Origin
Brachycorythis ovata Lindl. subsp. schweinfurthii (Rchb.f.) Summerh. is a species of orchid native to sub-Saharan Africa, including Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
Common Names
Common names for Brachycorythis ovata Lindl. subsp. schweinfurthii (Rchb.f.) Summerh. include the African Short-Spurred Orchid and Schweinfurth's Brachycorythis.
Uses
Brachycorythis ovata Lindl. subsp. schweinfurthii (Rchb.f.) Summerh. does not have any known medicinal uses. However, as an ornamental plant, it is highly prized for its beautiful flowers and is commonly grown in outdoor gardens and greenhouses.
General Appearance
Brachycorythis ovata Lindl. subsp. schweinfurthii (Rchb.f.) Summerh. is a small orchid species. It grows up to 25cm tall and has a leafy stem with up to 7 leaves. The leaves are oblong or elliptical-shaped, often twisted, and measure up to 6cm long and 1.8cm wide. The inflorescence grows from the leaf axils, with up to 12 nodding flowers. The flowers are small, measuring only 2.5cm long and 1cm wide, and have a spur that is 2 to 3 times as long as the ovary. The flowers are greenish-brown or yellowish-green with a white labellum. The plant flowers from July to October.
Light Requirements
Brachycorythis ovata Lindl. subsp. schweinfurthii (Rchb.f.) Summerh. requires a moderate amount of light for successful growth. Direct exposure to intense sunlight can lead to leaf scorching, but too little light can cause stunted growth and poor flowering. A shaded area with filtered light or partially shaded area with sunlight for a few hours daily is ideal for this plant.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Brachycorythis ovata Lindl. subsp. schweinfurthii (Rchb.f.) Summerh. is between 20°C and 25°C during the day. A night temperature of 15°C to 18°C is cooler than the day, yet still ideal for healthy growth. The plant cannot survive in regions with harsh winters as it can be damaged by frost. Protection should be provided in regions with extremely cold temperatures.
Soil Requirements
It is important to maintain good drainage in the soil with the plant of Brachycorythis ovata Lindl. subsp. schweinfurthii (Rchb.f.) Summerh. as it does not tolerate waterlogged soil. The plant prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. It thrives better in well-drained soil that maintains moisture, and a humus rich soil with good organic matter content gives the best result.
Cultivation Methods
Brachycorythis ovata Lindl. subsp. schweinfurthii (Rchb.f.) Summerh., also known as the Lady's Slipper, is a terrestrial orchid that requires specific conditions for its growth and development. This plant thrives in warm, humid environments with bright, indirect sunlight. It prefers well-draining, acidic soils, and needs protection from strong winds and direct sunlight.
The best time to plant Brachycorythis ovata Lindl. subsp. schweinfurthii (Rchb.f.) Summerh. is during the spring or fall when the temperatures are mild and the soil is moist. It can be propagated through seeds or by splitting the rhizomes during the dormant period.
Watering Needs
Brachycorythis ovata Lindl. subsp. schweinfurthii (Rchb.f.) Summerh. requires consistent moisture, but overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot. Watering should be done when the soil is nearly dry, and excess water should be drained away promptly.
The amount of water required by this plant can vary based on environmental conditions, but it is recommended to keep the soil moist but not saturated. In dry or arid regions, misting the leaves can help maintain the necessary level of humidity.
Fertilization
As a terrestrial orchid, Brachycorythis ovata Lindl. subsp. schweinfurthii (Rchb.f.) Summerh. has specific nutrient requirements. Fertilization is necessary to promote healthy growth and blooming, and it should be done during the active growing season.
Low-nitrogen fertilizers, such as those with a 4-10-12 NPK ratio, are recommended for this plant. It is best to fertilize once every two weeks, and to use a diluted solution to avoid fertilizer burn or damage to the roots.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Brachycorythis ovata Lindl. subsp. schweinfurthii (Rchb.f.) Summerh. as it does not produce pseudobulbs or require deadheading. However, it is recommended to remove any damaged or diseased leaves or flowers as soon as they are noticed to prevent the spread of disease or pests.
During the dormant period, it is recommended to cut back the leaves to about 2 inches above the soil to allow the plant to conserve energy and prepare for the next growing season.
Propagation of Brachycorythis ovata Lindl. subsp. schweinfurthii (Rchb.f.) Summerh.
Brachycorythis ovata Lindl. subsp. schweinfurthii (Rchb.f.) Summerh., commonly known as the African orchid, is a terrestrial orchid species found in parts of Africa. This plant species can be propagated by seed or by division of established clumps.
Propagation by seed:
Propagation by seed is the most common method used to propagate Brachycorythis ovata Lindl. subsp. schweinfurthii (Rchb.f.) Summerh. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining, moist potting mix. The potting mix should be kept moist, but not wet, until the seedlings emerge.
It is important to note that seeds of Brachycorythis ovata Lindl. subsp. schweinfurthii (Rchb.f.) Summerh. are very small and delicate. It is recommended to sow them on the surface of the potting mix rather than burying them. The seedlings should be kept in a warm and brightly lit area, but not in direct sunlight.
Propagation by division:
Propagation can also be done by dividing mature plants. The best time to divide the plants is during the dormant stage, which is usually in the winter season.
When dividing the plants, the clumps should be gently pulled apart to avoid damaging the roots. The divisions can then be replanted immediately in their new containers, which should be filled with a well-draining potting mix.
It is important to note that, like many orchid species, Brachycorythis ovata Lindl. subsp. schweinfurthii (Rchb.f.) Summerh. prefers to be slightly root-bound. Therefore, large containers should be avoided.
Disease Management
Brachycorythis ovata Lindl. subsp. schweinfurthii (Rchb.f.) Summerh. is a hardy plant, but it can be affected by various diseases such as fungal and bacterial infections.
Fungal infections: The most common fungal diseases that can affect the plant are leaf spot and root rot. To manage these diseases, it is advisable to keep the plant in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. If the plant is already affected, the infected parts should be removed and destroyed, and a fungicide can be applied to prevent the disease from spreading further.
Bacterial infections: Bacterial infections can cause wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth in the plant. To manage bacterial infections, it is advisable to remove and destroy the infected parts of the plant and to avoid overhead watering to prevent the bacteria from spreading further. A copper-based bactericide can also be applied to prevent further infections.
Pest Management
Brachycorythis ovata Lindl. subsp. schweinfurthii (Rchb.f.) Summerh. can also be affected by various pests such as aphids, spider mites, and snails.
Aphids: Aphids can cause curling, distortion, and stunted growth in the plant. To control aphids, frequent spraying of insecticidal soap or neem oil can be applied. Alternatively, beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings can be introduced to the garden to feed on the aphids.
Spider mites: Spider mites can cause yellowing and stippling on the leaves of the plant. To manage spider mites, it is advisable to mist the plant regularly to increase humidity levels and to apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the spread of the pests.
Snails: Snails can cause damage to the leaves and flowers of the plant. To manage snails, it is advisable to remove them by hand and to apply snail bait or copper tape around the base of the plant to prevent them from crawling up.
