Overview
Angraecopsis pusilla Summerh. is a tiny, rare orchid species belonging to the family of Orchidaceae, endemic to Tanzania in East Africa. The plant is notable for its unique characteristics that make it stand out among other orchid plants.
Appearance
The Angraecopsis pusilla Summerh. plant grows to a height of about 4 cm, featuring small, round-shaped leaves that form a rosette at the base of the stem. The inflorescence is a compact cluster of tiny flowers, measuring about 4mm, colored white or yellowish with a purple lip. The flowers are fragrant with a sweet aroma that attracts insects.
Common Names
The Angraecopsis pusilla Summerh. plant is commonly referred to as the 'Tanzanian pygmy orchid.'
Uses
The Angraecopsis pusilla Summerh. plant is primarily used in horticulture as an ornamental plant due to its unique and rare characteristics. The plant is also of great economic importance to local communities in Tanzania, where it is used in various religious and cultural festivals. The leaves have some medicinal properties that make them useful in traditional medicine in the management of various health conditions such as stomach aches, fever, and coughs.
Growth Conditions for Angraecopsis pusilla Summerh.
Angraecopsis pusilla Summerh. is an epiphytic orchid species that is found in the tropical rainforests of Africa. It has specific requirements for growth that need to be met in order to thrive.
Light
This species of orchid requires bright but indirect light. It should be placed in a location where it will receive bright light for a few hours a day, but protected from direct sunlight. In the wild, Angraecopsis pusilla is often found growing on trees under the canopy where it receives dappled light.
Temperature
Angraecopsis pusilla prefers warm temperatures with a range between 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. During the day, the temperature should be warm and at night it should be cooler. Providing a differential between day and night temperatures can help promote blooming in the orchid.
Air Humidity
This orchid species requires a high level of humidity, around 70% - 80%, to thrive. The humidity levels can be maintained by misting the plant with water or by placing a tray of water nearby. Additionally, a humidifier placed near the orchid can help to maintain the appropriate humidity levels.
Soil Requirements
As an epiphytic orchid, Angraecopsis pusilla does not require soil to grow. Instead, it should be planted in a well-draining potting material that allows for air circulation around the roots. A mixture of bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite can create an appropriate growing medium.
Fertilizer
Angraecopsis pusilla thrives on weakly diluted fertilizer that should be added to its watering every 2-3 weeks. It should be noted that the orchid requires a much lower level of fertilizer compared to other plant species. Its fertilizer requirements can even be met through the use of organic compost.
Angraecopsis pusilla Summerh. Cultivation Methods
Angraecopsis pusilla Summerh. is an epiphytic orchid species that grows on tree branches in its natural habitat. It is commonly cultivated as a houseplant and can be grown in a pot with a suitable growing medium. The plant thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers temperatures between 60°F (15°C) and 80°F (27°C).
The ideal growing medium for Angraecopsis pusilla Summerh. is a mix of orchid bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite. The potting mix should be well-draining to avoid waterlogging and root rot.
Angraecopsis pusilla Summerh. Watering Needs
Angraecopsis pusilla Summerh. requires regular watering to keep the potting mix moist. However, overwatering can be detrimental to the plant's growth and could lead to root rot. It is best to water the plant when the top inch of the potting mix feels dry to the touch.
The plant should be watered with room temperature or lukewarm water. Rainwater or distilled water is ideal as it does not contain high levels of dissolved minerals that could damage the plant.
Angraecopsis pusilla Summerh. Fertilization
During the growing season, Angraecopsis pusilla Summerh. requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and flowering. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 20-20-20 can be used to fertilize the plant every two to three weeks.
It is important not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can cause salt build-up in the potting mix and damage the roots.
Angraecopsis pusilla Summerh. Pruning
Pruning Angraecopsis pusilla Summerh. is not necessary unless some of the leaves are dead or damaged. In this case, the damaged part of the leaf can be snipped off with a clean pair of scissors. It is important to sterilize the scissors with rubbing alcohol before using them on the plant.
The plant also produces aerial roots that can be trimmed if they become excessively long or unsightly. Care should be taken not to damage the healthy roots when trimming.
Propagation of Angraecopsis pusilla Summerh.
Propagation of Angraecopsis pusilla Summerh. is primarily done through the means of seed germination. This method of propagation is the most common technique used by growers and propagators due to the ease of obtaining seeds and the high success rate of germination.
It is essential to obtain fresh seeds from a reliable source to ensure high quality and viable seeds. The seeds should be sown on sterile medium to prevent any fungus or bacteria from infecting the seeds or the young seedlings. The usual potting medium used is a mixture of fine bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite.
After sowing, the seeds must be kept moist and maintained at a warm and humid environment until germination takes place, which usually takes 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be repotted into their individual containers or T-flasks with fresh potting medium.
In addition to seed propagation, Angraecopsis pusilla Summerh. can also be propagated through vegetative means such as stem cuttings and division. However, these methods are not as common as seed germination due to the difficulty in obtaining suitable plant material for propagation.
Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy and mature plants and placed in a suitable rooting hormone. The cuttings are then inserted into a well-drained potting medium and maintained under high humidity and bright light. Division should be performed only on mature and well-established plants during the active growing season. Each division should have several healthy pseudobulbs and a good root system.
Disease and Pest Management for Angraecopsis pusilla Summerh.
Angraecopsis pusilla Summerh. is a beautiful species of orchid that can be grown at home. However, like all plants, it is exposed to various pests and diseases that can affect its growth and cause significant harm. Below are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggestions on how to manage them.
Common Diseases:
Bacterial Blotch: This disease causes dark-colored spots on the leaves of the plant. Infected leaves should be removed immediately to prevent the spread of the disease. Copper fungicides can be used to control bacterial blotch.
Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes brown, water-soaked spots on the leaves. The spots may enlarge and cause the leaves to rot. Anthracnose can be controlled by removing infected parts of the plant and applying a fungicide.
Virus: Angraecopsis pusilla Summerh. is also vulnerable to virus infections, which can result in stunted growth, distorted leaves, and abnormal flower development. Virus-infected plants cannot be cured, and the only way to prevent further spread is to remove the infected plants entirely.
Common Pests:
Spider Mites: These small pests suck the sap from the leaves of the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and eventually fall off. Spider mites can be controlled by washing the leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white, fuzzy pests that suck sap from the plant and excrete a sticky substance that attracts ants and promotes the growth of black sooty mold. Mealybugs can be controlled by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or applying insecticidal soap.
Scale Insects: These pests are usually found on the underside of the leaves of the plant and are often difficult to identify. They look like small, stationary bumps and resemble shell-like structures. Scale insects can be controlled by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or applying insecticidal soap.
By monitoring your plant regularly and taking immediate action to manage these pests and diseases, you can help keep your Angraecopsis pusilla Summerh. healthy and thriving.
