Growing Bauhinia Purpurea in India

Bauhinia Purpurea can be a great addition to a garden, thanks to its purple-pink flowers! Let’s have a look at how to grow the Orchid Tree!

If you’re looking for a unique and striking addition to your garden, then look no further than the beautiful Bauhinia purpurea. With its bright and colorful purple hues, it adds a touch of grandeur to any outdoor space. From its ability to attract hummingbirds and butterflies to its ability to withstand harsh elements, the Orchid Tree is a treasured flowering shrub rooted in rich history!

Bauhinia Purpurea Information

Bauhinia purpurea, also popular as the Purple Orchid Tree, is a small to medium-sized shrub native to India and Southeast Asia. It belongs to the family Fabaceae and is a popular ornamental plant due to its attractive purple or pink flowers, which resemble orchids.

Bauhinia purpurea can grow up to 10-15 meters in height and has a spreading, somewhat irregular crown, with leaves that are bi-lobed, resembling the shape of a butterfly or heart. The flowers are large, showy, and typically purple or pink in color, with five petals that form a shape similar to an orchid.

The tree is also helpful n traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, including coughs, fevers, and skin infections. Its wood is also popular for making furniture.

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How to Propagate Bauhinia Purpurea?

By Seeds

Firstly, Collect ripe seeds in the fall.
Soak them in water for 24 hours.
Sow 1-2 cm deep in well-draining soil.
Water and keep moist in a warm, bright location.
Lastly, germination will occur in 2-3 weeks.

By Stem Cuttings

Firstly, take 5-6 inches long cuttings in summer from the current season’s growth.
Remove leaves from the bottom half and dip the cutting in rooting hormone powder.
Insert into well-draining soil.
Water and keep it in a warm, bright location with some shade.

Requirements to Grow Bauhinia Purpurea

Sunlight

Bauhinia purpurea thrives in full sun to partial shade, but it needs a minimum of 5-6 hours of direct sunlight daily to grow and flower well. Additionally, it can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can result in leggy growth and fewer flowers.

Soil

It grows best in moist, well-draining, deep soils in moist tropical climates, with temperatures ranging from warm to hot. Bauhinia purpurea thrives in most types of soil as long as it is well-drained and regularly watered.

For optimal growth, it requires soils that are sandy loam, loamy, or clay loam, neutral to slightly alkaline with a pH of 6.5-7.5 and rich in organic matter.

Water

Bauhinia purpurea prefers moderate watering, so make sure the growing medium is never overtly wet. Water the plant when the topsoil feels a little dry to the touch. Do not moisten the soil on a daily basis. When the tree will attain a height of 4-5 feet, it will take care of itself.

Temperature

Bauhinia purpurea is a tropical plant that thrives in warm temperatures between 20-35°C. It can tolerate some cold temperatures, but exposure to temperatures below 10°C can damage the plant.

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Bauhinia Purpurea Care

Fertilizer

Bauhinia purpurea benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 can be applied every 4-6 weeks to promote healthy growth and flowering.

You can also add vermicompost and cow dung manure in the growing medium at the time of planting to boost growth.

Pruning

Pruning can be done to control the shape and size of Bauhinia purpurea and promote bushier growth. It’s best to prune after flowering and before new growth begins.

Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches from time to time. It’s important to use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant.

Pest and Diseases

Bauhinia purpurea is generally pest and disease resistant. However, be careful of pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to get rid of them.

Also, be careful of fungal diseases such as leaf spot and powdery mildew. Good air circulation and proper watering can help prevent fungal issues.