bauhinia blakeana

The leaves of my Bauhinia blakeana of 2 years have folded toward the midline and have been like that for several months. Now they are starting to fall. It is blooming some but not as good as last year. Isn't it too early for it to go deciduous? Could there be any other reason for this? Thanks. Nancita

Bauhinia blakeana usually do not look so good this time of the year. It is considered 'semi evergreen' but they really don't look 'green' in winter months. You should start feeding the tree about February, and apply the plant food about every two months, through August (at the 'drip line' of the tree). When the rain is over and it warms some the tree should send out a lot of new growth. Just this nice soaking rain we are having now, will do wonders for your new tree.