Overview:
Cynorkis anacamptoides Kraenzl. var. anacamptoides is a rare terrestrial orchid species, known for its fascinating appearance and striking beauty. It belongs to the family Orchidaceae and is native to Madagascar, an island country in the Indian Ocean. The plant is also known by its common name, Anacamptis-like cynorkis.
Appearance:
Cynorkis anacamptoides Kraenzl. var. anacamptoides is a small herbaceous plant that typically grows up to 20 cm in height. It has a solitary leaf with a length of 4–10 cm and a width of 1.2–2.5 cm. The leaves are fleshy and linear-lanceolate, with a pointed tip, and are dark green in color.
The inflorescence is erect with a height of 10–30 cm, bearing 5–30 flowers that are arranged in a loose, elongated cylindrical shape. The individual flowers are small, measuring only 3-6 mm in size, and are greenish-purple, with a white, triangular lip with a purple marking in the center.
Uses:
Cynorkis anacamptoides Kraenzl. var. anacamptoides is a popular ornamental plant used in gardening, especially in rock gardens. It is grown for its striking appearance and is often used in the foreground of a garden bed. However, due to its rarity, it is not commonly found in most garden centers.
The plant is also known for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including respiratory disorders and digestive problems.
Cultivation:
Cynorkis anacamptoides Kraenzl. var. anacamptoides is a difficult plant to cultivate, and not recommended for beginner gardeners. It requires a well-drained, sandy, and moist soil substrate. It also prefers a warm and humid climate but can tolerate mild frosts.
The plant can be propagated through seed germination, and it takes 2-3 years to reach maturity and bloom. It can also be propagated by dividing the plant during its dormant period, which is in the late summer after the leaves have died back.
Light Requirements
Cynorkis anacamptoides Kraenzl. var. anacomptoides requires moderate light intensity to grow properly. It does best when the plant receives bright but indirect light for several hours a day. Too much direct sunlight can harm the plant, so it is best to place it in a shaded area or filtered light. In low light conditions, the plant may grow weak and leggy, causing the stems to droop and the leaves to turn yellow.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Cynorkis anacamptoides Kraenzl. var. anacamptoides is between 20°C and 25°C during the day and between 10°C and 15°C at night. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 5°C and as high as 30°C, but extreme temperatures can cause stress and may lead to the plant's death. Keeping the temperature stable within the ideal range helps the plant grow well.
Soil Requirements
Cynorkis anacamptoides Kraenzl. var. anacomptoides thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers soil that is slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged or compacted soil, as it can cause root rot or other fungal diseases. To improve soil drainage, adding sand or perlite can be beneficial. Additionally, adding compost or other organic matter can improve soil fertility and support healthy plant growth.
Cultivation Methods
Cynorkis anacamptoides Kraenzl. var. anacomptoides plants grow well in bright, indirect light, but they can also tolerate partial shade. They prefer well-draining soil, and the use of a porous potting mix can help prevent excess moisture and root rot.
It is recommended to grow Cynorkis anacamptoides Kraenzl. var. anacomptoides in a greenhouse or indoor environment to maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels. On the other hand, if you live in a climate that closely resembles the plant's natural environment, you can also plant it outside in a shaded area free from strong winds.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is key to the success of Cynorkis anacamptoides Kraenzl. var. anacomptoides cultivation. These plants prefer to be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. You can achieve this by watering once per week and checking the soil moisture level regularly.
It is also essential to avoid getting water on the foliage or flowers, as it can lead to fungal diseases that can harm the plant. Using a watering can or dripping tool can help you avoid this problem.
Fertilization
Cynorkis anacamptoides Kraenzl. var. anacomptoides benefits from regular fertilization to grow vigorously and bloom abundantly. You can use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium every two weeks during the growing season.
It is advisable to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and avoid overfertilizing, as it can lead to salt buildup in the soil, which can harm the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not essential for Cynorkis anacamptoides Kraenzl. var. anacomptoides, but it can help maintain the plant's shape and size. You can remove any dead or yellowing foliage or flowers as they appear, and cut back any scraggly stems to promote branching.
It is advisable to use clean, sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant, and to disinfect them before and after use to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Cynorkis anacamptoides Kraenzl. var. anacomptoides
The Cynorkis anacamptoides Kraenzl. var. anacomptoides, commonly known as the climbing Cynorkis or the map orchid, is a rare plant species endemic to Madagascar. Propagation of this plant can be done using various methods, such as:
1. Division
Division is the easiest and most common method of propagating the climbing Cynorkis. It involves separating the plant's rhizome or pseudobulb into several sections with at least one growth bud each. The divided sections can then be replanted in a suitable potting medium or soil mix.
2. Seed Propagation
The climbing Cynorkis can also be propagated by seeds. The seeds should be sown in a sterile potting medium and kept moist. The ideal temperature range for germination is between 65-75°F. After several weeks, the seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots.
3. Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is a more advanced method of propagation that involves growing new plants from small pieces of tissue. This method is useful for producing large quantities of plants in a short time and can also be used to produce disease-free plants. However, tissue culture requires specialized equipment and knowledge and is often used by commercial growers.
The climbing Cynorkis is an attractive plant that can be a valuable addition to any garden. With the right care and propagation method, this rare and endangered species can be conserved for future generations to enjoy.
Disease Management
The plant Cynorkis anacamptoides Kraenzl. var. anacamptoides is susceptible to various diseases. The common diseases that might affect the plant include bacterial blight, black spot, and leaf spot.
To manage bacterial blight, remove the affected parts of the plant immediately. Also, do not use overhead watering as it can promote the spread of the disease. Using copper-based fungicides can also help to control the spread of the bacteria.
Black spot is characterized by dark spots on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, remove the affected leaves and destroy them. Also, avoid overhead watering or watering during the evening as it can promote the growth and spread of the fungus. Fungicides containing azoxystrobin and myclobutanil can be used to control the fungus.
Leaf spot is characterized by yellow or brown spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove the affected leaves and destroy them. Avoid overhead watering and water the plant in the morning to allow the leaves to dry out during the day. Fungicides containing chlorothalonil and mancozeb can be used to control the fungus.
Pest Management
Cynorkis anacamptoides Kraenzl. var. anacamptoides is also susceptible to pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips.
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. To manage spider mites, wash the plant with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap. Acaricides containing abamectin and spiromesifen can also help to control spider mites.
Mealybugs are common pests that feed on the sap of the plant. To manage mealybugs, use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to wipe off the mealybugs. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control mealybugs.
Thrips are tiny insects that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn brown or silver. To manage thrips, remove the affected leaves and destroy them. You can also use insecticidal soap or insecticides containing spinosad and abamectin to control thrips.
