Butterfly orchid tree (Bauhinia divaricata)
Care, watering, light and tips for Butterfly orchid tree on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Fabaceae
- Difficulty: Moderate care
- Watering: every 4 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
About Butterfly orchid tree
Bauhinia divaricata, commonly known as pata-de-vaca (cow's foot) due to its distinctive bilobed leaves, is a small deciduous tree or shrub belonging to the Fabaceae family. Its delicate white flowers, often with a yellowish tint, bloom in spring and summer, attracting pollinators. It is ideal for tropical and subtropical gardens, either as a specimen plant or in informal hedges.
Native range
Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean
Care tips
It prefers full sun to light partial shade and well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Watering should be regular during the growing season, reducing it in winter. It is sensitive to frost, so in cold climates, it should be protected or grown in pots for shelter. Avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to root rot.
How to save a dying Butterfly orchid tree
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or massive leaf drop, scarce/no flowering, dry/brittle branches.
- First aid
- Check watering (avoid waterlogging), ensure good sunlight, prune dead branches. If potted, consider repotting.
- What kills it
- Overwatering causing root rot, lack of direct sunlight, or heavy, poorly drained soils.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, it's a resilient plant. Act quickly to correct watering and sun exposure. With patience, it will recover.