- 1). Water the root zone of the orchid tree when the native soils become dry, regardless of season. Based on recommendations by the University of Arizona, water the orchid tree so that the soil becomes wet in the top 18 to 36 inches. In summer water once a week, but in winter water only if no rains occurred after a 4- to 6-week period.
- 2). Scatter a 3- to 4-inch layer of mulch like organic bark nuggets or inorganic decorative rock over the root zone of the orchid tree to conserve soil moisture and moderate soil temperatures, especially in the Arizona summers. Most of the tree's roots extend outward one to four times the width of the tree's canopy: that's where the roots actively absorb soil moisture and nutrients.
- 3). Trim low-hanging, unkempt-looking or leggy branch growth in mid to late spring immediately after the flowering ends. Make the pruning cuts with hand pruners 1/2 inch above a branch junction, bud or leaf. Use a loppers if the tree branch's diameter is larger than 3/4 inch.
- 4). Prune out dead, diseased or broken branches any time of year. Make pruning cuts 1/2 inch above a lower, healthy branch junction, bud or leaf. The tree responds by developing a new growing tip just below the cut later.
- 5). Cut off any shoot growth from the trunk base or on the trunk itself, making the cut flush with the trunk. These wiry shoots appear year-round when temperatures remain warm, and continually removing them develops a classic tree habit rather than a shrubby thicket around a large trunk.
- 6). Fertilize the orchid tree, all across its root zone, in spring and fall. A soil test will reveal what nutrients, if any, are lacking on your property. In alkaline soils, leaf yellowing occurs on purple and Hong Kong orchid trees, so additional micronutrients like magnesium, iron or manganese improve plant health. Contact your local cooperative extension office for soil testing information. Use a well-balanced slow-release granular fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 formula, following dosage amounts advised for the orchid tree's size.
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