Origin of Cheirostylis schliebenii Mansf. ex Schlieb.
Cheirostylis schliebenii Mansf. ex Schlieb. is a species of terrestrial orchid belonging to the family Orchidaceae, which is widely distributed in Africa. The plant is native to Nigeria, where it grows in shaded areas of forests and woodlands.
Common Names of Cheirostylis schliebenii Mansf. ex Schlieb.
Cheirostylis schliebenii Mansf. ex Schlieb. is commonly known as the African ghost orchid, ghost orchid, or simply the cheirostylis orchid.
Uses of Cheirostylis schliebenii Mansf. ex Schlieb.
Cheirostylis schliebenii Mansf. ex Schlieb. has various traditional medicinal uses in Nigeria. The plant has been used to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and stomachaches. Some communities use the plant to treat snakebites, and some use it as an aphrodisiac.
General Appearance of Cheirostylis schliebenii Mansf. ex Schlieb.
Cheirostylis schliebenii Mansf. ex Schlieb. is a small, perennial herb that grows up to 20 cm in height. The leaves are green and grow alternately along the stem. The flowers are borne on short inflorescences with up to 10 flowers. The flower size ranges from 5 to 20mm across. The sepals and petals are almost similar in shape and size and are yellowish-green to pale-brown. The lip is broader than the sepals and petals, and it is concave with wavy margins. The plant produces an underground tuber as a storage organ that enables it to survive during the dry season.
Light Requirements
Cheirostylis schliebenii Mansf. ex Schlieb. is a shade-loving plant that thrives in the dappled light of the forest understory. It should be protected from direct sunlight to prevent leaf burning, which can damage the plant and reduce its growth. In their natural habitats, they grow under a dense canopy of tall trees, so replicating this type of light condition is vital to the plant's growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
Cheirostylis schliebenii Mansf. ex Schlieb. prefers moderate temperatures that range between 18 and 25°C. It is a tropical plant that requires high humidity levels and does not tolerate extreme temperature fluctuations. Temperatures below 10°C can cause damage to the plant, leading to stunted growth or even death. It is therefore essential to maintain consistent temperature conditions to encourage healthy growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is an excellent option for potting media. In their natural habitats, they grow in highly acidic soils rich in humus. The pH of the soil should range between 4.0 and 5.0. Adding a slow-release fertilizer to the soil can also help to boost the plant's growth by providing essential nutrients. It is worth noting that the plant has a shallow root system, so it is essential to avoid overwatering the plant to prevent root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Cheirostylis schliebenii Mansf. ex Schlieb. is a terrestrial orchid that is usually found growing in tropical forests. It is advisable to mimic these conditions when cultivating this plant. The plant prefers well-draining soil and partial to full shade. It grows well in pots or in a garden bed.
You can propagate new plants by dividing the rhizomes. It is advisable to do this when the plant is dormant, which is usually towards the end of the growing season. Once you have repotted the new plants, you can water them and place them in a shaded area until they recover.
Watering Needs
Like many other orchids, Cheirostylis schliebenii Mansf. ex Schlieb. requires moist conditions. However, care must be taken to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Water the plant when the soil is almost dry, but not bone-dry. The watering frequency may vary depending on the humidity and temperature of the growing environment.
One effective watering method is to place the pot in a tray of water and allow the soil to absorb the water. Remove the pot from the tray once the soil is sufficiently moist. This method ensures the soil is not waterlogged and also raises the humidity levels around the plant, which is beneficial for this orchid.
Fertilization
Cheirostylis schliebenii Mansf. ex Schlieb. benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer that has a higher nitrogen content than phosphorus and potassium. This is because the plant requires nitrogen for vegetative growth.
It is advisable to fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season. Avoid overfertilization, which can burn the roots and leaves of the plant. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength and apply it to the soil around the plant.
Pruning
Cheirostylis schliebenii Mansf. ex Schlieb. does not require regular pruning. However, you can remove any dead or yellowing leaves to maintain the appearance of the plant. The plant can also produce suckers, which can be removed and propagated into new plants.
During winter, the plant goes into dormancy, and the leaves dry out. You can trim off the dry leaves to tidy up the plant and allow the new leaves to emerge unhindered during the next growing season.
Propagation of Cheirostylis schliebenii Mansf. ex Schlieb.
Cheirostylis schliebenii Mansf. ex Schlieb. is a rare African orchid that is typically propagated by seed or division.
Propagation by Seed
The seeds of Cheirostylis schliebenii are extremely small, almost like dust particles. For successful germination, these seeds should be sown on a sterilized seed starting mix in a shallow container or seed tray. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of vermiculite or sand and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place the seeds in a warm, humid environment with bright but indirect light. The germination process can take several months to a year to occur.
Propagation by Division
Division is an easy way to propagate mature Cheirostylis schliebenii plants. This process should be done when the plant becomes crowded or when it starts to outgrow its pot. Gently remove the plant from its container and separate the rhizomes or pseudobulbs. Each division should have a healthy pseudobulb with leaves and roots. After dividing, replant each segment in a separate pot with fresh potting mix. Water well and place the newly divided plants in a shaded area until they become established.
Disease and Pest Management for Cheirostylis schliebenii
Cheirostylis schliebenii Mansf. ex Schlieb., commonly known as the African Jewel Orchid, is an orchid species that originates from parts of Africa. Just like any other plant, it's susceptible to diseases and pests, and as a grower, you need to equip yourself with the necessary knowledge to manage them. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and how to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal diseases: Fungal diseases such as leaf spot, stem rot, and leaf blight can affect Cheirostylis schliebenii. These diseases usually occur due to excess moisture and poor air circulation. To manage fungal diseases, you need to maintain proper air circulation around the plant, avoid waterlogging, and ensure that the plant receives the right amount of water. Also, remove any affected leaves or stems and treat the plant with a fungicide.
Viral diseases: Viral diseases such as mosaic virus can affect the African Jewel Orchid. These diseases are usually spread by pests such as aphids, and once a plant is infected, there is no cure. To manage viral diseases, you need to remove and destroy the infected plant to prevent the virus from spreading to healthy plants.
Bacterial diseases: Bacterial diseases such as soft rot can also affect Cheirostylis schliebenii. These diseases usually occur due to overwatering, high humidity, and poor ventilation. To manage bacterial diseases, you need to avoid waterlogging, improve air circulation, and prune any affected parts of the plant and treat with a bactericide.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can pierce through the plant's tissue and suck out sap. Too many aphids can lead to stunted growth and distorted leaves. To manage aphids, you can use natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings, or spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are tiny white insects that can cause discoloration of the leaves and deformed growth. To manage mealybugs, you can use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them, or you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that usually appear in hot and dry conditions. They can cause yellowing of leaves and the formation of webs. To manage spider mites, you can use a strong jet of water to wash them off the plant or use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Cheirostylis schliebenii Mansf. ex Schlieb. is a beautiful orchid species that can thrive with proper care and disease and pest management. As a grower, you need to be vigilant and act fast when you notice any signs of disease or pest infestation.
