How to Cultivate and Care for Butterfly Trees in Your Home

The butterfly tree is a popular plant known for its beautiful and unique butterfly-shaped leaves. It is highly favored for indoor decoration.

1 What is the butterfly tree?

Origin and Meaning of the Butterfly Tree

Origin, meaning of the butterfly tree

The butterfly tree is native to Brazil and was introduced to Vietnam in recent years.

Information about the butterfly tree:

• Scientific name: Christia obcordata
• Class: Magnoliophyta
• Order: Magnoliopsida
• Family: Fabaceae
• Genus: Christia
• The butterfly tree is also known by other names: Hedysarum obcordatum Poir.; Lourea obcordata (Poir.) Desv.; Hedysarum reniforme Lour.; Lourea reniforme (Lour.) DC.;..

Characteristics and Classification of the Butterfly Tree

Characteristics, classification of the butterfly tree

The butterfly tree comes in two common types: green butterfly tree and red butterfly tree. The main difference between the two is the color of the leaves. The green butterfly tree has large triangular or boomerang leaves, while the red butterfly tree mostly has boomerang leaves.

General characteristics of the butterfly tree:

• Stem: Herbaceous plant with a straight stem, leaves grow directly from the stem. The tree usually reaches a height of 30 – 90cm and is suitable for pot planting.
• Leaves: The leaves have two common forms: triangular and boomerang shapes, with small veins on the surface.
• Flowers: The tree produces small white or pale pink flowers that bloom in late summer and autumn.

2 The Effects of the Butterfly Tree

The effects of the butterfly tree

The butterfly tree is primarily grown as an ornamental plant indoors, on work desks, or for photo corners. It is loved for its ability to thrive in shady environments, its small and cute appearance, and its unique colors.

3 How to Plant and Care for the Butterfly Tree

How to Plant the Butterfly Tree at Home

How to plant the butterfly tree at home

Planting a butterfly tree is not difficult. It can be done by sowing seeds in a pot or directly on the ground.

Before sowing the seeds, you need to prepare the following:

• Planting soil: It is recommended to use slightly acidic or neutral soil. You can prepare a mixture of peat soil, coconut fiber, perlite in a ratio of 5:3:2 along with a little slow-release fertilizer to enhance soil fertility and create an ideal growth environment for the tree.
• Sowing time: The seeds thrive in warm environments without frost, so it is best to sow them in spring when the soil is warm and moist, promoting healthy growth.

How to Care for the Butterfly Tree

How to care for the butterfly tree

The butterfly tree does not require overly meticulous care, but it thrives when provided with an appropriate living environment. Here are some care tips:

• Light: The butterfly tree prefers shade and does not tolerate direct sunlight. Exposing the tree to direct sunlight for too long can cause leaf burn, silvering, or withering. Allow the tree to receive sunlight for only 4 – 6 hours per day.
• Watering: Regularly check the soil moisture to prevent the tree from drying out. Water the tree twice a week, preferably in the morning. Avoid overwatering the leaves to prevent mold growth.
• Fertilizing: Use integrated fertilizers for garden plants to regularly feed the tree, promote growth, and maintain dark leaves and lush foliage.
• Pruning: To control the tree’s size, prune it according to your preferences. Remove any diseased leaves to prevent the spread of disease.

Notes for Planting and Caring for the Butterfly Tree

Notes when planting and caring for the butterfly tree

The butterfly tree does not require overly meticulous care or a special living environment. However, for optimal growth with sturdy branches and lush foliage, regular observation and care are recommended. Pay close attention to soil moisture and ensure appropriate sun exposure for the tree.

4 6 Beautiful Pictures of the Butterfly Tree

A cute pot of butterfly tree

Beautiful pots of red butterfly tree

The red butterfly tree with small flowers

Butterfly tree planted in the wild

The leaves of the tree look like beautiful butterflies

A lovely pot of night butterfly tree

Hopefully, this article has provided you with a better understanding of the beautiful butterfly tree, as well as guidance on how to plant and care for it. Don’t forget to follow us for daily updates and useful information for your life!