I was gifted an "orchid tree" Bauhinia spp. last spring. It was approximately 6" tall. It is now 4' tall and on my porch. It has always been potted. This tree is tropical and won't take heavy frosts/freezes. It appears that these trees get 30-50' tall and as wide. Since will always have to move it inside during the fall/winter months, I have to keep it within 7' tall/wide.

I assume I can trim the central stem and branches in the winter, before it puts out new growth in the spring. Will the tree ever bloom if cut back? I know this tree is found extensively in Florida, and is even considered an invasive plant in some areas. Perhaps you sub-tropical folks can tell me what to expect with this tree. IF it will never bloom, I really have no use for it and will simply dispose of it.

There are many types and some here are enormous street trees. However, I have one of the ones that is native to this region, Bauhinia divaricata, in my small garden. I pulled it from my friend's land out in the country and it was getting quite tall last year, probably about 20' and arching out almost as far. During the beginning of the rainy season, around last June, the whole tree fell over. It is planted in an area that is very shallow with a rock ledge about a foot deep that extends a long ways. I think it was too tall for the roots to hold it up in wet soil. Anyway, I cut it off down to the main stump and put it back in the same place. It is now about 10' tall and I'm cutting it back so the branches don't extend too far out and over balance it again. It blooms pretty much all year and cutting it back doesn't have much effect on that other than removing the blooms on that branch.







I think it would do just fine in a pot and it should bloom if it gets enough light. Mine is reaching for sunshine, it is now in an area that is shaded much of the day but it still blooms. While this is probably not the same type you have, I think they are all pretty similar in their ability to regrow and take a lot of adversity.

Ken, don't be discouraged if you don't see blooms for a few years. If it was 6" tall, then I'm guessing it was a young seedling, but I do think many (if not most or even all) Bauhinia sp. bloom quickly from seed. I'd think if you trimmed it in winter then you'll still see blooms as I believe they all bloom on new growth in spring & summer.

Thanks, Carter. I have already taken approximately 12" off the top, leaving me with a 4' potted tree. It is now off the porch and into a GH so that it gets more sun and humidity. It will have to (forever) remain in a pot though. I will bring it in in November and it goes back outside in March.

I previously said it was a 4' tree, but I was measuring from the soil line, not including the pot.

You may want to try a B. acuminata, which is a dwarf white - this will do fine in a pot.

Thanks, Hetty.