Effects of Fertilization on Potassium and Magnesium Deficiencies Associated with Flowering in Hong Kong Orchid Tree (Bauhinia ×blakeana Dunn)

Abstract

Hong Kong orchid tree is an outstanding flowering tree for tropical and subtropical areas, but in south Florida’s nutrient-poor sand soils, it typically develops moderate to severe K and Mg deficiency symptoms during the fall, winter, and spring months. A 3-year field experiment was conducted to determine if flowering was responsible for the development of these deficiencies and to determine if these deficiencies could be prevented by fertilization with medium or high rates of a 24N–0P–9.2K turf fertilizer (24–0–11) an 8N–0P–10K–4Mg plus micronutrients palm fertilizer (8–0–12) or a 0N–0P–13.3K–6Mg plus micronutrients palm fertilizer (0–0–16). Onset of deficiency symptoms coincided with the beginning of flowering, but leaf nutrient concentrations of N, P, K, and Mg continued to decline after flowering ceased in late January, presumably because of movement of these elements from the leaves to stem tissue. Leaf nutrient concentrations were poorly or negatively correlated with all measured plant quality variables and were poor indicators of plant quality or nutritional status. Although fertilization with a high rate of 24–0–11 or either rate of 8–0–12 increased tree height, caliper, and number of flowers, no treatment significantly decreased the severity of K and Mg deficiencies.