Written by Ivy
Feb 07 2023
In warm, arid climates, the Hong Kong orchid tree can be grown because it is such an impressive specimen. The flowers closely resemble orchids in both shape and color. French missionaries found a tree on Hong Kong's western coast, and it is now recognized as the island's official tree. Although they are deciduous and lose their leaves in the late winter before sprouting buds in the spring, these lovely tropical trees are frequently referred to as evergreens.
They have large, butterfly-shaped leaves and large, sturdy-looking blooms in rose pink and purple hues, occasionally with some white variegation. The blooms are double the size of other orchid tree flowers, measuring 6 inches across. The flowers of the hong kong orchid tree bloom from November through the end of March, when few trees are in bloom during the winter.
Root rot on your Hong Kong orchid tree (Bauhinia blakeana) can be fatal if untreated. As a result, if the symptoms manifest, we strongly suggest that you follow our instructions to keep your plant alive: Blackened and softened roots.
A particular fungus that frequently affects flowers and spreads quickly is known as gray mold spots. This fungus is most likely to blame if you see any brown (or gray) spots. These signs shouldn't be disregarded because doing so could lead to your plant's demise.
Once you understand the root of the issue, the solution is clear. Overwatering of the Bauhinia blakeana is the most common cause. Repotting your plant in a fresh container with sterile potting soil after removing the diseased roots and leaves and repairing any damage to the plant is something we strongly advise.
One of the most frustrating diseases for hong kong orchid tree owners, we provide you with all the information you need to identify and save your plants when they exhibit symptoms like sudden color changes in the leaves or wilting/drooping.
Yellowing leaves are unquestionably the most frequent issue in horticulture. Overwatering and a lack of nutrition are the two main contributors to this issue.
When it's overwatering, simply reduce your watering frequency, and if you think it's a nutrient deficiency, here's how to check it:
Each deficiency produces a different yellowing on the Bauhinia blakeana in question, here's how to spot them:
You simply need to act in accordance with the symptoms listed above. You can fix a potassium or nitrogen deficiency by buying a special soil, and a gardening store consultant will be able to advise you on how to do that. You can also reduce how frequently you water your plants.
The presence of sunburn on your Bauhinia blakeana, a Hong Kong orchid tree, can be easily detected. In this case, your plant will change color, starting to turn yellow or white, just like it does on us.
The leaves of your Hong Kong orchid tree may also change color, as we saw above, if it gets too much water or not enough light.
Look at the area of the bottom that is tinted closer to the base to determine if the yellow leaves have been sunburned. If this portion remains greener, the yellow leaf is most likely burnt and not something else.
The typical sign that a plant has been overexposed to direct sunlight and sunburned is the development of browning leaves. Fortunately, your plant won't likely die as a result; however, its growth will be adversely affected.
If your Bauhinia blakeana (or Hong Kong orchid tree) exhibits the aforementioned symptoms, do not leave it in the sun; this is why it is in such bad shape.
As was mentioned in the paragraph above, the solution is straightforward: simply move the Hong Kong orchid tree of your plant out of direct sunlight. With the help of this technique and the right amount of watering, your plant should quickly grow again.
This usually occurs when you become dehydrated. Since they require more water on a regular basis than smaller plants, large plants are more vulnerable.
If your Bauhinia blakeana's pot appears lighter than it should, the soil and roots are probably quite dry and require water. This is an easy way to tell if your plant needs water.
If the soil in the pot of your Hong Kong Orchid Tree is completely dry, you should start by moistening it so that the roots will also benefit from the water. The Hong Kong orchid tree is frequently drowned after a dry spell because people mistakenly believe it needs a lot of water.
This is accurate, but the simplest way to stop it is to administer an excessive amount of water at once. Instead, you should correctly water the soil and establish a calm watering rhythm.
Your plant needs water to survive, but the quantity and timing of watering must be balanced. As we already mentioned, overwatering could be detrimental to your reputation.
If you feel the soil is still wet when you touch your plant to determine whether it needs water or not, it is probably best to wait a few more days.
Additionally, it's wise to maintain a constant temperature for your Bauhinia blakeana, especially if it's housed indoors. Generally speaking, at GreenShack, we advise scheduling a reservation for a temperature between 65 and 85 degrees F. Of course, keep your Bauhinia blakeana away from radiators, air conditioners, and other sources of hot or cold air.
This one relates to indoor plants. Dust is deposited on the leaves of your indoor plants just like it is on your furniture. The issue is that this can prevent the photosynthesis process from starting, which would cause the plants to eventually lose their color.
This would be an actual descent into hell for your Hong Kong orchid tree, and it would also placate the pests.
Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the plant's leaves to get rid of the dust. Use a damp cloth to remove dust more effectively; avoid using corrosive products like rubbing alcohol!
If you have a propensity to overwater, you should be aware of your drainage. If they don't already have them, we advise choosing a saucer and a pot with drainage holes.
If your pots do not already have holes in them, you can add volcanic rocks (or any other pebbles with holes) to the bottom of your pot in the interim. This will aid in creating a channel to ensure that water doesn't pool there for an extended period of time, preventing root rot.).
Despite the fact that they may not grow properly in difficult environments, Hong Kong orchid trees rarely experience disease or pest problems. These subtropical trees frequently experience issues from cold and drought. If low temperatures are predicted, safeguard the tree by covering its crown with thin cotton sheets until the cold weather has passed. During the summer, keep an eye out for browning along the leaves and increase watering when hot, dry weather lasts for an extended period of time.