If you want to propagate an orchid tree, you have two options. We explain step by step how to propagate by cuttings and seeds.
The orchid tree (Bauhinia variegata) is a real eye-catcher and indispensable in tropical gardens. The plants are particularly admired in Taiwan and China. The delicate floral scent casts a spell over hummingbirds in India and South America. Bumblebees and butterflies also swarm around the flowers, which are reminiscent of orchids with their five petals.
Even in our latitudes we don't have to completely do without the orchid tree. Although the plants cannot be cultivated outdoors, they are becoming more and more popular as a container plant. Anyone who already owns an orchid tree or wishes to do so may wonder whether gardening happiness can be increased. In fact, it is possible to grow orchid trees quite easily. How this works is explained below.
Propagate orchid tree - 2 methods
The orchid tree can be propagated by cuttings and by sowing. Both methods seem quite promising. Whereby you have to be a little more patient when propagating by seeds than with the rather uncomplicated propagation by cuttings.
❶ Propagating orchid trees by cuttings
Your neighbor is trimming his orchid tree, which you have already shot countless envious glances at? Why don't you just ask him to let you use the cut branches. He might even be happy about it, since he no longer has to worry about disposal.
Indeed, cuttings can easily be obtained from annual pruning. The shoots do not necessarily have to be lignified. Head cuttings are also suitable. It's best to try both. Remove the shoots with a sharp and clean cutting tool and bring the later cuttings to a length of about 25 centimeters. While a few pairs of leaves should remain at the top of the cutting, the leaves and buds at the bottom, i.e. the area that will later come into contact with soil, should be removed. Otherwise the subterranean plant parts would start to rot.
» Tip:It is a good idea to try multiplication with several cuttings, because failures can always occur.
A separate planter should be available for each cutting. This is filled with potting soil. The cuttings can be potted immediately after cutting. When choosing the substrate, do not mean too well with the cuttings. The shoots root less well in a particularly nutrient-rich substrate than in a rather barren soil. Set up the planters in a light and warm place and water them regularly. The cuttings must not dry out.
Propagation by cuttings - step by step
- Cutting
- Prepare the cuttings
- Provide planter
- Plant cuttings
- Set up cuttings bright and warm
- Water the cuttings
How long does it take to grow?
You can easily observe for yourself whether the propagation has been successful. If new leaves and shoots appear on the branches, you can be happy. It may take a few weeks for this to happen. Now the cuttings are cultivated as usual for some time. If several pairs of leaves have formed and you can clearly see the roots on the bottom of the container, the cuttings should be planted in larger containers.
How are the cuttings further cultivated?
Depending on the time of planting, the cuttings can also be cultivated outdoors. From the end of May, the planters can be placed on the balcony or terrace. The young plants need to get used to the sun's rays slowly at first. So initially place the containers in partial shade and wait a few days before placing the young orchid trees in full sun. If you cut your cuttings in late summer, overwinter the cuttings indoors and only bring them outdoors in early summer.
❷ Propagating an orchid tree by sowing
If you don't yet own an orchid tree and don't know a hobby gardener who will give you cuttings, you can start sowing and, with a little patience, grow your own magnificent specimen of this exotic plant.
When should the seeds be planted?
The best time to sow orchid trees is in winter or early spring.
What is needed for sowing?
You should have these materials ready for sowing:
- Seeds
- Planter
- Plant Sprayer
- Substrate
- Plastic wrap
How is imIndividual action?
- Presoak seeds
- Press seeds into the ground
- Cover seeds with soil
- Place the planter bright and warm
- Keep seeds evenly moist
- Cover the planter with foil
- Wait for germination
The germinability of the seeds increases if they are soaked in water for about a day beforehand. To do this, pour hot water over the seeds and let them swell accordingly.
A shallow planter is best suited for rearing. This is filled with nutrient-poor substrate if possible. The seeds themselves are placed about 1.5 centimeters deep in the ground and covered with substrate.
The exotic plants also need a lot of heat during germination. Temperatures around 25 degrees are optimal. Covering the planter with a plastic film promotes germination. This creates a microclimate that accelerates germination.
» Caution: The film cover should be aired briefly every day if possible. Since there is no longer sufficient air exchange in the container, mold can otherwise form.
When will the seeds germinate?
After about three weeks, the hobby gardener can count on the first tender shoots. Then the foil cover can be removed. The plants grow quite quickly and can be transplanted into larger planters with a size of about twelve centimeters. If the plants have grown particularly quickly and the shoots appear misshapen, a first pruning can be done when transplanting.
What happens to the young plants?
Depending on the weather, the young plants can go outside or be cultivated indoors. Between the end of May and mid-September, a stand can be found for the orchid trees on the balcony or terrace. This should be warm and in full sun. If the temperatures drop permanently below ten degrees, the plant must be brought back into the house. Younger orchid trees are particularly sensitive to cold. Older plants can also tolerate lower values for a short time.
» Tip: If you want to see your young plants bloom, you have to wait at least four years, even with good care.