Overview
Cynorkis glandulosa L.Bolus is a beautiful orchid that belongs to the family Orchidaceae. It grows naturally in the southern regions of Africa, including South Africa, Namibia, and Angola.
Appearance
The plant has large and showy flowers that range in color from yellow to bright orange with brown spots or blotches. The flowers appear on long, erect stems that can grow up to 30 cm tall. The leaves of Cynorkis glandulosa L.Bolus are small and narrow, and they grow in a basal rosette. The entire plant can grow up to 50 cm tall.
Common Names
Cynorkis glandulosa L.Bolus is commonly known by several names, including the Glandular Cynorkis, Gousblom, and Zwartkop Vanda.
Uses
The plant is primarily grown as an ornamental plant due to its beautiful flowers. It is also used as a cut flower in the floral industry. In traditional medicine, the plant extracts are used to produce remedies for several ailments, including diarrhea, dysentery, and stomach pains.
Light Requirements
Cynorkis glandulosa L.Bolus requires bright light conditions to grow properly. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors, but it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Without enough light, the plant may become weak and may not produce flowers.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in temperatures between 20-30°C during the day and 15-20°C at night. It does not tolerate very low temperatures and frost can damage or even kill the plant. Therefore, during the winter months, it is recommended to place it in a warm and sunny spot indoors.
Soil Requirements
Cynorkis glandulosa L.Bolus prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH between 5.5-6.5. It grows best in soil that is consistently moist, but not waterlogged. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite can be used to create a well-draining soil mix. The plant should be repotted every two years to ensure healthy growth.
Cultivation methods for Cynorkis glandulosa L.Bolus
Cynorkis glandulosa L.Bolus is an orchid species that requires specific conditions to thrive. It is suitable for cultivation under greenhouse conditions, where the grower can control the temperature, light, and humidity levels. The plant should be grown in a well-draining, aerated soil mix that is free of any disease-causing pathogens.
If you are cultivating Cynorkis glandulosa L.Bolus you should start with one-inch pots and plant one or two bulbs in each pot. In cultivation, it is important to ensure that the plant's soil always has good aeration. These orchids prefer shady and humid conditions, with temperatures between 15-20°C during the day and 10-13°C at night. In environments outside the range, the plant's growth may suffer.
Watering needs for Cynorkis glandulosa L.Bolus
Cynorkis glandulosa L.Bolus requires frequent watering to ensure that its soil stays moist. Water the plant at least once a week or more frequently when the weather is hot and dry to prevent dehydration. Water should be poured over the potting medium; make sure the water doesn't interact with leaves or flowers when watering.
When misting the plant, it is important to avoid getting the flowers wet to reduce the risk of flower buds and rotting leaves. Before watering, ensure to let the soil dry 50-60% on the surface. This helps prevent root rot caused by excessive moisture. During winter, the frequency of watering should be reduced accordingly.
Fertilization of Cynorkis glandulosa L.Bolus
While Cynorkis glandulosa L.Bolus receives all its nutritional needs from decomposing organic matter and its naturally occurring symbiosis with soil microorganisms. It would help if you still frequently fertilized the plant with a balanced feed. This will give the plant sufficient nutrients to strengthen its roots, facilitate blooming and promote healthy foliage growth.
The best period to fertilize Cynorkis glandulosa L.Bolus is during the growing season, which occurs from late winter to early fall. Use fertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in a ratio of 20-20-20. Every fourth time you fertilize, use a half concentration to prevent a buildup of salts in the soil, which can harm the plant's root system.
Pruning Cynorkis glandulosa L.Bolus
Cynorkis glandulosa L.Bolus orchids don't require heavy pruning, as pruning can sometimes be detrimental to the plant's health. Only remove dead or dying leaves or flowers as they occur. Careful deadheading will encourage the orchid to bloom more, and keep the plant looking neat and healthy.
Pruning should only be done during the growing period, which is the spring-summer period. When cutting flowers or dead leaves, ensure sterilize your pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases to the plant.
Propagation of Cynorkis glandulosa L.Bolus
Cynorkis glandulosa L.Bolus is a terrestrial orchid that can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. Propagation through sexual means involves the production of seeds while propagation through asexual means involves the production of clones.
Propagation through seeds
Cynorkis glandulosa L.Bolus produces small seeds that are dust-like and require a fungus to germinate. The fungus forms a symbiotic relationship with the orchid, providing it with the necessary nutrients for growth. To propagate through seeds, one needs to collect mature seed pods and carefully extract the seeds. The seeds should be sowed in a well-draining medium that contains the necessary fungus. This can be achieved by mixing the seeds with the fungus or by sowing them in a medium that already contains the fungus. The seedlings should be kept in a warm and humid environment and should be watered sparingly to avoid drowning. It takes about 2-3 years for the seedlings to grow into mature plants.
Propagation through clones
Cynorkis glandulosa L.Bolus can also be propagated asexually through the production of clones. This method involves the division of the parent plant into two or more sections, each of which can grow independently into a new plant. To propagate through clones, one needs to carefully uproot the parent plant and divide it into sections, each containing an equal number of pseudobulbs and roots. The sections should be planted in a well-draining medium and kept in a warm and humid environment. The clones should be watered sparingly to avoid drowning and should be kept away from direct sunlight until they establish themselves. This method produces plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant and can result in faster growth and blooming compared to propagation through seeds.
Disease and Pest Management for Cynorkis glandulosa L.Bolus Plants
Cynorkis glandulosa L.Bolus is a delicate orchid species native to Madagascar. However, like other plants, it can be affected by pests and diseases that can stunt its growth and damage it. As such, it is essential to develop a disease and pest management program that can protect your Cynorkis glandulosa L.Bolus plants from common threats.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Cynorkis glandulosa L.Bolus plants is root rot. This fungal disease thrives in damp soils and causes the roots of the plant to rot, leading to wilting and death. Root rot can be prevented by ensuring that the plant is not overwatered and that the soil is well-draining. If the plant shows signs of root rot, it is best to remove it and replant it in fresh soil after removing the affected roots.
Fungal leaf spots are another common disease that affects Cynorkis glandulosa L.Bolus plants. These spots appear as brown or black spots on the leaves and can quickly spread to other parts of the plant. Fungal leaf spots can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering and minimizing humidity levels. Applying a fungicide to the plant can also help to control the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
The most common pests that affect Cynorkis glandulosa L.Bolus plants are mealybugs and spider mites. Mealybugs are small, white insects that look like bits of cotton. They suck the sap from the plant, causing it to wilt and yellow. Spider mites, on the other hand, are tiny pests that feed on the sap of the plant. They spin webs on the leaves, causing them to become discolored and dry.
To control mealybugs and spider mites, it is best to start by washing the leaves of the plant with a mild soap and water solution. This will remove any insects and webs on the plant. Applying neem oil to the plant can also help to deter pests and prevent further infestations.
In conclusion, it is essential to develop a disease and pest management plan for your Cynorkis glandulosa L.Bolus plants to protect them from common threats. This involves monitoring the plants regularly for signs of diseases and pests, and taking the necessary steps to prevent and manage them.
