Kanchan
Bauhinia variegata
Bright, indirect light
Moderate; allow top 1″ of soil to dry
Easy
8–12″ tall and wide
Details
🪴 Plant Type
Evergreen perennial herbaceous houseplant
🌍 Native Region
Southwestern China (Yunnan province)
📈 Growth Habit
Upright, clumping—produces plenty of side “pups” at the base
📐 Size
Height: 8–12 in (20–30 cm)
Spread: 8–12 in (20–30 cm); pups can expand the clump
🌸 Bloom Time
Rarely flowers indoors; if it does, you’ll see tiny pale yellow-green umbels in spring/summer
Care Requirements
☀️ Light
Bright, indirect to strong dappled light. Avoid hot midday sun that can scorch those thin leaves
💧 Water
Water when the top 1″ of mix feels dry. They hate “wet feet”—make sure your pot has drainage and don’t let it sit in a saucer of water. Under‑watering leads to droopy leaves; over‑watering ⇒ root rot
🌍 Soil
A light, well‑draining all‑purpose potting mix. You can amend with a bit of perlite or orchid bark for extra drainage. Prefers neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.5–7.0)
🌡️ Temperature
Ideal: 65–75°F (18–24°C). Keep above 50°F (10°C); protect from drafts
🧪 Fertilizer
Feed a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10‑10‑10) at half‑strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring–summer). Skip feeding in fall and winter
Additional Information
🌱 Propagation Methods
Pups (“babies”) naturally sprout at the base—gently twist or snip and pot up in their own container. Stem cuttings in water also root easily
🐛 Common Problems
Leaf drop: sudden light changes or over‑watering. Yellowing leaves: too much water or poor drainage. Pests: mealybugs, spider mites—watch for fine webbing or white cottony spots
🌿 Companion Plants
Other low‑light to medium‑light houseplants, e.g.: Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata), ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), Peperomia species
⚠️ Special Notes
Non‑toxic to pets and people—great for households with children or animals. Rotate pot regularly to keep growth even and prevent it from “leaning” toward your window