The orchid tree (lat. Bauhinia variegata) is at home in the tropics, where there are no seasons with extreme temperature differences such as summer and winter. Accordingly, it does not have to be hardy and cannot tolerate frost.
Is the orchid tree hardy?
The orchid tree (Bauhinia variegata) is not hardy and cannot tolerate frost. It needs a frost-free, ideally warm winter quarters with temperatures between 12 °C and 18 °C, lots of light and moderate watering without fertilizer.
Your orchid tree feels really comfortable in a warm and sunny place that is well protected from the wind. In summer, this place can be in the garden or on the balcony. It is therefore advisable to plant the orchid tree in a pot (€75.00 on Amazon) so that it can be easily transported and brought into winter quarters in autumn.
What should the winter quarters for the orchid tree look like?
The winter quarters for your orchid tree should definitely be frost-free, even better above 10 °C. The younger your tree is, the more sensitive it will be to temperatures that are too low. So bring your orchid tree into its winter quarters in good time before the first night frosts.
Even in winter, your orchid tree needs a lot of light. A dark basement room is therefore not suitable as winter quarters. Place the plant in the apartment or in the winter garden if one is available. Ideally the temperature there is between 12 °C and 18 °C. If it is too warm, the orchid tree easily forms horny shoots.
How do I care for my orchid tree in winter?
In winter, your orchid tree does not need any fertilizer, on the contrary, because too much nutrient supply can even harm it. The resulting horny shoots weaken the orchid tree. Cut these shoots back in spring.
You should only water moderately now. Check your orchid tree for pest infestation so that you can react to it in a timely manner if necessary. Don't worry too much if it loses its leaves in winter. In most cases this is only temporary. The orchid tree will certainly sprout again in spring.
The most important tips for the winter:
- frost-free, better warm winter quarters
- ideal temperature: 12 °C to 18 °C
- bring to winter quarters early
- do not fertilize
- water only moderately
- no drafts
- occasionally check for pest infestation
- possible leaf loss possible
Tip
The younger an orchid tree is, the more sensitive it will be to low temperatures. You should take this into account when choosing your winter quarters.
