Overview of Cheirostylis sarcopus Schltr.
Cheirostylis sarcopus Schltr. is a terrestrial plant species that belongs to the family Orchidaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia, where it grows in moist, shady forests and mountainous areas.
Common Names
Cheirostylis sarcopus Schltr. is commonly known as bee orchid, blind orchid, or helmet orchid due to its shape that resembles a helmet or bee. It is also locally referred to as 'Teratak', which means 'stilt' in Malay, due to its tall stem.
Appearance
Cheirostylis sarcopus Schltr. has a distinct appearance with a long and slender stem that can grow up to 30 centimeters tall. The stem is greenish-brown with reddish-brown veins that run along the length of the stem. The plant has a single leaf that is dark green in color and can grow up to 8 to 10 centimeters long with a width of 3 to 5 centimeters.
What makes Cheirostylis sarcopus Schltr. unique is its flower, which has a helmet-like shape that resembles the head of a bee. The flower has a pale green color with a whitish lip and a deep purple or red streak down the center. The flower can grow up to 2 centimeters long and develops on the top of the stem.
Uses
Cheirostylis sarcopus Schltr. has a limited use in traditional medicine due to its rarity in the wild. However, locals in Southeast Asia believe that the plant has medicinal properties that can help treat various ailments such as flu, cough, and fever. The plant's root is believed to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help boost the body's immune system.
Cheirostylis sarcopus Schltr. is also grown as an ornamental plant in some parts of the world, particular in Southeast Asia, due to its unique appearance. The plant can be propagated through seed or division of its rhizome, making it a popular choice among orchid enthusiasts. Despite being an elusive plant, Cheirostylis sarcopus Schltr. remains an intriguing species that continues to fascinate orchid enthusiasts and researchers alike.
Light Requirements
Cheirostylis sarcopus Schltr. is a plant species that prefers partial to full shade conditions. It is typically found growing under the shade of trees in its natural habitat in the tropical forests of Asia. As such, when growing this species, it is important to provide it with filtered light or indirect sunlight, to mimic its natural environment.
Temperature Requirements
Cheirostylis sarcopus Schltr. grows best in warm to hot temperatures, typically around 20-25°C during the day. Night temperatures should not drop below 15°C. This species can tolerate higher temperatures but will not thrive in temperatures that are consistently below its minimum threshold. Extreme changes in temperature may also damage or even kill the plant.
Soil Requirements
The soil requirements for Cheirostylis sarcopus Schltr. is one that is moist, well-drained and rich in organic matter. This species prefers a soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH, with a pH range of around 5.5 to 7.5. A mixture of peat moss, bark and perlite is ideal for growing this species, as it provides good drainage while retaining moisture and providing some nutrients for the plant to grow well.
Cultivation
Cheirostylis sarcopus Schltr. is a terrestrial orchid species that is native to Southeast Asia. It prefers a well-draining soil mix that consists of equal parts of perlite, peat moss, and pine bark. If you plan to grow it in a pot, make sure the container has adequate drainage.
This plant thrives in a humid and shaded environment, which mimics its natural habitat. Keep it away from direct sunlight, and maintain a temperature range of 60-85°F (15-29°C). You can also grow it in a terrarium or a greenhouse if you live in a dry climate.
Watering
Cheirostylis sarcopus Schltr. requires consistent but not excessive watering. During the growing season, usually from spring to fall, keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water it thoroughly once a week and allow the excess water to drain out of the pot. During the dormant period, reduce watering and let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again.
Fertilization
You should fertilize the plant every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer, like a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formulation. Dilute the fertilizer to half of the recommended strength and apply it when you water the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Cheirostylis sarcopus Schltr. unless the leaves turn yellow or brown. In that case, you can carefully trim the damaged parts using a sterile pair of scissors or a knife.
Propagation Methods for Cheirostylis sarcopus Schltr.
Cheirostylis sarcopus Schltr., commonly known as the spider orchid, can be propagated through various methods. The following are the propagation methods:
Division Method
This propagation method involves dividing the rhizomes of the parent plant into smaller sections and planting them individually. When dividing the rhizomes, it is important to ensure that each section has at least one healthy shoot and a portion of the root system. After dividing, each section should be potted into a well-draining mixture of peat moss, perlite, and bark chips. Water the plant regularly and keep it in a shaded area until new growth appears.
Seed Propagation
Cheirostylis sarcopus Schltr. can be propagated from seeds, although this method can be challenging and time-consuming. Seeds need to be collected from a mature plant and sown immediately on a sterile medium. The medium must be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the seeds require a warm and humid environment to germinate. Once germinated, the young plants should be transplanted into individual pots and kept in a shaded area. They can be transferred to a larger pot when they have developed a strong root system.
Vegetative Propagation
This method involves using vegetative parts of the plant to propagate new individuals. For Cheirostylis sarcopus Schltr., this can be done using the keiki or the plantlet that develops on the flower stalk. Once the keiki has developed roots, it can be transplanted into a small pot. The young plant should be kept in a shaded area, and once it has developed a strong root system, it can be transplanted into a larger pot.
Disease and Pest Management for Cheirostylis sarcopus Schltr.
Cheirostylis sarcopus Schltr., commonly known as the green helmet orchid, is a beautiful species of orchids native to Malaysia, Borneo, and the Philippines. This orchid plant can grow up to 45 cm tall and produces clusters of small, greenish-yellow flowers. While the green helmet orchid is generally a hardy plant, it is susceptible to a few diseases and pests that can impact its appearance and overall health. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that affect Cheirostylis sarcopus Schltr. and how to manage them.
Diseases
1. Fungal Infections: Fungal infections are one of the most common diseases that affect the green helmet orchid. Symptoms of fungal infections include wilting leaves and stem rot. To prevent fungal infections, avoid overwatering the plant or letting water pool around the base of the plant. If your orchid plant does develop a fungal infection, remove the infected part of the plant and apply a fungicide.
2. Bacterial Infections: Bacterial infections can also affect the green helmet orchid. Symptoms of bacterial infections include water-soaked spots on leaves and stems. To prevent bacterial infections, avoid damaging the leaves or stems of the plant. If your orchid plant does develop a bacterial infection, remove the infected part of the plant and apply a bactericide.
Pests
1. Scale Insects: The green helmet orchid is occasionally infested with scale insects. Scale insects are small, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to the leaves of the plant and suck the sap from the plant. Symptoms of scale infestations include yellowing leaves and brown spots. To control scale infestations, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Be sure to apply the solution thoroughly to the leaves and stems of the plant.
2. Spider Mites: Spider mites are another common pest that can affect the green helmet orchid. Symptoms of spider mite infestations include a yellowing of leaves and fine webbing on the undersides of leaves. To control spider mites, use a miticide or insecticidal soap. You can also increase the humidity around the plant to discourage spider mites.
By taking care to monitor and prevent diseases and pests on your green helmet orchid, you can maintain a healthy and beautiful plant. Regular maintenance, such as removing dead leaves and spent flowers, can also help prevent future problems with diseases and pests.
