Introduction
Dichaelia pygmaea Schltr. is a species of orchid that belongs to the family Orchidaceae. The plant is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly found in Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. It is a small and delicate plant that is highly valued for its beauty and medicinal properties.
Common Names
The plant is known by several common names, including Dwarf Dichaelia, Pygmy Dichaelia, and Chao Praya Jewel Orchid. In Thailand, it is called "Aoon Tawan" which translates to "Sunshine Orchid".
Appearance
Dichaelia pygmaea Schltr. is a small and delicate plant that grows up to 10 cm tall. It has thin stem and delicate shiny leaves that are dark green with black markings. The leaves are lance-shaped and grow in a rosette. The plant produces small, delicate, and fragrant flowers that are pale pink in color with a dark pink center. The flowers are about 1 cm in diameter and bloom in the winter months.
Uses
The plant is highly valued for its beauty and is often grown as an ornamental plant. It is also used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments such as coughs, asthma, and fever. The roots of the plant are used to make a tea that is believed to have healing properties. The plant is also used in perfumes and as a fragrant ingredient in cosmetics.
Light Requirements
Dichaelia pygmaea Schltr. is a shade-loving plant that thrives well in partial sunlight. Therefore, it is ideal to grow them in partially shaded areas or under tree canopies. Direct sunlight can be harmful to their growth, causing leaves to wilt and turn yellow.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for Dichaelia pygmaea Schltr. to grow is between 15°C to 30°C. They can grow in moderately cold temperatures, but frost can damage their leaves, causing them to die. Therefore, it is best to avoid exposing them to extremely low temperatures below 10°C.
Soil Requirements
Dichaelia pygmaea Schltr. thrives well in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil's pH level should be mildly acidic ranging from 5.0 to 6.5. It is best to use loamy soil, which will allow for good drainage and aeration. The soil should also be moist but not excessively wet, especially during the winter season, as this can cause root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Dichaelia Pygmaea Schltr.
Dichaelia pygmaea Schltr. is a small plant species that is native to Central and South America. When cultivating this plant, it is essential to mimic its natural habitat to encourage growth and overall health. It is best to grow this plant in a terrarium or a greenhouse environment where the temperature range should be between 60-80?. The environment should have high humidity levels as this will ensure the plant's survival.
Watering Needs for Dichaelia Pygmaea Schltr.
When watered, Dichaelia pygmaea Schltr. should be watered by soaking the soil as its natural habitat is damp rainforests. Alternatively, misting the plant is also an effective way to keep the plant hydrated.
Fertilization for Dichaelia Pygmaea Schltr.
It is best to use a specific fertilizer for epiphytes or air plants to adequately nourish the plant. Applying a general-purpose fertilizer can be harmful to the plant, so it's best to avoid unless the plant shows signs of nutrient deficiency.
Pruning for Dichaelia Pygmaea Schltr.
It is advised to keep pruning minimal, such as removing dead leaves or trimming the plant's roots every year. Additionally, the plant should be repotted every two to three years to ensure its roots do not become overcrowded.
Propagation of Dichaelia pygmaea Schltr.
Propagation of Dichaelia pygmaea Schltr., commonly known as the Pygmy Dichaelia, is typically done through seed propagation or vegetative propagation, depending on the availability of parent plants.
Seed Propagation
Seeds of Dichaelia pygmaea Schltr. are relatively easy to obtain, and they can be purchased from specialist nurseries. For this propagation method, it is essential to choose fresh, mature seeds that are free from disease and pests. Sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix, cover them lightly with soil, and maintain a humid environment by covering them with a transparent plastic film. Keep the seeds moist but not wet, and place them in a warm and bright location. It takes about 2 to 4 weeks for the seeds to germinate.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is another common method of propagating Dichaelia pygmaea Schltr., and it involves taking cuttings from a parent plant and rooting them to produce new plants. This method is ideal when the parent plant has desirable characteristics, such as a better size or color than the offspring she produces by seed.
The best time to take cuttings is in the early spring, when the plant is just starting to actively grow. Choose a healthy-looking stem that is not too woody and cut it off from the parent plant with a sharp and sterile knife. Remove the lower leaves and cut the remaining leaves in half to reduce the leaf surface area. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant the cutting in a potting mix that is well-draining and moist. Cover it with a transparent film to maintain humidity and provide bright but not direct sunlight.
It takes several weeks for the cuttings to root and start producing new growth. Once they have developed enough roots and new growth, they can be potted in their own individual pots and grown on as new plants.
Both seed and vegetative propagation can be successful ways to propagate Dichaelia pygmaea Schltr., allowing gardeners and horticulturists to grow new plant specimens efficiently and sustainably.
Disease Management for Dichaelia pygmaea Schltr.
Dichaelia pygmaea Schltr. is a relatively hardy species, but like all other plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases that can affect the plant and ways to manage them.
1. Powdery Mildew
This disease is caused by a fungal pathogen that manifests as a white powdery coating on the plant's leaves, stems, and flowers. It's prevalent in warm, damp conditions and spreads rapidly if not controlled. To manage this disease, you should:
- Avoid overhead watering
- Prune infected plant parts to promote better air circulation
- Use fungicides to control the spread of the disease.
2. Pythium Root Rot
Pythium is a soil-borne fungal disease that thrives in excessively moist soil and is prevalent in hydroponic setups. It attacks the plant's roots and causes them to rot and decay. To prevent this disease, avoid overwatering and fertilize sparingly.
3. Root Rot
Root rot is also a fungal disease that causes the plant's roots to rot, leading to wilting, yellowing leaves, and eventual death if not treated. To control root rot, avoid overwatering, and ensure that the soil is well-drained. You can also use fungicides to manage the disease.
Pest Management for Dichaelia pygmaea Schltr.
Several pests can attack Dichaelia pygmaea Schltr., causing damage to the plant's leaves, flowers, and stem. Here are common pests and ways to manage them.
1. Aphids
Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that feed on the sap of plants. They cause wilting, stunted plant growth, and yellowing of leaves. To manage aphids, you can:
- Use insecticides to kill the pests
- Introduce natural predators like ladybirds and lacewings to feed on the pests
2. Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny, eight-legged arachnids that feed on the undersides of leaves. They're most prevalent in hot, dry conditions and cause severe damage to the plant if left unchecked. To manage spider mites, you can:
- Use miticides to kill the pests
- Introduce natural predators like ladybirds to feed on the pests
3. Whiteflies
Whiteflies look like tiny, moth-like insects that feed on the sap of plants. They cause weakening of the plant, yellowing of leaves, and black sooty mold on the plant's surface. To manage whiteflies, you can:
- Use insecticidal soap to kill the pests
- Introduce natural predators like ladybirds and lacewings to feed on the pests
