Overview
Graphorkis emarginata (Lindl.) Kuntze, also known as Cymbidium emarginatum Lindl., is a species of orchid belonging to the family Orchidaceae. This plant is native to Madagascar and can also be found in a few neighboring countries in Africa.
Common Names
Graphorkis emarginata is commonly known as the Madagascar Spider Orchid and the Notched-Lip Spider Orchid.
Appearance
Graphorkis emarginata is a small-sized orchid that grows up to 20 cm tall. It produces several basal leaves that are narrow and elongated, measuring approximately 7 cm long and 1 cm wide. The orchid produces a single up to 6 cm long flower stalk that usually blooms in summer. The flowers have green and yellow petals with a white lip that has a notched tip and a purple center. The plant's roots are very fine and tend to attach to the surface of the growing media.
Uses
The Madagascar Spider Orchid is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant and is used mainly for decorative purposes. It is often grown in terrariums, pots, and baskets. However, this plant is also known to have medicinal properties and is used in traditional African medicine to treat various ailments such as fever.
Light Conditions
Graphorkis emarginata requires bright, filtered light to support healthy growth. However, care should be taken to avoid direct exposure to harsh sunlight as it can damage the foliage and flowers.
Temperature Conditions
The plant thrives in moderate to warm temperatures ranging between 60 and 85°F (15-29°C). During the growing season in spring and summer, temperatures just above 70°F (21°C) during the day and above 60°F (15°C) at night help in supporting optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
Graphorkis emarginata grows well in well-draining soil such as a mixture of sphagnum moss, perlite, and bark. The plant requires regular watering to ensure that the soil is consistently moist, but not waterlogged, throughout the growing season. However, care should be taken not to allow water to pool on the leaves or crown as this can result in the onset of rot and other harmful conditions.
Cultivation
The Graphorkis emarginata (Lindl.) Kuntze is a tropical orchid that requires warm temperatures and high humidity to thrive. It can be cultivated indoors in a greenhouse or outdoors in a warm and humid climate.
The orchid prefers bright, but indirect light, and it should be placed in a well-draining soil mix that allows air to circulate around the roots. It can be grown in a small container or mounted on a piece of cork or wood.
Watering Needs
The Graphorkis emarginata (Lindl.) Kuntze requires consistent moisture, but it should not be overwatered. The orchid should be watered thoroughly once a week, or when the potting mix or mount is almost dry to the touch.
It is important to not let water stand in the saucer or container, as this can lead to root rot. The orchid also benefits from occasional misting to increase humidity levels.
Fertilization
The Graphorkis emarginata (Lindl.) Kuntze should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. This should be applied at half the recommended strength to avoid burning the roots.
Fertilization should be reduced or stopped during the dormant season to allow the plant to rest.
Pruning
The Graphorkis emarginata (Lindl.) Kuntze does not require regular pruning, but spent blooms and yellow or dead leaves should be removed to promote healthy growth and prevent pest infestations.
The orchid may also benefit from occasional division of the roots to maintain healthy growth and prevent overcrowding in the container or on the mount.
Propagation of Graphorkis emarginata
Graphorkis emarginata is an epiphytic orchid that can be propagated using several methods.
Division
Division is the most common method of propagating Graphorkis emarginata. It involves separating the rhizomes and pseudobulbs of the parent plant and repotting each segment into a new container.
To divide the plant, carefully remove it from its pot and gently separate the individual segments. Ensure each segment has its own roots and pseudobulbs with at least one growth point or bud.
Plant each segment in a new container with fresh, well-draining potting mix formulated for epiphytes, such as orchid bark or sphagnum moss. Water the newly potted plant thoroughly and place it in a warm, well-lit location where it can receive indirect sunlight.
Keiki Production
Graphorkis emarginata occasionally produces keikis, or baby plants, from its nodes. These keikis can be left on the parent plant or removed and potted individually.
To propagate the keikis, carefully remove them from the parent plant once they have developed a few roots and leaves. Plant them in small containers with fresh potting mix formulated for epiphytes and water them thoroughly.
Seed Propagation
Graphorkis emarginata can also be propagated by seed, although this method is less common. Collect the seed pods from the plant when they are mature and dry.
Carefully sow the seeds in a clean, sterilized container filled with a mixture of coarse sand and peat moss. Cover the container with a clear plastic lid to retain moisture and warmth. Keep the container in a bright, warm location but out of direct sunlight.
Keep the soil moist at all times and wait for the seeds to germinate, which may take several weeks. Once the seedlings have developed two or three sets of leaves, transplant them into individual containers with fresh potting mix formulated for epiphytes.
Disease and Pest Management for Graphorkis emarginata
Graphorkis emarginata, also known as the Butterfly Orchid, is a beautiful plant that requires specific care to keep it healthy and free from diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Graphorkis emarginata is fungal infection. This can happen if the plant is overwatered or exposed to high humidity levels. Signs of fungal infection include yellow and brown spots on leaves, wilting, and rotting of plant tissue. To manage fungal infections, it is essential to improve air circulation, reduce humidity, and avoid overwatering. You can also use commercial fungicides to control fungal growth.
Another common disease that affects the Butterfly Orchid is bacterial infection. Symptoms of bacterial disease in Graphorkis emarginata include brown or black spots on leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. To manage bacterial infections, you can prune the infected parts of the plant and disinfect your tools in between cuts. You can also use copper-based fungicides to manage bacterial infections.
Common Pests
Graphorkis emarginata is also susceptible to pest infestations, with some of the most common pests including mealybugs, mites, and aphids. Mealybugs cause damage by sucking sap from the plant, while spider mites and aphids cause damage by piercing the plant tissue and feeding on sap.
To manage insect infestations in your Butterfly Orchid, you can use insecticidal soaps and oils, neem oil, or commercial insecticides. You can also prune the infected parts of the plant and discard them in the trash to prevent the spread of the infestation. Regularly inspecting your plant for signs of pest infestation is essential.
Preventive Measures
The best way to keep your Graphorkis emarginata healthy is to provide it with optimal growing conditions. This includes providing adequate sunlight, watering only when the soil is dry, ensuring good air circulation, and using a well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogging. Additionally, quarantine newly acquired plants to avoid introducing pests and diseases to your collection.
Following these disease and pest management tips will help keep your Graphorkis emarginata healthy and thriving, allowing you to enjoy its beauty for years to come.
