Growing Orchid Trees - Orchid Board

Fuerte Rav · #1 03-08-2022, 07:10 PM

Hi all
I've seen 2 specimens of this tree here on the island, both appear quite old (lots of cut trunks) and have collected seed and got 2 small plants growing.
Anyone else grow this and have any tips/care info?
The leaves on my small plants keep browning and falling off but this seems the case on the mature trees as well.
One of the mature trees came into bloom this week, probably the other one is as well but I haven't been that way lately.

estación seca · #2 03-08-2022, 10:36 PM

I don't have it but it's widely planted in southern California and here in metro Phoenix. It is a tropical tree that prefers high humidity but grows in low. It gets leaf burn with water high in minerals and low humidity. It still grows and flowers.

The branching pattern is random and messy. It needs a lot of pruning as it grows to develop a nice branch structure. Otherwise there are many, many branches going in all directions.

It's in the bean family Fabaceae, subfamily Cercidoideae, along with genera Cercidium and Parkinsonia (from North American and Africa.) I don't know whether the young pods are edible. The Cercidium and Parkinsonia here taste like very sweet snap peas.

Fuerte Rav · #3 03-09-2022, 03:23 PM

Thanks ES, the info is much appreciated!
I also have a Parkinsonia in my garden that is growing well so fingers crossed that the Orchid Tree flourishes as well. I'll be planting the Orchid Tree out in the garden in the next few weeks - it's already been outside in it's pot for several months so it's well acclimated.

SADE2020 · #4 03-09-2022, 05:22 PM

I want one too.... !!! :Love:

Fuerte Rav · #5 03-09-2022, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SADE2020

I want one too.... !!! :Love:

I'll collect some more seed later in the year and send you some!

SADE2020 · #6 03-09-2022, 05:55 PM

Lovely. Thanks!

And, I'll could send you a few Phals seedlings I deflask a few month ago and are already stablish. I am not sure if you want babies... But I'll be happy to share it!!

Fuerte Rav · #7 03-09-2022, 05:59 PM

Phal babies -yes please! But actually I wouldn't risk posting them here - my last parcel (not plants thankfully) took over 3 months to arrive from Germany!!

Human babies - no thanks!

SADE2020 · #8 03-09-2022, 06:10 PM

From Germany? Wow, I get parcels in 4 days and I am in an island too. Nevertheless, posting them from Spain to Spain in "correos" will take 2-3 days to Fuerteventura. And, I have warmers (activated carbon) for the box.

I'll PM you and keep organizing this baby adoption!