Overview
Dichaea muricata auct. non (Sw.) Lindl. p.p. is a plant species belonging to the Orchidaceae family. It is commonly known as the Thorny Dichaea or the Spiny Dichaea. The plant has unique physical features that distinguish it from the other orchid species.
Origin
The Thorny Dichaea is native to the tropical regions of South America, including Brazil, Colombia, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Common Names
The plant has numerous common names, including Thorny Dichaea, Spiny Dichaea, and Bifurcated Dichaea.
Appearance
The Thorny Dichaea plant is small, with no more than 20 cm in height. It has a creeping or pendent growth habit, with a stem that bears leaves and flowers. The leaves are small, measuring between 10 to 15 mm in length, and they are narrow and pointed. The plant has a unique feature of spiny hairs that cover both the leaves and stem.
The flowers of the Thorny Dichaea are pink or purple and are about 8–11 mm wide. The flowers are singular, meaning one flower grows on one stem, and they grow in clusters of one to three.
Uses
The Thorny Dichaea plant is not used for medicinal purposes. Some growers cultivate it as an ornamental house plant because of its unique physical features.
Light Requirements
Dichaea muricata requires moderate to high light levels for healthy growth. It is best suited for growing in bright, filtered light conditions. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, leading to foliage damage or even death of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Dichaea muricata is between 21°C and 29°C. The plant can tolerate slightly lower temperatures, but it should be protected from frost as it can be severely damaged by freezing temperatures. In cold climates, it is best grown indoors or in a greenhouse.
Soil Requirements
Dichaea muricata is an epiphytic orchid that does not require soil. Instead, it prefers a well-draining, moisture-retaining growing medium such as sphagnum moss, bark, or a mixture of both. The roots of the plant should not be allowed to dry out, but waterlogged conditions can cause root rot and other diseases.
Cultivation Method
Dichaea muricata auct. non (Sw.) Lindl. p.p. is an epiphytic orchid that originates from tropical regions, mainly found in the Caribbean, tropical America, and South Florida. It thrives in bright but indirect sunlight and high humidity levels. Therefore, cultivating it indoors next to a window ensuring the room's humidity level is maintained at 50% or above and occasional misting could do it well.
Watering Needs
Dichaea muricata auct. non (Sw.) Lindl. p.p. requires regular watering to thrive mainly during the summer active growth phase and cut back in the winter during the dormant phase. Additionally, the water used to irrigate should be natural or distilled and not chlorinated, which can inhibit the growth due to buildup salts. It is recommendable to water the orchid once or twice a week, depending on the humidity level and season.
Fertilization
The best way to fertilize this orchid is by using a complete balanced fertilizer in a half-strength solution. Fertilization is done weekly during the active growth period in summer and reduced to about once a fortnight or month in the winter. Also, ensure proper drainage of the media to reduce buildup salt in the growing container.
Pruning
Dichaea muricata auct. non (Sw.) Lindl. p.p. requires little pruning as they grow only to an average of 20 cm height. However, when there are signs of the yellowing of leaves, it is recommendable to prune them off immediately to avoid dead leaves affecting the rest of the orchids. Also, some growers prefer to cut off the spent bloom spike to encourage more growth and flowering.
Propagation of Dichaea muricata
Dichaea muricata auct. non (Sw.) Lindl. p.p., also known as the prickly Dichaea, is an epiphytic orchid species native to Central and South America. Propagating this plant species can be a challenge, but it is possible with the right techniques.
Propagation Methods
Propagation of Dichaea muricata can be done through both sexual and asexual means.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Dichaea muricata can be obtained from mature fruits. The seeds should be sown in a nutrient-rich growing medium. The best time to sow the seeds is in spring or summer, and they should be kept moist and warm until germination, which might take several weeks. However, it is important to note that seed propagation is not always successful due to the high level of specificity the plant requires to grow from seed.
Asexual Propagation
A better way to propagate Dichaea muricata is through vegetative means. This can be done through division, backbulb propagation, or keiki formation.
Division
Division involves separating the plant's rhizomes into smaller sections, each with a few pseudobulbs. Each section can be potted up into a new container with a suitable growing medium. This propagation method is best done in spring when new growth is starting.
Backbulb propagation
Backbulb propagation involves separating a mature bulb from the parent plant and allowing it to develop into a new plant. This method is best done during repotting when the parent plant has outgrown its original container.
Keiki formation
Keiki formation is the natural process by which new plantlets form on the parent plant's flower spikes. These plantlets are genetically identical to the parent plant and can be separated once they have developed roots and several leaves. The plantlet is then potted up into a new container.
Propagation of Dichaea muricata can be quite challenging but by using the right techniques, a grower can significantly boost their collection of this unique and beautiful orchid species.
Disease and Pest Management for Dichaea muricata
Dichaea muricata is not known to be highly susceptible to any particular disease, but it can be affected by several common pest and disease issues.
Common Diseases:
One issue that may affect Dichaea muricata plants is fungus. Fungal diseases can be a common problem for many species of plants, particularly in areas of high humidity. To manage fungal diseases, avoid overwatering the plant, ensure proper ventilation, and remove infected leaves or stems as soon as they are identified.
Common Pests:
Several pests can also affect Dichaea muricata plants. Thrips, in particular, are a common pest of orchids. These tiny insects feed on the leaves and flowers of the plants, causing damage and potentially spreading diseases. To control thrips, use insecticidal soap or neem oil and regularly remove infested leaves or flowers.
Another common pest that may affect Dichaea muricata is spider mites. These small arachnids can cause damage to the leaves and stems of the plant, leading to yellowing and death. To manage spider mites, regularly dust the leaves with a damp cloth or spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Finally, mealybugs can also be a problem for Dichaea muricata. These small insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause wilting and stunted growth. To control mealybugs, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, and remove infected leaves or stems as soon as they are identified.
Regularly monitoring the plant and maintaining a clean growing environment can also help prevent pest and disease problems before they occur.
