your stem cutting a gentle tug at the base and it doesn't budge, that indicates that the plant has successfully rooted. When these appear, the cutting can be removed and planted. Hong Kong Orchid trees tend to have more than one main trunk. Being small- to medium-sized trees, they can grow to a maximum of 20 feet (with an equal spread), but are usually smaller. Hardiness zones: 9B-11. 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