Overview
Cynorkis oblonga Schltr. is a rare orchid species that belongs to the Orchidaceae family. This plant is known for its unique appearance and is highly valued for its ornamental purposes.
Origin and Distribution
Cynorkis oblonga is native to Madagascar, a large island off the southeast coast of Africa. The plant can commonly be found in the Madagascar rainforest at an altitude of 1500 to 2000 m.
Common Names
Cynorkis oblonga is known by several common names including "Madagascar orchid," "oblong cynorkis," and "long-lipped orchid."
Uses
Cynorkis oblonga is commonly grown as an ornamental plant due to its unique and attractive appearance. The plant is also known for its medicinal properties, and its roots are used to treat various ailments including burns, fever, and headaches.
Appearance
Cynorkis oblonga is a small, terrestrial orchid that grows up to 30 cm tall. The leaves of this plant are lance-shaped and grow up to 10 cm long. The flowers of the plant are unique, with a long narrow lip that can extend up to 14 cm. The lip has a white base, with pink spots and stripes towards the tip. The plant blooms during the summer months.
Light Requirements
Cynorkis oblonga Schltr. is an orchid species that thrives under bright but indirect sunlight. It can be grown either indoors or outdoors, but it is essential to ensure that the plant is provided with enough light. Exposing the plant to direct sunlight for prolonged periods may damage the leaves or cause sunburns.
Temperature Range
The ideal temperature range for growing Cynorkis oblonga Schltr. is between 15-20 °C. The plant cannot tolerate extreme cold or hot temperatures and may wilt or die if subjected to such conditions. It is important to keep the plant in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating or overcooling.
Soil Requirements
Cynorkis oblonga Schltr. is a terrestrial orchid that requires a well-draining and moisture-retentive soil. A mixture of medium-grade bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss is ideal for growing the plant. The soil must be kept consistently moist, but not too wet, to prevent root rot. A layer of mulch on top of the soil can help to retain moisture and prevent weeds from growing.
Cultivation
The Cynorkis oblonga Schltr. plant is a terrestrial orchid that grows best in temperate climates with high humidity. It requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, such as sphagnum moss.
The plant prefers partial shade and does not do well in direct sunlight for prolonged periods. The ideal temperature range for Cynorkis oblonga Schltr. is between 20°C to 25°C.
Avoid placing the plant in an area with strong air currents as it can damage the fragile leaves and flowers.
Watering Needs
The Cynorkis oblonga Schltr. plant requires consistently moist soil, but it should not be left to sit in water as this can lead to root rot. Water the plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry. Using filtered or rainwater is best as the plant is sensitive to chemicals in tap water.
If the humidity levels in your area are low, you can mist the plant regularly to provide the necessary moisture.
Fertilization
Cynorkis oblonga Schltr. plants do not require a lot of fertilizer. A balanced, water-soluble orchid fertilizer diluted to half strength can be applied once a month during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant period.
Over-fertilizing can harm the plant, so it is important to follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging and not exceed the recommended amount.
Pruning
Cynorkis oblonga Schltr. plants do not require pruning as they grow in a compact form. However, removing dead or yellowing leaves can help the plant maintain its appearance and prevent the spread of disease.
If the plant has grown too large for its container, it can be repotted into a larger container during the growing season, but be mindful not to damage the roots during the process.
Propagation of Cynorkis oblonga Schltr.
Cynorkis oblonga Schltr. is a charming terrestrial orchid native to Madagascar. Propagation methods for this plant involve both sexual and asexual reproduction.
Sexual propagation
Sexual propagation of Cynorkis oblonga Schltr. is through seed. A mature plant produces capsules with numerous tiny seeds. To germinate, the seed needs a sterile culture such as a nutrient agar to grow into small protocorms. When ready, they can then be transferred to soil mixtures that will enhance the establishment of the plantlets.
Asexual propagation
There are various ways to propagate Cynorkis oblonga Schltr. asexually. These include:
- Division of the plant - Just like many orchid species, Cynorkis oblonga Schltr. can be divided to make new plants. Gardeners can separate the main plant into smaller pieces, each with a healthy, growing point. These individual sections can then be potted and grown into a separate plant.
- Keiki propagation - Keiki is a Hawaiian term for baby. This method is a vegetative reproduction where mini plants grow on the stem of the mother plant. Orchid growers can use a sharp knife to detach and transplant the keiki once it has roots large enough to establish on its own.
- Tissue culture - This is an advance method, mostly used in production laboratories. Tissue culture involves growing cells or tissues under sterile laboratory conditions using a nutrient medium in vessels. The process's advantage is that one plant can produce hundreds of exact cloned copies of itself without compromising plant genetics.
With the right care and attention, many Cynorkis oblonga Schltr. enthusiasts have had enormous success propagating and growing this rare orchid species.
Disease and Pest Management for Cynorkis oblonga Schltr.
Cynorkis oblonga Schltr. is generally a disease-resistant plant, but it can still be affected by a few pests and diseases. Here are some common diseases and pests that may affect Cynorkis oblonga Schltr. and their management:
Diseases
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease characterized by circular or sunken spots on the leaves and stems of the plant. The spots may have a yellow halo around them. To manage this disease, remove the infected plant parts and destroy them. Avoid overhead watering and keep the plant in a well-ventilated area.
Root Rot: Root rot is a disease caused by fungi that attack the roots of the plant. It can cause the plant to wilt, turn yellow, and eventually die. To manage root rot, remove the infected plant and improve the soil drainage. Avoid overwatering the plant.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. They can cause distortion and curling of the leaves. To manage aphids, you can use insecticidal soaps or neem oil. You can also introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are also tiny insects that can be difficult to see. They create a webbing on the leaves and cause them to turn yellow or brown. To manage spider mites, you can use insecticidal soaps or neem oil. You can also increase the humidity around the plant by misting it with water.
By regularly monitoring the plant for symptoms of pests or diseases, you can effectively manage them before they cause significant damage to your Cynorkis oblonga Schltr.
