Q.Anacacho Orchid Tree
Why is my Anacacho Orchid Tree growing leaves only on the ends of the branches? My Orchid Tree was planted as a small seedling, and is growing nicely. Including the upper branches, it’s grown about 2′ in the year and a half since it was planted. This spring the young tree has grown several new branches; each branch has several “nodes” along its length. However, leaves are growing only on the ends of the branches, no more than 6″ from the tip. Is this possible due to overwatering, or do I just need to prune the branches to encourage them to fill in?
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
How thick is the outside of the canopy? Typically when you see this type of growth, the outside of the canopy is so thick that light can't get to the interior of the canopy and the plant simply stops growing leaves on the interior. Some thinning pruning will help correct this. This article will explain more about thinning cutting:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/thinning-canopies-in-trees.htm
Shelley, I think you might be right. Mine isn't flowering nearly that much - only about a half dozen flowers bloomed so far, but I think that's because the seedling is so young. It was planted about a year ago, maybe 15 months. But your the one in the picture does look like the leafing pattern on mine.
Thanks for your help!
How long are your branches? A part of me wonders if this is just the normal growth pattern of an anacacho orchid tree. For your reference - here is an example of a young anacacho orchid tree with leaves clustered near the ends of the branches:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tJZqizYTjhg/TZ-TPmVzgaI/AAAAAAAABxE/XdfXRg1v78A/s640/Anaconcho+Orchid_Apr2011.jpg
For more information on the care of an anacacho orchid tree, please visit the following link:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/orchid-tree/growing-orchid-trees.htm
The leaves on the end of the branches are thick, but not overly so. Plus I'm asking about a seedling - only about 4-1/2 feet tall. All of the branches get plenty of light!
