Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

Date:

Bauhinias: trees with Orchid Flowers
and Butterfly Wings...

Bauhinia variegata - Purple Orchid Tree

Photo above: Bauhinia variegata - Purple Orchid Tree, one of the most spectacular varieties.

Q: We just moved to Florida and I see these beautiful trees with large purple flowers. I was told these are Orchid trees, do you have them?

A: Bauhinias, commonly known as Orchid trees, are renowned for their captivating flowers and unique foliage. These trees typically grow to a moderate height of 15-25 feet with a spread of 10-15 feet, showcasing a rounded to vase-like shape. Thriving in hardiness zones 9-11, they exhibit resilience to heat and can withstand mild frost. There are over 300 species of Bauhinia, which are distributed in tropical and subtropical areas. These species vary in characteristics such as size, foliage, and flower color, contributing to the diversity and appeal of this genus. You can find them as trees, shrubs, and even vines.

Bauhinias are evergreen (in tropics) to semi-deciduous (in cooler climates), offering year-round beauty with intermittent blooming cycles. The peak bloom time varies depending on the species and location, often occurring in late winter to early spring, bedecking the tree with striking orchid-like flowers in hues ranging from white and pink to purple and red. The flowers boast delicate petals with intricate patterns, resembling the elegance of true orchids.

One of the distinguishing features of Bauhinia leaves is their unique bi-lobed or bilobed structure, which gives them a distinct appearance. The leaves are deeply divided, typically into two lobes or halves, hence the common name "Butterfly tree" due to their resemblance to butterfly wings. This characteristic is often used as an identifying trait for Bauhinia species. The bilobed leaves add to the visual appeal of the tree, contributing to its ornamental value in addition to its beautiful flowers.

Bauhinia monandra - Napoleons plume

Photo above: Bauhinia monandra - Napoleons Plume, starts flowering in small size. This one is very beautiful but the most cold sensitive and should be grown in pots in areas with winter freeze. It will happily bloom in container!

Low-maintenance by nature, Bauhinias require minimal upkeep. Annual feeding with a balanced fertilizer enhances growth and flowering. Pruning is generally optional but can be done in late winter or spring, after flowering, to maintain shape or remove dead or damaged branches. These trees thrive in full sun, preferring well-drained soil. With their enchanting blooms and easy care requirements, Bauhinia orchid trees are a delightful addition to any landscape, and a colorful specimen for tropical winter gardens.

In addition, Orchid trees grow fast and provide excellent shade. They can make a shady spot in your garden in no time, giving relief from the hot sun. This is really valuable, especially in places where it gets very hot. So, not only are Orchid trees pretty to look at with their lovely flowers, but they're also great for keeping you cool!

Read more about Bauninias:
Bauihnias: Orchid trees with Butterfly flowers... and leaves

Shop Orchid trees

Bauhinia x alba (candida) - White orchid tree

Photo above: Bauhinia x alba (candida) - White orchid tree, the most cold hardy variety that can take light freeze once established.

Bauhinia purpurea - Purple Orchid Tree

Photo above: Bauhinia purpurea - Purple Orchid Tree, one of the most popular and easy trees in Southern landscapes.

Date:

Where does Vanilla come from? How to grow your own Vanilla Beans. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Where does Vanilla come from? How to grow your own Vanilla Beans

