Bauhinia RACEMOSA

Bauhinia RACEMOSA - Bidi leaf tree, Racemose bauhinia, Orchid tree.

Bauhinia is a genus of showy flowering plants in the legume family (Fabaceae), comprising from 200 to 300 species, most of which grow in humid tropical rainforests and highlands of South and Central America, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Australia.

In its natural environment, this exotic genus is represented by lianas, subshrubs, shrubs, and trees up to 10 meters (33 feet) tall with very unusual bilobed leaves and flowers resembling orchids. It is precisely due to the shape of the flowers that the common name "Orchid tree" is widespread.

Heart-shaped leaves about 12 cm (5 in) long, slightly bent back from the petiole, close in the evening as well as at elevated temperatures, folding along the central vein to reduce the moisture evaporation area. The rich gray-green coloration casts a silvery sheen in the sun and contrasts strikingly with the brick-red or pale red bark.

During prolonged flowering, from April to October, Bauhinia is literally covered with magnificent flowers of white, yellowish, lemon, peach, pink, scarlet, crimson, lilac, and purple coloration. The petals can be decorated with fine stripes and speckles of a contrasting color, sometimes featuring a base of a different shade. Gathered into inflorescences of 2-4 blossoms, the large flowers reach 10-15 cm (4-6 in) in diameter. The buds are short-lived, lasting from a day to a week, constantly being replaced by new ones.

In place of fallen flowers, large pods 10-25 cm (4-10 in) long form, splitting lengthwise upon ripening. Each fruit contains several brown flat seeds, closely resembling beans in shape. The fruits are poisonous and inedible.

In cultivation, the plant is found in zones with a tropical climate as an ornamental garden plant. As an indoor potted plant, Bauhinia is a small, very elegant tree or shrub up to 1.5 m (5 ft) in height, growing significantly more slowly than in nature. Pollination is performed by transferring pollen from one plant to another using a small brush.

Bauhinia racemosa is a deciduous tree 9 m (30 ft) high or a liana. The leaves are 2-lobed, cordate at the base. Both halves are up to 12-15 cm (5-6 in) long, fused halfway, with 5 veins, and pilose-pubescent. The flowers are small, gathered in branched racemes, white. Flowering occurs in April-September.

It is easily grown from seeds that are scarified beforehand. The seed coat is carefully filed with a needle file or a small file. To avoid seed rotting, filing completely through the coat must not occur. Next, the seeds are soaked in warm water for 12-24 hours by placing them on a radiator or a bathroom towel warmer.

Prepared seeds are sown in a loose substrate to a depth of about 1 cm (0.4 in), moistened from a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in the light, but not in direct sun, at a temperature of 25-27 °C (77-81 °F) (providing gentle bottom heat is desirable). Seedlings require ventilation. It is essential to avoid waterlogging and drying out of the sowings.

In general, with the exception of the soaking time and slightly lower bottom heat temperature, the germination method using a coconut coir or all-purpose potting mix substrate is applicable for Bauhinia seeds.

Seeds germinate within 2-4 weeks. Seedlings 3-4 cm (1.2-1.6 in) tall are pricked out into individual containers.

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Bauhinia is an undemanding plant to care for, needing only sufficient space and good illumination. It blooms as early as the third year after planting, and some species even in their first year of life.

A sunny position with light shading during hours of peak solar activity is preferred. Placement near a south, southeast, or southwest window is optimal. In partial shade and filtered light, flowering is less profuse, and branches stretch and droop. During the warm season, it is desirable to take Bauhinia outdoors into fresh air, protected from rain and cold drafts. In the winter period, supplemental lighting up to 10-12 hours per day is recommended. After the dormancy period, the plant should be gradually acclimatized to bright sun.

In spring and summer, a temperature of 18-25 °C (64-77 °F) should be maintained; at 15 °C (59 °F) under cold, rainy summer conditions, it can practically cease growing, forming numerous buds that drop before fully developing. In the winter dormancy period, it is kept in a cool, bright spot at a temperature of 10-15 °C (50-59 °F) under very limited watering. It may drop some of its leaves. Mature plants can tolerate sharp temperature drops, short droughts, and brief frosts down to -5 °C (23 °F).

During the warm season, moderate watering is recommended, allowing the top soil layer to dry out between waterings; in winter months, the frequency is reduced to a minimum. During the heating season, it is recommended to place the plant on a tray with expanded clay pebbles and water or use an air humidifier. Misting is carried out only in intense heat, avoiding water droplets on flowers and buds.

Bauhinia adapts well to any type of soil, but is sensitive to potassium deficiency. It prefers a light, nutrient-rich, well-drained soil mix with the addition of inert aerators. In spring and summer, feed weekly with complete organo-mineral fertilizers for flowering indoor plants.

When provided with a support, the plant can be grown as a liana, and with periodic pruning, as a compact and decorative shrub. Pruning is tolerated easily and performed in early spring, thereby stimulating flowering, or in autumn after the plant has finished blooming.