PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerate mild afternoon shade in hot tropical climates for reduced leaf scorch
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil dries out; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
Temperature
Thrives in 18–30°C; tolerate light short-term frost down to 10°C but avoid prolonged cold exposure
Characteristics
- Leaf: Bifoliate, butterfly-shaped glossy green blades, 7–12 cm wide
- Flower: Fragrant orchid-like blooms with purple-pink petals, 8–10 cm across
- Stem/Bark: Smooth grey-brown bark with a branching, open canopy
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not saturated to support flowering growth
Fertilization
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer once at the start of growing season. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers
Banana peel compost tea：Compost banana peels for 2–3 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 with water for root drenching to avoid nutrient burnPruning
- Prune immediately after flowering to shape the canopy and remove dead or crossing branches
- Thin crowded inner growth to improve airflow and light penetration for better bloom production
- Remove low-growing suckers to maintain a neat tree form and redirect energy to upper canopy growth
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported adverse effects
Humans: No known toxicity to humans; flowers are edible in some cultural cuisines
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes beauty and resilience in tropical garden design; often planted as a street tree for ornamental shade
Usage: Ornamental landscape tree; young flowers are edible in some Southeast Asian dishes