Vanilla planifolia - Bourbon Vanilla Bean Orchid beans, seeds

Vanilla planifolia - Bourbon Vanilla Bean Orchid beans, seeds

Vanilla planifolia - Bourbon Vanilla Bean Orchid flower

Vanilla planifolia - Bourbon Vanilla Bean Orchid flower

Vanilla planifolia - Bourbon Vanilla Bean Orchid

Vanilla planifolia - Bourbon Vanilla Bean Orchid

Vanilla dilloniana - Leafless Vanilla Orchid, flower

Vanilla dilloniana - Leafless Vanilla Orchid, flower

Where does Vanilla come from? How to grow your own Vanilla Beans.
  • ❣️ Vanilla spice comes from Vanilla Orchid!
  • ❣️ Vanilla planifolia is a leafy climbing orchid from hot, wet tropical America. It is grown for its pods which, when dried, become the commercial vanilla.
  • ❣️ The flowers are hand pollinated.
  • ❣️ The Aztec Indians in Mexico used Vanilla Pods to flavor their chocolate drink 'Xoco-latl'. Vanilla was believed to be a tonic for the brain.
  • ❣️ Vanilla Pods are picked green when they have no scent. The lengthy curing process, which develops fragrant aroma, is one reason for its high cost.
  • ❣️ Vanilla orchid needs a flat, solid, porous support for climbing and in order to flower and produce seed pods. It can be grown over a log or a board (make sure the support wood is not chemically treated), or climb over a tree.
  • ❣️ If really happy, Vanilla orchid can exceed 100 feet in length in just a few years. The plants flower only when mature, which takes a few years. It only flowers when it gets strongly attached to a support with its aerial roots.
  • ❣️Vanilla orchid can be grown indoors as a house plant. Culture is similar to traditional orchids, however, it will need a support or trellis. Just keep in mind that for Vanilla Bean production, Vanilla Orchid must attach to a porous surface (like a wood log).


Learn more:

📚 Vanilla - The Most Versatile Orchid

🎥 How to produce my own vanilla: secrets of Vanilla pollination
Vanilla dillioniana - The Biggest Vanilla Orchid in 100 Gal Pot

🛒 Shop vanilla orchids

#Food_Forest #Remedies #Container_Garden

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Date:

How to grow your own vanilla orchid at home. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

How to grow your own vanilla orchid at home

Vanilla Bean Orchid (Vanilla planifolia)

Vanilla Bean Orchid (Vanilla planifolia)

Vanilla Bean Orchid (Vanilla planifolia), flower

Vanilla Bean Orchid (Vanilla planifolia), flower

Vanilla Bean Orchid (Vanilla planifolia), seed pods beans

Vanilla Bean Orchid (Vanilla planifolia), seed pods beans

Vanilla Bean Orchid (Vanilla planifolia)

Vanilla Bean Orchid (Vanilla planifolia)

How to grow your own vanilla orchid at home
  • 🍨 The Vanilla Bean Orchid (Vanilla planifolia) is a tropical climbing beauty and the source of the world’s favorite spice - vanilla. This luxurious plant adds elegance to any space, indoors or out.
  • 🍨 A piece of history: Once revered by the Aztecs for flavoring the decadent cacao drink Xoco-latl, vanilla remains a symbol of comfort, luxury, and flavor.
  • 🍨 Why it's special: Vanilla pods are scentless at first and develop their rich aroma after careful curing - a reason it’s the second most expensive spice after saffron.
  • 🍨 How to grow Vanilla Orchid:

  • · Support: Use a trellis, log, or burlap-covered board for climbing.
  • · Light: Bright, indirect light works best.
  • · Environment: Keep it warm and humid, like its natural tropical habitat.
  • · For pots: Add a mini-trellis or small log to mimic its natural climbing needs.

  • 🍨 Why you'll love it:

    • Growing your own vanilla means adding a slice of the tropics to your home, with the chance to harvest your own vanilla beans for homemade extracts. It's beautiful, exotic, and endlessly rewarding.
  • 🍨 Ready to start your vanilla journey? Add a Vanilla Bean Orchiв to your cart and bring this fragrant, elegant treasure home today!


📚 Learn more from previous post:
The Secret of how to Make Vanilla Orchid bloom

🛒 Shop Vanilla Bean Orchids

#Shade_Garden #How_to

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Date:

Why is it called Nun Orchid. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Why is it called Nun Orchid

Phaius tankervilleae " Chinese Ground Orchid, Nun Orchid

🌹 Why is it called Nun Orchid
  • 🔠 Phaius tankervilleae – Chinese Ground Orchid - is a magnificent terrestrial orchid. It is also called the Nun Orchid because its flowers resemble the traditional white wimple and brown habit worn by nuns. The graceful, nodding blooms with white, rose, and brown hues create a shape reminiscent of a nun's veil. A truly heavenly plant!
  • 🔠 It forms large clumps of bold, sword-like leaves and sends up towering flower spikes that can reach four feet tall! Each spike carries 10-20 fragrant blooms, unfurling in succession for an extended show.
  • 🔠 The flowers are a striking mix of white, rose, and brown, blooming brilliantly in late spring, with peak flowering in March and April.
  • 🔠 This hardy orchid spreads naturally, producing a new plant each year from a short bulb-like runner. It prefers shade, especially under trees, and can handle dry periods before its grand floral display.
  • 🔠 Perfect for mass plantings, as a specimen in part shade, or even in pots, this orchid brings grace, beauty, and an exotic touch.


