Origin
Campylocentrum fasciolum (Lindl.) Cogn. is a species of orchid that can be found in several countries in South America, including Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Brazil.
Common Names
This plant goes by various common names depending on the region, including "Muñeco", "Lágrima de la Pintora", "Spiral Orchid", and "Incense Orchid".
Appearance
Campylocentrum fasciolum is a small epiphytic orchid that grows up to 15 cm in height. It has thin, elongated leaves and a thin stem that can be branched or unbranched. The flowers of this orchid are small and white, with a yellowish base and a purple or brownish-purple stripe on the lip. They bloom in the spring and summer.
Uses
Although not commonly used for medicinal purposes, some indigenous communities in South America use Campylocentrum fasciolum to treat headaches, fever, and inflammation. This plant is also popular among orchid collectors and enthusiasts, and its delicate flowers make it a popular decoration for weddings and other events.
Light Requirements
Campylocentrum fasciolum requires bright, indirect light to grow. It cannot tolerate direct sunlight and will suffer from leaf burn if exposed to it.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in warm temperatures and should be kept at a minimum temperature of 60°F (15°C). The ideal temperature range for Campylocentrum fasciolum falls between 70-85°F (21-29°C). Temperatures below 60°F (15°C) can cause the plant to go into dormancy.
Soil Requirements
Campylocentrum fasciolum grows best in a well-draining epiphytic mix. It requires good air circulation around its roots and should not be planted in regular potting soil. A recommended mix for this plant includes sphagnum moss, orchid bark, and perlite or charcoal.
Cultivation methods of Campylocentrum fasciolum
Campylocentrum Fasciolum is a species of epiphytic orchid that requires specific growing conditions. It is naturally found growing on the trunks of trees in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Hence, it is recommended to grow these orchids mounted on a piece of bark or tree fern.
The ideal temperature range is from 60º-75ºF (15.5º-24ºC). This orchid prefers bright, indirect sunlight and high humidity levels between 50-70%. It requires good air circulation but should not be exposed to cold drafts.
Watering needs of Campylocentrum fasciolum
Campylocentrum Fasciolum orchids can dry out quickly, so it is important to keep them well watered. Keep the roots moist by watering them in the morning with lukewarm water, making sure not to get water in the center of the plant, as it can cause rot. The frequency of watering should be once or twice a week, depending on the humidity levels and temperature.
You can also spray the orchid with a mist of water once or twice a day during hot weather to maintain the moisture level around the plant.
Fertilization of Campylocentrum fasciolum
Campylocentrum Fasciolum orchids need to be fertilized regularly to support their growth and flowering. Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 20-20-20, at a rate of 1/4 strength, every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
During the fall and winter, reduce fertilization to once a month. It is best to avoid fertilizing during the dormant period (late fall and early winter).
Pruning of Campylocentrum fasciolum
Pruning is an essential task to keep Campylocentrum Fasciolum healthy and attractive. This orchid can produce several long, pendulous stems with small, fragrant flowers. Once the flowers have faded, cut the stem back to the base with a clean, sharp pair of scissors.
It is also recommended to remove any dead or damaged foliage to prevent the spread of disease and keep the plant looking neat and tidy. Prune only in the spring or summer and avoid pruning during the fall or winter as this can stress the plant.
Propagation of Campylocentrum fasciolum
Campylocentrum fasciolum (Lindl.) Cogn. can be propagated through various methods such as seed germination, division of clumps, and stem cuttings. The most commonly used method for propagation is stem cutting.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings of Campylocentrum fasciolum can be taken from healthy and disease-free plants. The ideal time for taking stem cuttings is during the early growth phase of the plant, which is in the spring. The stem cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and have at least two nodes.
Once the stem cuttings have been taken, they should be dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cuttings should then be planted in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mixture of peat moss and perlite or vermiculite. The pot should be placed in a warm, well-lit location but out of direct sunlight.
Maintain the soil consistently moist, not overwatered, until the roots start to develop. Once the roots have formed, the plant can be transplanted into a slightly larger pot or into the ground.
Propagation by Division of Clumps
Another method of propagating Campylocentrum fasciolum is by dividing the clumps. This method is best done during the early spring when the plant is actively growing and producing new growth.
To divide the clumps, carefully remove the plant from the pot or ground and gently separate the clumps into individual plants. Each plant should have roots and new growth. The newly divided plant should be planted into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mixture and treated in the same way as the stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seed Germination
Campylocentrum fasciolum can also be propagated by seed germination. However, this method is not commonly used as it can be challenging to obtain viable seeds. The seeds require specific conditions to germinate, such as high humidity and warm temperatures. The seeds can be sown on the surface of a pot of a well-draining soil mixture and placed in a warm and humid location, such as a greenhouse or indoor grow room. Once the seeds have germinated, the plant can be treated in the same way as the stem cuttings.
Disease Management:
Campylocentrum fasciolum is susceptible to various fungal diseases like leaf spot, stem rot, and root rot. These diseases can be caused by various fungi like Fusarium, Pythium, and Rhizoctonia, among others. The symptoms of these diseases include discoloration of leaves, wilting, and eventual death of the plant.
To manage these diseases, it is essential to maintain proper cultural practices like ensuring good drainage, avoiding overwatering, and ensuring adequate air circulation. Additionally, infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spreading of the disease.
Fungicides can also be used to manage these fungal diseases. It is recommended to use fungicides with different modes of action to prevent the development of resistant strains of fungi.
Pest Management:
Campylocentrum fasciolum is susceptible to pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests can cause damage to the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. The presence of these pests can be identified by the presence of sticky residues on the plant, webbing, or visible insects.
To manage these pests, it is essential to maintain the plant's overall health by providing proper lighting, temperature, and humidity. Additionally, the use of insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils can help to control these pests. These can be applied by spraying directly on the plant, ensuring to cover all affected areas.
Biological control methods like using beneficial insects like ladybugs can also be employed to manage these pests effectively.
