Overview:
Dichaelia breviflora Schltr. subsp. pygmaea (Schltr.) Schltr., commonly known as Dwarf Dichaelia, is a rare species of perennial herb that belongs to the Orchidaceae family. This plant is native to the high altitude regions of Ecuador.
General appearance:
The plant has fleshy roots, and the stems are usually erect and grow up to 5 cm tall. The leaves are grass-like and measure up to 2 cm in length. The flowers are small, pale green, and occur in inflorescences of up to 5 flowers per spike. The plant blooms from September to November.
Uses:
The Dwarf Dichaelia does not have any known medicinal or culinary uses. However, the plant is endangered due to habitat loss and fragmentation. As such, the plant is protected under Ecuadorian law. There are ongoing conservation efforts to protect this rare species, which is considered an indicator of high-altitude cloud forest ecosystems.
Light Requirements
Dichaelia breviflora Schltr. subsp. pygmaea (Schltr.) Schltr. is a low-growing orchid that requires bright, indirect light. This species thrives in partially shaded areas such as the understory of trees. Direct sunlight may cause leaf burns or damage to the plant.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to the high-altitude areas of Papua New Guinea, where the temperature is cool and ranges from 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, Dichaelia breviflora subsp. pygmaea requires cool temperatures to thrive. A daytime temperature range of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and a nighttime temperature range of 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. This species cannot tolerate extreme heat or cold.
Soil Requirements
This orchid has a specific soil mix requirement. Dichaelia breviflora subsp. pygmaea grows well in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. This species prefers a mix of sphagnum moss, perlite, and bark. The soil must provide good drainage and aeration, preventing waterlogging, and root rot. A pH range of 5.5 to 6.0 is ideal for this species.
Cultivation
Dichaelia breviflora Schltr. subsp. pygmaea (Schltr.) Schltr., also known as Pygmy Dichaelia, is a rare and delicate plant species that requires a very specific set of conditions to thrive. It is native to Madagascar and grows in high elevations in the rainforest. Therefore, to cultivate this plant in your garden, replicate the natural habitat of the Pygmy Dichaelia as much as possible. Choose a shaded area in your garden that receives dappled sunlight and has well-draining soil.
Watering Needs
The Pygmy Dichaelia requires consistent and moist soil. Water your plant regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely and always water at the base of the plant to prevent water from getting on the leaves, which can promote fungal diseases. Water your Pygmy Dichaelia in the early morning or late afternoon to prevent water loss due to excessive evaporation.
Fertilization
Provide your Pygmy Dichaelia with regular feedings of a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer. Nitrogen can cause the plant to grow too rapidly, which can affect the quality of the blooms. Apply the fertilizer during the growing season in spring and summer, and reduce the frequency of feedings in fall and winter. Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the amount and frequency of application.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the Pygmy Dichaelia, but it can help to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves and stems as soon as you notice them. Use sharp, sterile pruning shears to make clean cuts and minimize the risk of infection. Avoid pruning during the dormant season, as this can harm the plant and interfere with blooming.
Propagation of Dichaelia breviflora Schltr. subsp. pygmaea
Dichaelia breviflora Schltr. subsp. pygmaea can be propagated through various methods. Some of the common propagation methods are discussed below:
Seeds
Seeds are the most common method of propagation for Dichaelia breviflora Schltr. subsp. pygmaea. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mixture, and kept moist until germination occurs. It is important to note that Dichaelia breviflora Schltr. subsp. pygmaea seeds have a short shelf-life and should be sowed as soon as possible after harvesting.
Cuttings
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Dichaelia breviflora Schltr. subsp. pygmaea. Softwood cuttings should be taken from new growth in the spring and should be placed in a well-draining soil mixture. They should be kept moist and in a warm location until they root.
Division
Division can be used to propagate Dichaelia breviflora Schltr. subsp. pygmaea. The plant should be carefully dug up and divided into smaller sections, each with established roots. These smaller sections should be replanted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist until they become established.
Layering
Layering can also be used to propagate Dichaelia breviflora Schltr. subsp. pygmaea. A low branch of the plant should be bent down and a section of it covered with soil. Once roots have developed, the branch can be cut away from the mother plant and transplanted to a new location.
Disease Management
Dichaelia breviflora subsp. pygmaea is generally a hardy plant with few disease problems. However, in some cases, the plant may be susceptible to fungal diseases like powdery mildew and leaf spot.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that may affect the leaves and stems of Dichaelia breviflora subsp. pygmaea. The disease appears as white, powdery growth on the leaf surface. To manage this disease, you can prune infected branches and increase air circulation around the plant by pruning adjacent plants.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is another fungal disease that causes circular brown or black spots on the leaves of Dichaelia breviflora subsp. pygmaea. To manage this disease, you can avoid overhead watering and remove infected leaves from the plant.
Pest Management
Dichaelia breviflora subsp. pygmaea is also relatively pest-resistant. However, some pests that might affect the plant are spider mites, aphids, and thrips.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that create a web-like substance on the plant. They suck sap from the leaves and can cause yellowing and stunted growth of the plant. To manage spider mites, you can regularly spray the plant with water to increase humidity and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. They cause curling and yellowing of leaves and can also transmit viruses to the plant. To manage aphids, you can remove the infected parts of the plant and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that damage the leaves by creating scars on them. They also cause the leaves to curl and distort. To manage thrips, you can remove the affected parts of the plant and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regularly inspecting the plant for any signs of disease or pest infestations is always a good practice. Early detection and management can help prevent any significant damage to the plant.