📚Learn more from previous posts:

🛍 Get Ground Orchids and enjoy exotic flowers in shade

#Container_Garden #Shade_Garden

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Do you have a spot for pure white and elegant? A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

Do you have a spot for pure white and elegant?

Bauhinia acuminata - Dwarf White Orchid Tree

🕊 Do you have a spot for pure white and elegant?
  • Bauhinia acuminata - Dwarf White Orchid Tree - is a true gem for any garden! This charming small tree flaunts pure white, orchid-like flowers that bring a delicate beauty to sunny or semi-shaded spaces.
  • Despite its smaller size, it's a standout with its lovely, five-petaled blooms and graceful, rounded leaves.
  • Ideal for compact gardens or even containers, the Dwarf White Orchid Tree creates a tropical, elegant atmosphere while being easy to care for.
  • With its bright, long-lasting blooms, this tree is sure to capture your heart!


📚 Learn more about Orchid trees from previous posts:

🛒 Shop Orchid Trees

#Hedges_with_benefits #Trees #Butterfly_Plants

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What orchids can be grown in the ground? A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

What orchids can be grown in the ground?

Spathoglottis Tropical Punch - Sorbet Ground Orchid

Spathoglottis Tropical Punch - Sorbet Ground Orchid

Spathoglottis Tropical Punch - Sorbet Ground Orchid

Epidendrum radicans - Orange Reed Ground Orchid, Sunrise

Epidendrum radicans - Orange Reed Ground Orchid, Sunrise

Spathoglottis Lemon Kiss - Sorbet Ground Orchid

Spathoglottis Lemon Kiss - Sorbet Ground Orchid

Bletilla striata x formosana Kate - Yokohama Ground orchid

Bletilla striata x formosana Kate - Yokohama Ground orchid

Epidendrum elongatum x radicans - Lavender Reed Ground Orchid

Epidendrum elongatum x radicans - Lavender Reed Ground Orchid

Spathoglottis Rainbow - Sorbet Ground Orchid

Spathoglottis Rainbow - Sorbet Ground Orchid

Arundina graminifolia - Bamboo Orchid, Bird Ground Orchid

Arundina graminifolia - Bamboo Orchid, Bird Ground Orchid

🌸 What orchids can be grown in the ground?

Orchids have a mystique that seems to set them apart from most other flowers... they are elegant and almost unreal in their perfection... But not every gardener has luck growing traditional orchids.
  • ⚜️ Terrestrial orchids (a.k.a. ground orchids) grow in regular garden soil instead of in the air on tree branches!
  • ⚜️ Ground orchids come in many colors and shapes.
  • ⚜️ Ground orchids will be happy to bloom in sun or shade and are very easy to grow!


🎥 Watch YouTube: Ground Orchids

🛒 Order Ground Orchids

#Shade_Garden #Container_Garden

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Date:

If you want to grow your own vanilla orchid, this is how to plant it. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

If you want to grow your own vanilla orchid, this is how to plant it

Vanilla Bean Orchid (Vanilla planifolia) growing in pots

⭐️ If you want to grow your own vanilla orchid, this is how to plant it
  • ⚡️ The Vanilla Bean Orchid (Vanilla planifolia) is a source of Vanilla extract. If you're interested in growing your own Vanilla , here's how to get started:
  • ⚡️ Begin by planting your young Vanilla Bean Orchid in a pot using regular potting soil, accompanied by a small trellis for support.
  • ⚡️ Initially, the plant will establish itself in the pot, but as it matures, it develops aerial roots and gradually becomes more epiphytic, relying on support structures rather than the soil.
  • ⚡️ As your orchid grows, it will require a larger trellis, a log, or a burlap-covered board to facilitate its natural climbing behavior.
  • ⚡️ Once the plant is well-established and its aerial roots have developed on the support surface, it will be ready to flower and produce vanilla beans. This setup mimics the orchid's natural environment and supports its growth and fruiting process.


