Diaphananthe welwitschii (Rchb.f.) Schltr.
Diaphananthe welwitschii is an orchid species that is native to Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, and Nigeria. It was first described by Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach in 1865 and was later revised by Rudolf Schlechter in 1918.
Common Names
This beautiful plant is commonly known as the Welwitsch's Diaphananthe or Welwitsch's Ghost Orchid.
General Appearance
The Diaphananthe welwitschii plant is a stunning orchid with a unique appearance. It has small, delicate, and translucent flowers that are white or greenish-white in color. The flowers grow in clusters from the base of the plant and have a sweet, fragrant scent. The leaves of the plant are thin and elongated, growing up to 10cm long. The plant is small, typically reaching heights of 5-20cm.
Uses
The Diaphananthe welwitschii plant is not commonly used in traditional medicine or for any industrial purposes. It is mainly appreciated for its ornamental value and is often cultivated as a houseplant or as part of a collection of rare and exotic orchids.
Light Requirements
Diaphananthe welwitschii thrives in bright, but indirect light. This orchid is adapted to the dappled sunlight found in the African rainforest understory. Direct sunlight can cause foliage and flower damage, so it is best to provide filtered light through a sheer curtain or latticed windows.
Temperature Requirements
This orchid prefers warm temperatures in the range of 70-85°F (21-29°C) during the day, and slightly cooler temperatures of 60-65°F (15-18°C) at night. Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can severely damage or kill the plant. Humidity levels should be between 50-70%.
Soil Requirements
Diaphananthe welwitschii is an epiphytic orchid, meaning it grows on other plants, rather than in soil. In its natural habitat, it is commonly found growing on tree trunks or branches. As such, it is best grown in a well-draining medium such as orchid bark or sphagnum moss.
Cultivation
Diaphananthe welwitschii is an epiphytic orchid species native to the humid forests of Angola. It is a delicate plant that thrives in dappled shade with high humidity levels. This orchid requires special attention when it comes to potting because it requires excellent aeration. Therefore, it is recommended to grow Diaphananthe welwitschii in either a wooden basket or mounted on a piece of wood or bark.
Watering Needs
Diaphananthe welwitschii prefers frequent but light watering. The medium should be allowed to dry partially before the next watering. This orchid does well with misting or placing the pot on a tray of damp pebbles to create the necessary ambient moisture.
Fertilization
Diaphananthe welwitschii is a light feeder, thus applying a weak fertilizer solution every two weeks or a quarter-strength fertilizer solution weekly can provide the necessary nutrition for healthy growth. Avoid fertilizing when the plant is dry to avoid burning the roots.
Pruning
Diaphananthe welwitschii does not require regular pruning, but removing any damaged or yellowing leaves will promote new growth. Also, the flower spikes should be pruned after flowering and when they have completely dried out. This practice helps to promote the production of new spikes from the pseudobulbs.
Propagation of Diaphananthe welwitschii
Diaphananthe welwitschii can be propagated through two main methods: division and seed propagation. Both methods can be quite successful, given the right conditions.
Division
Division is the easiest and most reliable method for propagating Diaphananthe welwitschii. This method involves dividing up an established plant into smaller sections, each with its own set of roots and growth points.
To divide a plant, gently remove it from its pot and carefully separate the individual sections before replanting them in their own pots. Be sure to use a sharp, clean knife to prevent damage to the roots. Dividing the plant when it is actively growing will give the new plants the best chance of success.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation can be more challenging than division, but it allows for greater genetic diversity among the resulting plants. To propagate Diaphananthe welwitschii from seed, start by collecting the seed pods when they are ripe. The seed pods should be dry and brown, and the seeds should be small and black.
Clean the seeds thoroughly and prepare a seedling mix of equal parts perlite, vermiculite, and sphagnum moss. Sow the seeds thinly on top of the mix, cover them with a thin layer of the seedling mix, and gently mist with water.
Place the seedlings in a warm, humid environment with bright, indirect light. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not too wet. Once the seedlings have developed several leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots using a standard orchid mix.
Disease Management
Diaphananthe welwitschii is generally a healthy plant, but it may suffer from root rot due to overwatering or poorly-draining soil. To prevent root rot, ensure that the soil is well-draining and that the plant is not overwatered. In case of root rot, remove the affected parts of the plant and repot it in fresh, well-draining soil.
Pest Management
The plant may be attacked by mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests can suck the sap out of the plant, leading to stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage these pests, ensure the plant is regularly inspected for any signs of infestation. In case of an infestation, remove the affected parts of the plant and treat with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Regularly cleaning the plant with a damp cloth or a gentle shower can also help prevent pest infestations.
