Orchid tree (bauhinia): growing from seeds at home

Bauhinia is an original tropical plant that appeared in our house not so long ago. It is well adapted to the hot dry climate, so it feels comfortable in natural conditions, blooms and actively develops in flower pots. Residents of the tropics with pleasure decorate their houses with orchid trees.

Orchid tree (bauhinia) - an incredible beauty plant. In nature there are more than 5 species of bauhinia, but the purple orchid tree attracts the most attention. Growing such a plant at home is an honor for a true gardener.

What you need to know about the orchid tree

In the wild, a purple orchid tree can reach a height of a meter. Bauhinia (orchid tree) at home grows no higher than 2-3 meters, depending on the conditions created for it. The tree is fastidious and requires special attention, since it categorically does not tolerate a sharp change in conditions of detention.

The maximum height of the plant reaches only a few years, after which it forms a lush crown and begins to actively bloom. The flowering period begins in September, and ends at the end of December. If you take care of such a plant, spring will be constantly in your house.

Some gardeners argue that the period of flowering bauhinia can be extended, resorting to small tricks. The organization of additional artificial lighting will help to preserve the beauty of tree blossom longer. But this option is not very convenient for growing an orchid tree in an apartment setting.

A real decoration of the collection of house plants is bauhinia (orchid tree). Cultivation from seeds is a long and time-consuming process, but the result is worth it.

How a plant reacts to a change in conditions

If you are interested in growing a plant such as an orchid tree (bauhinia), and you want to keep it at home - buy it or grow it yourself, remember: this plant is critically transferring the conditions. Therefore, it is better to grow bauhinia than to buy in the store and to withhold transfers: choose a permanent habitat for the flower, otherwise the process of rehabilitation of the orchid tree can drag on for a long time. Some gardeners note that after the transfer of the flower to another place the plant has not been saved - it has faded.

How the plant reproduces

The easiest way is to acquire seeds and grow a new tree, than to try to isolate the stalk and plant the plant by dividing the adult. This method is difficult and not always possible for a beginning gardener. Orchid tree (bauhinia), grown from a cuttings, does not take root, grows slowly, causes a lot of trouble.

If you want to have such a plant at home, you better buy a bag of bauhinia seeds and grow this tropical exotic tree.

How to handle orchid tree seeds

Bauhinia seeds are large grains of brown color with a solid outer shell, which protects the inner contents from the effects of natural, chemical and mechanical factors.

Important! Before planting it is recommended to soak seeds of an orchid tree in warm water. It is recommended to slightly cut the shell before planting, so that the sprout could break through faster.

Following the procedures described above, the seeds are planted in a light substrate, close the container with a film or glass and placed in a warm place with an air temperature of about 25 degrees.

Important! Watch the temperature level in the place where you keep the seeds. Any violation of the temperature regime (even a slight fluctuation) can negatively affect the sprouting of the bauhinia.

If the conditions of germination were met, and you did everything right, about a week later a sprouted sprout will appear on the surface. This future bauhinia is an orchid tree of seeds.

Important! Do not touch the germ with your hands!

Although the sprout is large, but, despite its massiveness, it remains delicate and fragile. To transplant a germ is better when he leaves 2-3 leaves.

After two months, pinch the tip. This will give the germ a large "bushiness".

How to care for the germ?

At first, try to protect it from direct exposure to sunlight, since it is extremely sensitive. Bauhinia, susceptible to constant active exposure to sunlight, receives severe burns. It happened that the plants died due to solar activity.

A small sprout in the early phases of development is sensitive to parasites and diseases that affect plants. To save the tree bauhinii, water it with a weak solution of potassium permanganate, do not forget about the drainage, which will help the plant to grow at an accelerated pace.

Where to plant a plant?

Bauhinia (orchid tree) at home (see photo in the article) feels satisfactory. The main thing is to provide her with comfort. Orchid is not choosy to the composition of the soil on which it grows, but experienced gardeners still do not recommend planting it in a heavy ground. If the soil is heavily clogged, plant growth slows down, and the sensitivity of the plant rises. If the external effect affects the plant positively, then it can reach one meter in height in a few months.

The leaves look like small hearts that are so often drawn on postcards. Some people compare the leaves of an orchid tree with exotic butterflies. This is also due to the reaction of the plant to the weather: on a sunny day, the leaves open completely, and in the cloudy one they close, resembling the wings of a butterfly's wings.

Note! Sometimes a tree folds leaves from a lack of moisture. If this phenomenon continues for several days, check if the bauhinia is suffering from a lack of moisture.

Features of an orchid tree

Excessive moisture affects the plant negatively, so it should be watered with caution. Good drainage will avoid decaying the roots of the bauhinia.

Habits of the plant and the features of caring for it depend on the time of the year. So, in the summer, the bauhinia will have to be watered more often, and to keep it in a warm place in the shade, in winter to ensure free access of light to the plant and move to a cooler place.

Important! In the winter, the bowshinies are watered very rarely. Then, when there is a strong drying of the soil.

Often in winter, after the flowering period, the orchid tree falls into hibernation: it folds the leaves and grows less actively. During the "rest" the plant is better not to disturb: do not stimulate growth and do not contribute any fertilizers.

In the spring, as soon as the orchid tree (bauhinia) "wakes up" and opens the leaves, it is possible to transplant (if necessary), fertilize it and provide it with a warm location. Prevention of plants is also carried out in the spring.

Careful care and love for the plant will be rewarded a hundredfold: the next year, bauhinia, an orchid tree (photos of it amaze with its beauty), will please you with flowering.

The exotic plant bauhinia conquers the most sophisticated gardeners and simply flower lovers. Such a tree will become a real decoration for the collection of indoor plants, and even a beginner can grow a seed from a seedling.