Overview:
Diaphananthe fragrantissima (Rchb.f.) Schltr. is an epiphytic orchid species belonging to the family Orchidaceae. The plant is also commonly known as the Fragrant Diaphananthe or the Scented Diaphananthe.
Origin:
Diaphananthe fragrantissima is native to tropical Africa, particularly in the countries of Cameroon, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
General Appearance:
Diaphananthe fragrantissima has a small and compact growth habit, with a rhizome that produces up to six leaves. The leaves are narrow, flat, and elongated, measuring up to 7cm in length and 0.4cm in width. The plant produces an upright inflorescence that can grow up to 15cm in length, bearing up to six flowers. The flowers are small, measuring up to 1.4cm in diameter, with white petals and sepals that are sometimes tinged with pink or purplish-red. The lip is tri-lobed and has a distinctive purple-red coloration. It has a pleasant and strong fragrance that is usually most intense in the early evening or at night.
Uses:
Diaphananthe fragrantissima is primarily grown for its ornamental value, prized for its attractive foliage and beautiful flowers that produce a pleasant fragrance. The plant is commonly cultivated as a houseplant or in greenhouses.
Growth Conditions for Diaphananthe fragrantissima (Rchb.f.) Schltr.
Light Requirements: Diaphananthe fragrantissima requires bright but indirect light to grow. It can thrive in moderate to high light conditions, but direct exposure to sunlight can damage the leaves.
Temperature Requirements: This plant prefers warm and humid temperatures, ideally between 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C). It is important to avoid sudden temperature changes or extreme cold temperatures as they can harm the plant.
Air Humidity: Diaphananthe fragrantissima requires high levels of humidity to grow. Ideally, humidity levels should be around 50% to 80%. Place a humidifier near the plant or group with other plants to increase humidity levels.
Soil Requirements: Diaphananthe fragrantissima doesn't require soil as it's an epiphytic plant. Instead, it thrives in a well-draining and airy potting mix that can provide enough moisture without retaining too much water. Orchid mixes containing bark, sphagnum moss, perlite, and charcoal are optimal for this plant.
Watering Requirements: Water Diaphananthe fragrantissima when the potting mix feels dry to the touch. This plant dislikes standing water, and its roots may rot if the potting mix stays wet for too long. Water infrequently in winter when the plant goes dormant.
Fertilizer Requirements: Feed Diaphananthe fragrantissima with a balanced fertilizer at 1/4 strength every two weeks during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during winter.
Cultivation methods
Diaphananthe fragrantissima is a warm-growing epiphyte that requires bright but filtered light. It thrives in high humidity conditions and should be grown in a well-draining medium such as orchid bark or sphagnum moss. This plant also prefers temperatures between 18 to 28°C (65 to 82°F) and should be protected from direct sun to avoid leaf burn.
Watering needs
It is essential to keep Diaphananthe fragrantissima moist, but not waterlogged, during the growing season. Water the plant when the potting mix starts to dry out, but make sure to avoid letting the roots dry out. During the winter dormancy period, reduce watering but do not completely stop as the plant still requires some level of moisture.
Fertilization
Diaphananthe fragrantissima should be fertilized with a balanced orchid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Be careful not to over-fertilize as this can damage the roots. As a general rule, it is best to use a weaker solution than what is recommended on the fertilizer package.
Pruning
Pruning is not typically necessary for Diaphananthe fragrantissima. However, it is essential to remove any dead or damaged leaves to maintain the plant's health. It is also advisable to cut back any flowers that have finished blooming to encourage the plant to produce more blooms.
Propagation of Diaphananthe fragrantissima
Diaphananthe fragrantissima (Rchb.f.) Schltr. can be propagated through two methods - division and seed propagation.
Division
The plant can be divided during the repotting process. The plant must be removed from the pot and gently separate the pseudobulbs. Be sure to keep the roots intact. Each division must have at least 3 pseudobulbs with well-developed roots. The newly divided plants should be placed in new containers with fresh soil and watered thoroughly.
Seed propagation
Diaphananthe fragrantissima (Rchb.f.) Schltr. can be propagated by seeds. The seeds should be planted in warm and moist conditions. The container must be kept at a temperature of about 25°C during the day and 20°C during the night. Germination may take anywhere from 1 to 8 weeks, depending on the conditions. Once the seedlings are large enough to be transplanted, they should be moved into individual containers with orchid-specific soil and given appropriate light and moisture.
Disease and Pest Management of Diaphananthe fragrantissima
Diaphananthe fragrantissima is known for its beautiful and fragrant flowers. However, like any other plant, it is prone to diseases and attacks from pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
DISEASES
Bacterial Blight: Bacterial blight is caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas cichorii. It causes water-soaked lesions on leaves and flowers, which turn brown and dry out. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts, avoid watering the leaves, and use copper-based fungicides.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum. It causes sunken, dark lesions on leaves, and flowers, which dry out, shrivel, and fall off. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and use copper-based fungicides.
Black Spot: Blackspot is caused by the fungus Ascochyta diaphananthe. It causes black spots on leaves and flowers, which lead to leaf drop, and poor flowering. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and use copper-based fungicides.
PESTS
Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that suck sap from leaves and flowers, causing them to turn pale and deformed. They also transmit viruses. To manage this pest, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil, and remove and destroy infested plant parts.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that suck sap from leaves, causing them to turn yellow and dry out. They also spin webs on the plant. To manage this pest, spray the plant with a strong jet of water, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small insects that look like white cottony masses on leaves and flowers. They suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and leaf drop. To manage this pest, remove and destroy infested plant parts, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil, and apply rubbing alcohol to the affected areas.
With appropriate disease and pest management, you can enjoy the beauty and fragrance of Diaphananthe fragrantissima for a long time.
