Family: Fabaceae
Scientific name: Bauhinia variegata 'candida'
Common name: White orchid tree
Origin: India

The white orchid trees have nothing to do with the well-known orchid, but produces numerous beautiful, large white flowers. The leaf grows in the shape of a heart and the plant is a fast grower. The plant isn’t difficult to cultivate and easily grows in a sunny spot. It also withstands drought well. In a temperate climate, the species can be kept as a container plant, because the plant can only withstand some light frost. Move the plant indoors on time when it’s starting to free. An addition to your terrace!

Sowing description: First soak seeds for 24 hours in water. Sow them in sowing mix at a temperature of 20-25 degC. Keep soil constantly moist.

Sowing time: Whole year
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimum temperature: -5 degrees Celcius

Photo 2: Southeast Growers Inc. (www.southeastgrowers.com)