A Brief Overview of Anochilus flanaganii (Bolus) Rolfe
Anochilus flanaganii (Bolus) Rolfe is a fascinating orchid species native to South Africa. It belongs to the Orchidaceae family, and its scientific name was originally derived from the Greek words "ano" and "cheilos," which mean "upwards" and "lip," respectively.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Flanagan's anochilus or the Tangled Anochilus. The first name is in honor of the botanist Richard Flanagan, who discovered the plant in 1918. The second name refers to the twisted and intertwined appearance of the plant's stems and leaves.
Appearance
Anochilus flanaganii (Bolus) Rolfe is a rather small orchid plant, growing up to only 20 centimeters tall. The plant has short and conical pseudobulbs that give it the appearance of a small clump. It has narrow leaves that grow in a twisted manner and can be up to 10 centimeters long. The flowers of the plant are not brightly colored but have an intricate appearance.
The flowers of Anochilus flanaganii (Bolus) Rolfe grow on a long and thin floral stem up to 20 centimeters long. Each stem usually carries up to 10 small, white or greenish-yellow flowers. The flowers have a waxy appearance and a somewhat twisted structure with a prominent distinctive lip. The blooms are usually fragrant, diffusing a pleasant odor throughout the surrounding area.
Uses
Anochilus flanaganii (Bolus) Rolfe is not widely used for medicinal or commercial purposes. However, the plant is often cultivated and admired for its intricate and unusual floral structure. It is a beautiful addition to a garden collection, being relatively easy to grow and care for. Its small size and unique appearance make it a popular plant for terrariums, and it can also be used for decoration and ornamental purposes. In the wild, Anochilus flanaganii (Bolus) Rolfe is considered an indicator of the well-being of its habitat, as its growth is highly dependent on suitable environmental conditions.
Light Requirements
Anochilus flanaganii is a shade-loving plant that thrives in low light levels. It is typically found growing under the canopy of trees in the wild. Therefore, it is essential to provide filtered light or shade when growing this plant in a garden or greenhouse. Direct sunlight can damage the delicate foliage of Anochilus flanaganii and stunt its growth.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Anochilus flanaganii is between 18-25°C (65-77°F). As with many tropical orchids, it is important to maintain a relatively stable temperature to prevent stress on the plant. Extreme changes in temperature can cause leaf drop and slow down the growth rate. Additionally, Anochilus flanaganii prefers a humid environment with a relative humidity of around 70–80%.
Soil Requirements
Anochilus flanaganii is an epiphytic orchid that grows on trees in the wild. Therefore, in cultivation, it should not be grown in soil but in a well-draining medium like bark, sphagnum moss or a combination of both. The medium should provide good aeration and moisture retention. The roots of Anochilus flanaganii are fine and fragile, so care should be taken when handling the plant to avoid damage.
Cultivation Methods
Anochilus flanaganii (Bolus) Rolfe, commonly known as the African Jeweled Orchid, is a plant that requires high humidity levels. It can be grown in a pot or mounted on driftwood or cork. When grown in a pot, use a well-draining soil mix with a bark base to allow air circulation around the roots. The plant prefers bright, indirect light and warm temperatures between 70-85°F.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of the African Jeweled Orchid are unique and should be done carefully. The plant should be watered frequently but not allowed to sit in water. A good way to achieve this is to water the plant thoroughly and then allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again. The frequency of watering depends on the humidity and temperature of the plant's environment.
Fertilization
Feeding the African Jeweled Orchid should be done sparingly to avoid overfeeding the plant. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can be applied every two weeks during the growing season, which is from spring to late summer. During the colder months of the year, it is best to reduce or eliminate fertilization until the plant resumes active growth.
Pruning
African Jeweled Orchids do not require pruning, but the removal of spent flowers can improve the plant's appearance. Simply cut off the stalk with a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears. Do not cut into the healthy foliage or stem as this can damage the plant and lead to infection.
Propagation of Anochilus flanaganii
Anochilus flanaganii is a rare orchid species that is native to the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. It is a terrestrial orchid that grows in grasslands and forest margins.
Propagating Anochilus flanaganii from seeds
The most common method of propagation for Anochilus flanaganii is from seeds. The seeds are usually sown in late summer to early autumn, just before the start of the rainy season. The seeds need to be laid onto a sterile media and then placed in a warm, bright location that is not in direct sunlight. The media should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
The seeds typically take between three to six months to germinate, and the seedlings grow slowly. Once the seedlings have grown to their ideal size, they can be transplanted into a potting mix of well-draining soil, sphagnum moss, and perlite. The pot should be placed in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight and kept consistently moist.
Propagating Anochilus flanaganii from division
Division is a less common method of propagating Anochilus flanaganii. However, it is a useful method if the plant has developed multiple pseudobulbs. The best time to divide the plant is in spring when the plant begins to grow new shoots. The plant should be gently removed from its pot and then carefully separated, ensuring that each division has at least one pseudobulb and some roots.
The divided sections can then be potted individually in a mix of well-draining soil, sphagnum moss, and perlite. The pots should be placed in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight, and the potting medium should be kept consistently moist for the first few weeks until new growth appears.
Disease Management
Anochilus flanaganii is a rare and endangered orchid species. Due to the threatened status of the plant, there is limited information available on diseases that might affect it. However, it is important to keep the plant healthy to prevent potential infections. One common disease in orchids is fungal infections, which can lead to leaf spots, stem rot, and flower blight. If fungal infections develop, remove the infected parts of the plant and treat it with a fungicide. Another important disease to watch out for is viral infections, which can cause stunted growth and leaf distortion. Unfortunately, there are no known treatments for viral infections in plants, and the best course of action is to quarantine the infected plant and destroy it to prevent the disease from spreading.
Pest Management
Anochilus flanaganii is also susceptible to pest infestations, such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests can cause leaf yellowing, leaf drop, and plant death if not controlled. One natural way to control pests in orchids is to introduce predatory insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, into the growing area. In addition, regularly inspect the plants for signs of pest infestations and isolate any infected plants to prevent the pests from spreading. If infestation is severe, treat the plant with an insecticide according to the package instructions. However, it is important to note that certain pesticides can harm beneficial insects and should be used with caution.
