Origin
Bauhinia variegata L. var. candida Voigt, also known as the White Bauhinia, is a flowering plant species that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is a native plant species of Southeast Asia, India, and China.
Common Names
Bauhinia variegata L. var. candida Voigt is commonly known by various names depending on the region it is found in. In China, it is known as ??? (bái hú dié), which translates to "white butterfly." In India, it is known as Kaniar, Kanchnar, and Bagaan. In Thailand, it is referred to as "dok khae," while in the Philippines, it is called "pisonay," "pisonia," or "malabulak."
Uses
Over the years, Bauhinia variegata L. var. candida Voigt has been widely used in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments. Its bark, leaves, and flowers are known to have antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. The flowers and leaves are also used to make teas and herbal remedies that are claimed to have numerous health benefits.
Bauhinia variegata L. var. candida Voigt is also cultivated for its ornamental value. The beautiful white flowers of the plant, which usually bloom during the springtime, make it a popular choice for landscaping in tropical and subtropical regions.
General Appearance
Bauhinia variegata L. var. candida Voigt is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that can reach a height of up to 12 meters. It is characterized by its beautiful, large, white flowers that have five petals, with a yellow center. The leaves of the plant are deeply lobed and resemble butterfly wings. They are typically shiny, dark green, and about 10-15 cm in length. The tree bears fruits that are elongated, flat, and hairy.
Light Requirements
Bauhinia variegata L. var. candida Voigt thrives in full sunlight to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight, preferably in the morning.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best in warm to hot climates with temperatures between 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F). It cannot withstand frost or temperatures below 10°C (50°F).
Soil Requirements
Bauhinia variegata L. var. candida Voigt prefers well-draining soils with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.5. It grows well in sandy, loamy, and clayey soils but cannot thrive in waterlogged or heavy soils. Additionally, the plant prefers soils enriched with organic matter and nutrients.
Cultivation Methods for Bauhinia variegata L. var. candida Voigt
Bauhinia variegata L. var. candida Voigt, commonly known as the Himalayan Bauhinia or White Bauhinia, is a deciduous tree that grows up to 10 meters in height. It prefers warm and humid climates and can be grown in both tropical and sub-tropical regions. The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings and planted in well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5.
Watering Needs
Bauhinia variegata L. var. candida Voigt requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. During the summer months, the plant may require more frequent watering, while during the winter months, the watering can be reduced. The plant should be watered at the base, and care should be taken not to wet the leaves and flowers.
Fertilization
The plant should be fertilized during the growing season, which is in the spring and summer months. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium can be used. The fertilizer should be diluted and applied to the soil around the base of the plant. Over-fertilization should be avoided as it can damage the plant.
Pruning
Bauhinia variegata L. var. candida Voigt requires minimal pruning. Pruning can be done to remove dead or diseased branches, to shape the plant, or to control its growth. The best time to prune the plant is during the dormant phase in the winter months. Care should be taken not to prune more than 25% of the plant in a single pruning session.
Propagation methods of Bauhinia variegata L. var. candida Voigt:
Bauhinia variegata L. var. candida Voigt can be propagated either through vegetative or seed propagation methods.
Vegetative Propagation:
The vegetative propagation of Bauhinia variegata L. var. candida Voigt can be done through stem cuttings. The best time for taking stem cuttings is during the spring or early summer when growth is vigorous. The cutting should be taken from a mature and disease-free plant and must have at least two nodes. The lower leaf should be removed, and the cutting should be dipped in a rooting hormone before planting it in a well-aerated rooting medium. The rooted cuttings can be transplanted into containers or directly planted in the field after six to eight weeks.
Seed Propagation:
The seed propagation of Bauhinia variegata L. var. candida Voigt is the most common propagation method. The seed is collected from mature pods during the autumn. The collected seed should be soaked in water for a day and then rubbed to remove the seed coat. This process helps in reducing the germination time. The seeds can be directly sown in the field or in nursery beds. The seedlings can be transplanted into containers or field after they are 10-15 cm tall.
Disease and Pest Management for Bauhinia variegata L. var. candida Voigt
Bauhinia variegata L. var. candida Voigt, commonly known as the white orchid tree, is an ornamental plant that can be susceptible to certain diseases and pests. Proper management of these issues is essential to maintaining the plant’s health and beauty.
Common Diseases
Bauhinia variegata L. var. candida Voigt can be susceptible to various foliage and root diseases such as anthracnose, powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf spot. Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes leaf spots, stem cankers, and twig dieback. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, causing them to have a powdery appearance. Root rot is caused by various fungi that infect the roots, leading to root decay and eventual plant death. Leaf spot is a bacterial or fungal disease that causes the formation of small spots on leaves.
Management of Common Diseases
To manage these diseases, it is best to practice preventative measures such as planting in well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering. Adequate air circulation around the plant is also essential. If the disease is already present, affected foliage should be removed, and fungicides can be applied following the product's instructions. For root rot, it is essential to avoid overwatering, provide proper drainage, and maintain soil pH levels.
Common Pests
Bauhinia variegata L. var. candida Voigt can be susceptible to various pests such as aphids, scales, mealybugs, and caterpillars. Aphids are small insects that feed on plant sap, leading to yellowing and curling of leaves. Scales are small insects that tend to attach themselves to stems and foliage. Mealybugs are small, white, fluffy insects that feed on sap and produce honeydew, attracting ants. Caterpillars are the larval form of moths and butterflies and can cause damage by feeding on leaves.
Management of Common Pests
To manage these pests, it is essential to practice preventative measures such as inspecting plants regularly and keeping them free of dust and debris. Insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, and neem oil are effective against certain pests and can be applied following product instructions. Biological pest control, such as introducing natural predators, can also be effective in reducing pest populations.
Overall, proper disease and pest management practices are essential for maintaining the health and beauty of Bauhinia variegata L. var. candida Voigt plants. Regular inspection, proper cultural practices, and appropriate use of pesticides are all critical components of managing disease and pest issues.
