Desmidorchis acutangula Decne.
Desmidorchis acutangula Decne., commonly known as the Grass Orchid, is a terrestrial orchid species. It belongs to the family Orchidaceae and is native to India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. It is often found in open grasslands and scrub forests, at elevations ranging from 200 to 1600 meters above sea level.
General Appearance
The Grass Orchid has narrow, lanceolate leaves that grow up to 20 cm long and 1.5 cm wide. It has erect stems that grow up to 50 cm tall, with multiple branches having violet flowers in clusters. The flowers have a pleasant fragrance, and the petals and sepals are narrow and long, measuring up to 2.5 cm. The lip or the labellum is the most prominent part of the flower and is white or yellow with red or brown spots.
Uses
The Grass Orchid is a popular ornamental plant, cultivated for its attractive flowers. It is also used in traditional medicine for its antiepileptic and antibacterial properties. As per folklore, the tubers of D. acutangula were used to treat infertility in women, and the stem was used to treat eye diseases. However, there is not much scientific evidence to prove the medicinal properties of this plant.
Light Requirements
Desmidorchis acutangula Decne. thrives in bright, indirect light. It's best to avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight as it may cause scorching or burning of leaves. Placing the plant near a north-facing window is ideal for providing sufficient light without excessive heat. In indoor settings, supplemental fluorescent lighting may be necessary during winter months.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Desmidorchis acutangula Decne. is between 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). The plant can tolerate temperatures up to 85°F (29°C) but will become stressed and may stop growing if exposed to prolonged high temperatures. It's essential to protect the plant from cold drafts or temperatures below 55°F (13°C), which can cause damage to roots and leaves.
Soil and Water Requirements
Well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal for Desmidorchis acutangula Decne. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged or allowed to dry out completely. Water the plant deeply, ensuring water reaches the roots, and allow the soil to drain completely before watering again. Avoid using hard water or water that has passed through a softener, as Desmidorchis acutangula Decne. is sensitive to high salt levels.
Cultivation Methods
Desmidorchis acutangula Decne. is a tropical plant that can be grown both in outdoor and indoor settings. It thrives in well-drained soils with adequate moisture and sunlight. If you are growing it outdoors, choose a spot that receives full sunlight or partial shade. If growing it indoors, place the plant near an east-facing window or a window that receives filtered light.
The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings or seed sowing. The stem cuttings should be taken during the growing season and should be at least 4 inches in length. Seed sowing should be done in the spring or early summer in well-draining soil mixed with organic matter.
Watering Needs
Desmidorchis acutangula Decne. requires moderate watering. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. If growing the plant in a container, ensure that there are drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
Fertilize Desmidorchis acutangula Decne. once a month with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. During the dormant season, reduce fertilization to once every two months. Be careful not to use too much fertilizer, as this can cause burning of the roots and foliage.
Pruning
Desmidorchis acutangula Decne. rarely requires pruning. However, if you notice any dead or diseased branches, remove them immediately to prevent the spread of disease. You can also prune the plant to shape it and keep it looking neat and tidy. Use a sharp and clean pair of pruning scissors to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Desmidorchis acutangula Decne.
Desmidorchis acutangula Decne. can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Asexual propagation
Asexual propagation of Desmidorchis acutangula Decne. can be done using stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem and cut a section about 6 inches long, just below a node. Remove all leaves except for the top two or three. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining soil and keep it in a warm, humid place. Keep the soil moist and watch for new growth, which should appear in a few weeks. Once the plant has established roots, it can be transplanted into a larger container or in the ground.
Sexual propagation
Desmidorchis acutangula Decne. produces seeds that can be used for propagation. Collect the seeds when they are ripe – they will turn black and easily fall from the plant when touched. Plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mix and keep them moist. Provide warm and humid conditions for germination. Germination will occur in about 7 to 14 days. Gradually acclimate the seedlings to normal conditions once they are large enough to handle. Transplant them into larger pots or in the ground when they are big enough to handle.
Disease and Pest Management of Desmidorchis acutangula Decne.
Desmidorchis acutangula Decne. is a hardy and resistant plant, but it is susceptible to some pests and diseases. Proper care and management practices can help prevent and control these issues.
Common Diseases
Desmidorchis acutangula Decne. is vulnerable to several diseases like root rot, powdery mildew, and black spot disease. Root rot is often caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. This disease can be managed by adjusting watering frequency, improving soil drainage, and using fungicides.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that can be identified by a white, powdery substance on the leaves. This disease is best prevented by ensuring good air circulation, proper spacing, and avoiding overhead watering. Infected plants can be treated using fungicides or by removing the infected leaves.
Black spot disease is a fungal infection that causes black spots to appear on the leaves. Good hygiene practices like pruning infected leaves and using fungicides can prevent and control the disease.
Common Pests
Desmidorchis acutangula Decne. is also vulnerable to pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. These pests can cause damage to leaves, flowers, and stems. Regular monitoring, early detection, and proper management can help prevent and control their spread.
Spider mites can be managed by using a strong stream of water to wash off the affected leaves or using insecticides that target the pests. Mealybugs and aphids can be removed manually or using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Prevention is the best practice for disease and pest management. Ensure proper watering, fertilization, and pruning practices, provide proper lighting and air circulation, and maintain cleanliness in your garden.
