Origin
Bakeriella carrieana Pierre ex Dubard is a plant species belonging to the family Melastomataceae, which is native to Madagascar.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "Mety" in Madagascar.
Uses
The leaves and stems of Bakeriella carrieana Pierre ex Dubard are used for medicinal purposes by traditional practitioners in Madagascar, particularly for their antifungal and antibacterial properties. The plant is also cultivated for its ornamental value.
General Appearance
Bakeriella carrieana Pierre ex Dubard is a shrub that can reach a height of up to 3 meters. The leaves are opposite, lance-shaped, and can grow up to 10 cm long. The flowers are small and pinkish-purple, and grow in clusters at the end of the branches. The fruit is a small, round, and fleshy berry.
Light Requirements
Bakeriella carrieana needs bright but indirect light to grow healthily. Direct sunlight may scorch the leaves and stunt growth. A suitable location for this plant can be near a north-facing window where it can receive adequate light but not direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for Bakeriella carrieana is between 18°C to 27°C. It thrives in warm conditions, but it cannot tolerate extreme cold environments. Therefore, keep the plant away from drafts, air conditioner, and cold windows.
Water Requirements
Overwatering can cause root rot and kill the plant. On the other hand, underwatering can lead to wilted leaves and stunted growth. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the plant's moisture requirements and water it when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.
Soil Requirements
Bakeriella carrieana prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite will provide proper drainage and nourishment for the plant. The soil's pH level should be between 6.0 and 7.0, which is slightly acidic to neutral.
Fertilizer Requirements
The best time to fertilize Bakeriella carrieana is during the growing season, which is spring and summer. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 every two weeks to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. Avoid using fertilizer during the dormant season, which is fall and winter.
Cultivation of Bakeriella carrieana Pierre ex Dubard
Bakeriella carrieana Pierre ex Dubard is a rare and unique plant species native to the Madagascar forest. Growing in the wild, it prefers specific conditions that must be recreated in cultivation to ensure the plant thrives. This species requires a tropical setting, with warm temperatures and plenty of humidity.
Planting Bakeriella carrieana is straightforward. Begin by finding a well-draining soil mixture that is rich in organic matter. Due to its native climate, these plants do best with medium to high humidity, so treat with care to avoid scorching oil glands. It can also thrive in an equivalent combination of sun and shade.
Watering Needs
Bakeriella carrieana requires frequent watering to achieve the appropriate humidity level around it. The soil should be kept evenly moist to the touch, but not wet. If the pot is too wet, the plant is susceptible to root rot, which can lead to death. The plant owners want to become aware of the drying of the leaves, which can indicate that the plant needs to be watered.
Fertilization
During the growing season, Bakeriella carrieana must be fed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half strength every two weeks. This practice ensures the plant has the necessary nutrients to grow strong and healthy.
Although the use of fertilizers is essential, excessive usage can harm the roots of the plant, resulting in browning, wilting, or even death of the plant.
Pruning
Bakeriella carrieana does not necessitate pruning, except for the removal of damaged or unhealthy leaves. Inspect the plant regularly and clean up any fallen leaves or debris to prevent diseases and pests.
If the plant becomes too large or ungainly, trimming back its extremities slightly will help to encourage compact growth.
Propagation of Bakeriella carrieana Pierre ex Dubard
Bakeriella carrieana Pierre ex Dubard is a rare plant species that is native to Madagascar. If you're lucky enough to have this plant in your collection, you might be interested in propagating it to increase your supply. Here are some propagation methods you can try:
1. Division
Bakeriella carrieana often forms clumps, and you can divide these clumps to propagate the plant. The best time to do this is in the spring when the plant is actively growing. Carefully dig up the clump, gently separate the individual plants, and replant them in new pots or in the desired location in your garden. Be sure to water them regularly and keep them in a warm and well-lit area.
2. Stem cuttings
You can also propagate Bakeriella carrieana from stem cuttings. Take a cutting that is at least 4 inches long and has several leaves on it. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem, dip the end in rooting hormone, and plant it in a pot filled with moist soil. Keep the cutting in a warm and humid environment, and mist it regularly to help it establish roots. It may take several weeks or months for the cutting to grow roots and establish itself as a new plant.
3. Seed propagation
If you have access to Bakeriella carrieana seeds, you can try propagating the plant from seed. Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix and cover them lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist and warm, and the seeds should germinate within a few weeks. Once the seedlings have grown large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots or in your garden.
By using these propagation methods, you can successfully increase your supply of Bakeriella carrieana and enjoy this rare and unique plant for years to come.
Disease Management for Bakeriella carrieana Pierre ex Dubard
Bakeriella carrieana, commonly known as the 'Golden orchid', is not immune to diseases and pests that affect orchids. However, the plant is sturdy and resistant to most common pathogens.
If your orchid gets infected, it is essential to detect it early and take immediate action. Here are some common diseases that might affect Bakeriella carrieana along with their respective management strategies:
Crown Rot
Crown rot is common in orchids and can be caused by bacteria, fungi, or a combination of both. It starts as black or brown spots near the base of the plant and spreads to the crown, rotting the plant from inside out. To manage this, remove the infected parts and wash the remaining plant in hydrogen peroxide with water and let them dry. Make sure not to overwater the plants afterward.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot diseases often occur from bacterial or fungal infections. It is characterized by small reddish-brown spots on the leaves, which enlarge and join together and cause the leaves to yellow and fall off. To manage leaf spots, prune the affected and yellowing leaves and use a fungicide like copper sulfate on the plant.
Pest Management for Bakeriella carrieana Pierre ex Dubard
Bakeriella carrieana is prone to pests commonly found in orchids. The common pests include spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects, and aphids. Here are some suggestions to manage these pests:
Spider Mites
Spider mites suck the sap from the orchid’s leaves, causing it to dry out and wither. To manage spider mites, control the humidity levels and spray water on the plants periodically using a mister. Introducing natural predators like ladybirds and lacewings also helps keep spider mites at bay. Use miticides if an infestation is severe.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs appear as white cottony masses on the leaves and stems of orchids. They feed off the plant’s sap, causing stunted growth, yellowing, and distorted leaves. To manage them, remove the visible bugs with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or insecticidal soap. Spray the plant with neem oil to prevent future infestations.
Scale Insects
Scale insects appear like small brown bumps on the leaves of orchids. They suck out sap and excrete sticky honeydew, providing a breeding ground for mold. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to remove the bugs from the plant's surface. Rub them off with your fingers or a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Aphids
Aphids are small pear-shaped insects that suck the sap of the orchids and reproduce rapidly, leading to a severe infestation. Use a strong jet of water to remove aphids from the plant surface. Add natural predators like ladybirds or lacewings to the environment. Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap to the plants regularly to prevent aphids from infesting.