📚 Learn more from previous posts:
How to grow your own vanilla orchid at home
The Secret of how to Make Vanilla Orchid bloom

🛒 Shop Vanilla Bean Orchids

#Shade_Garden #How_to #Container_garden

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What is in bloom right now? A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

What is in bloom right now?

Bauhinia alba (candida) - White Orchid Tree

Bauhinia alba (candida) - White Orchid Tree

What is in bloom right now?

😡 Orchid trees are among the most spectacular trees in Florida, flowering from late winter through spring. They are fast-growing, not fussy about soil or water, and bloom for several weeks in a stunning display of white, purple, pink, or red flowers.

📸 Bauhinia alba (candida) - White Orchid Tree - the most cold-hardy of all Bauhinias, tolerating temperatures as low as 26F. You can see them in full bloom across Florida right now!

📚 Orchid trees from previous posts:

🛍 Shop Orchid Trees

#Hedges_with_benefits #Trees #Butterfly_Plants

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How to grow Orchid Trees in pots. A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

How to grow Orchid Trees in pots

Orchid Trees in pots

🌸 How to grow Orchid Trees in pots

Everyone loves beautiful Orchid trees with butterfly-like leaves and colorful orchid-like flowers. They are widely used in Southern landscapes. But what if you don't have a room in your garden for another tree? Or what if it gets too cold in winter for a tropical Orchid tree? You can grow it in a pot!

📝 This is how to n enjoy the stunning flowers and foliage of Bauhinia right on your patio or balcony:
  • 💠 Choose the right variety. Some species suitable for containers:

    • B. galpinii, B. madagascariensis, B. monandra, B. alba (candida), B. acuminata, B. bidentata, B. blakeana, B. grandidieri and many others.
  • 💠 Choose the right pot: Select a large, sturdy pot with good drainage holes. Bauhinia trees have a vigorous root system
  • 💠 Use a well-draining potting mix. We recommend a professional soilless mix: Sunshine Abundance.
  • 💠 Sunny location: Position the pot in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Bauhinia plants thrive in warm, sunny conditions.
  • 💠 Watering: Keep the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
  • 💠 Fertilizing: For the most profuse flowering like in the video, feed the Bauhinia with liquid Sunshine Boosters Megaflor year around, it's safe with every watering.
  • 💠 Pruning: Prune the plant to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth.
  • 💠 Winter Care: If you live in a region with cold winters, bring the pot indoors or to a sheltered location to protect the plant from frost.


📸 Bauhinia monandra - Napoleons Plume Orchid Tree, starts flowering when only 2 ft tall and grows well in containers.

📚 Earlier posts on Bauhinias: 1 2 3
Bauhinias: trees with Orchid Flowers and Butterfly Wings

🛒 Shop Orchid Trees

#Container_Garden #How_to

🏵 TopTropicals

Date:

What orchid tree has stunning red and yellow flowers year around? A Top Tropicals Garden Blog post.

What orchid tree has stunning red and yellow flowers year around?

Bauhinia madagascariensis - Red Butterfly Orchid Tree

💋 What orchid tree has stunning red and yellow flowers year around? Madagascar Orchid Tree.

We showed you in earlier post one showy red Orchid tree - Bauhinia galpinii; but this one is even more spectacular!
  • 🔴 Bauhinia madagascariensis - Red Butterfly Orchid Tree is a very rare plant in cultivation and one of the most spectacular Bauhinia. Rare, collectible species.
  • 🔴 Flowers and extremely showy, look like scarlet butterflies with bright yellow stripes at the base of each petal.
  • 🔴 It grows into a small tree or tall bush. Fast growing. Attracts butterflies.
  • 🔴 Plant in in full sun to get the most of its flowering season - this one literally blooms year around!


📚 More posts about Bauhinias:

🛒 Order rare Bauhinia madagascariensis

#Trees #Butterfly_Plants

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