Origin
Bonatea verdickii De Wild. is a rare orchid species that is native to Central and Western Africa. It is primarily found in Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. It was first discovered by De Wildeman in 1901, during his travels in the Congo Basin.
Common Names
There are several common names used to describe Bonatea verdickii De Wild. depending on the region. In Cameroon, it is known as "kwetakwet" or "kwéta-kwéta", in Gabon, it is called "Ilafin-Ngani", while in Equatorial Guinea, it is known as "sikua-titi".
Appearance
Bonatea verdickii De Wild. is a terrestrial orchid that grows up to a height of 50 cm. It has a single stem that is covered in short, fine hairs. At the top of the stem, there is a terminal inflorescence that consists of several flowers. Each flower is approximately 5 cm in diameter and has a white to pale yellow coloration. The plant has a tuberous root system that stores nutrients to sustain the plant during periods of drought or environmental stress.
Uses
In African traditional medicine, Bonatea verdickii De Wild. is used for treating a variety of ailments including coughs, colds, and fever. The bulb is known to contain cytotoxic compounds which have been found to exhibit anticancer activity. In addition to medicinal properties, the plant is also used in local cultural practices. It is often used in rituals and ceremonies that are associated with fertility and the harvest season.
Growth Conditions for Bonatea verdickii De Wild.
Bonatea verdickii De Wild. is a terrestrial orchid native to African regions such as Congo, Sudan, and Uganda. The plant grows mainly in grasslands, savannas, and woodlands. It prefers subtropical and tropical climates with warm to hot temperatures throughout the year.
Light Requirements
The plant requires bright light, but it should not be exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged durations as it can scorch the leaves. A spot with bright, indirect light is ideal for the growth of Bonatea verdickii. Therefore, placing it on a windowsill that gets morning or late afternoon sun could work well.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. However, it can tolerate cooler temperatures in the range of 5-10 degrees Celsius during winter dormancy. It is essential to protect the plant from freezing conditions, as they can damage the roots and kill the plant.
Soil Requirements
Bonatea verdickii De Wild. grows well in a well-draining soil blend that has a high content of organic matter. The soil must be kept consistently moist throughout the year to mimic the plant's natural environment. The plant benefits from regular feedings using an orchid fertilizer that aids in the growth and development of the plant.
Cultivation
Bonatea verdickii De Wild. is an orchid plant that requires specific care and attention to achieve optimal growth. When cultivating this plant, ensure that the temperature ranges between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. The plant thrives well in a well-ventilated environment that allows for proper circulation of air.
Bonatea verdickii De Wild. does well in areas that receive a lot of light, but ensure the plant's leaves are not burnt by intense sunlight. The plant can be grown in pots, ensuring that the medium remains moist to provide adequate space for the roots to grow.
Watering Needs
The Bonatea verdickii De Wild. plant is sensitive to water, and it requires careful watering to prevent waterlogging. The frequency of watering should be guided by the growth stage, with more water needed during growth and less during dormancy.
Ensure that the potting medium is not too wet or too dry. Overwatering the plant may lead to root rot, while under-watering may cause the plant to dry out. Watering early in the morning is recommended since the sun and wind tend to dry out the soil during the day.
Fertilization
Bonatea verdickii De Wild. thrives in a nutrient-rich environment. Use a balanced fertilizer with lower nitrogen and higher phosphorous and potassium content. The fertilizer should be applied once every two weeks during the growing season.
During the dormant stage, reduce the rate of fertilization to once every eight weeks. Ensure the fertilizers' application is done carefully, ensuring that the plant's roots are not burnt during the process.
Pruning
The Bonatea verdickii De Wild. plant requires minimal pruning. However, it is essential to remove dead leaves and flowers to allow for proper aeration. When pruning dead leaves, use a sharp and clean tool to avoid injuring the healthy parts of the plant.
Additionally, it is recommended to remove new orchid spikes from the plants to help direct more energy towards better root growth and promote a stronger plant. Be careful not to over-prune, as this can lead to stunted growth or even death of the plant.
Propagation of Bonatea Verdickii De Wild.
Bonatea verdickii De Wild. is a terrestrial orchid species that can be propagated by either seed or vegetative techniques.
Propagation by seed
Propagation by seed is the most common method to propagate Bonatea verdickii De Wild. The orchid produces small capsules that contain numerous seeds. When the capsules dry out, the seeds can be collected and sown in a suitable seed-raising mix. It is important to ensure that the seeds are not allowed to dry out before sowing. The seeds require a high humidity environment to germinate, and it is recommended to use a humidifier or cover the container with plastic wrap or a glass lid.
The seeds usually germinate within 1 to 3 months, depending on the environmental conditions. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots and moved to a more suitable growing area.
Vegetative propagation
Bonatea Verdickii De Wild. can also be propagated by vegetative techniques, such as division and tissue culture. Division involves separating the plant into smaller sections, each with a portion of the roots and a few growth points. Careful attention must be given to ensure that each division has a portion of roots to support the new growth.
Tissue culture is a more complex technique that involves removing a small portion of the plant tissue and growing it in a nutrient-rich culture medium. This method requires a sterile environment and specialized equipment, making it more challenging for home gardeners.
Overall, propagation of Bonatea verdickii De Wild. can be achieved through either seed or vegetative techniques, allowing for a desire to expand the number of plants to be fulfilled.
Disease and Pest Management for Bonatea verdickii De Wild.
Bonatea verdickii De Wild., commonly referred to as the African fairy orchid, is known for its delicate and exotic appearance. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can damage its growth and potentially kill it. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Bacterial soft rot: This disease is caused by several species of bacteria and can cause blackening and softening of plant tissues. To manage, use sterilized tools while handling the plant, and remove any affected parts of the plant immediately. Treat the remaining plant with copper-based fungicides to prevent further bacterial infection.
Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause small, dark spots on the leaves, flowers, and pseudobulbs of the plant. If not managed, it can lead to death. To manage, remove the affected plant parts and reduce humidity around the plant to minimize the spread of fungal spores. Use copper-based fungicides to prevent further fungal attacks. Implementing proper sanitation practices can also help prevent the occurrence of anthracnose.
Pests
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can be easily missed, but they can cause significant damage to the plant by sucking sap out of the plant tissue. To manage, regularly inspect the plant for any presence of spider mites. If identified, isolate the plant immediately to prevent the spread of the mites. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage the pest. Maintaining good air circulation and humidity levels will also help keep spider mites at bay.
Scale insects: Scale insects are common pests known to affect the African fairy orchid. They can be identified as small bumps that cling to the plant tissue. To manage, use cotton swabs dipped in alcohol to remove as many scales as possible from the plant. Horticultural oil or insecticidal soap can be used to manage any infestations that may remain. Regular monitoring and quick intervention are crucial to prevent severe infestations.
Following the above disease and pest management tips can help keep Bonatea verdickii De Wild. healthy and thriving. Remember to also practice good plant care techniques, including proper watering, fertilizing, and pruning, to keep the plant in optimal health.
