Introduction: Habenaria lewallei auct.
Habenaria lewallei auct., also known as Lewalle's orchid, is a species of flowering plant in the family Orchidaceae. This orchid species is native to the African tropical and subtropical regions, mainly found in Cameroon, Gabon and Congo. It is a terrestrial or epiphytic orchid species that can thrive in wetlands and rainforests.
Appearance:
The Habenaria lewallei auct. plant can grow up to 20-30 cm in height. The leaves of this orchid species are green, oval shaped and arranged alternately along the stem. The flowers of this orchid species are unique, with a long spur extending from the back of the flower, ranging from green to red or pink. The flowers bloom in the summer, and each inflorescence can bear up to 15-25 flowers that are arranged in a raceme-like spike.
Common names:
Habenaria lewallei auct. is commonly known as Lewalle's orchid, African orchid, or African butterfly orchid. This orchid species is also known as the "hummingbird orchid" due to the shape of its flowers, which resembles the beak and head of hummingbirds.
Uses:
Due to its unique appearance, Habenaria lewallei auct. is highly valued in the horticulture trade as an ornamental plant. It is well suited for growing in a greenhouse or indoors as a potted plant. This orchid species is also used in traditional medicine in some parts of Africa, where its roots are used to treat various ailments, including coughs, colds, and fever.
Additionally, Habenaria lewallei auct. plays a crucial role in its ecosystem as a food source for various pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
Growth Conditions for Habenaria Lewallei Auct.
Light: Habenaria lewallei auct. is a shade-loving plant that prefers to grow under filtered sunlight. It can tolerate full sunlight but only for a short period. The plant can be grown indoors under fluorescent light or in a greenhouse with 50% shade cloth.
Temperature: This species can grow in tropical and subtropical regions with a temperature range of 20-30°C (68-86°F). For successful growth, a relative humidity of 60-80% is essential. The temperature should not drop below 15°C (59°F) at night as it may lead to stunted growth and yellowing of leaves.
Soil: Habenaria lewallei auct. prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, between 5.5-6.5. The plant can be grown in a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and pine bark. Addition of dolomite lime can help maintain the soil pH.
Water: The plant likes to be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and wilting. The frequency of watering will depend on the humidity and temperature of the growing environment, but as a general rule, this species can be watered once a week.
Fertilizer: It is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 20-20-20 during active growth. Feed the plant every two weeks during the growing season, but avoid using fertilizers during the dormant period.
Propagation: Habenaria lewallei auct. can be propagated by dividing bulbs or by seed. Seed germination can take up to three months. Once they have grown large enough, they can be transplanted into their permanent pots or containers.
Cultivation methods for Habenaria Lewallei
Habenaria Lewallei is a terrestrial orchid that is mainly grown as a potted plant or in the garden. To start the cultivation process, use a fertile, well-draining potting mix or soil. The pH of the soil should range between 5.5 and 6.5, which is slightly acidic. To increase the humidity around the plant, use a humidity tray or a cover to keep the soil moist.
Watering Needs for Habenaria Lewallei
The watering requirements of Habenaria Lewallei tend to be moderate. Water the plant deeply and consistently, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top half-inch of soil to dry out before applying water again. Beware of overwatering, as it can lead to root rot or fungal diseases. In addition, avoid getting water on the leaves, flowers, and stems, as this can encourage diseases.
Fertilization of Habenaria Lewallei
Fertilize Habenaria Lewallei every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. Use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen during the vegetative phase and high in phosphorus during the flowering season. Applying too much fertilizer can burn the roots, so be cautious when using it. It's also a good idea to use organic fertilizers as well as compost to nourish the soil.
Pruning Habenaria Lewallei
Pruning Habenaria Lewallei is a significant step in maintaining a beautiful and healthy plant. After the flowers have finished blooming, remove the stalks and any yellow or brown leaves to prevent mold from forming on the plant. Cut the stalk near the bottom to encourage new growth. This pruning helps to keep the plant healthy and encourages it to produce new flowers.
Propagation of Habenaria Lewallei
Habenaria Lewallei, also known as the white bog orchid, can be propagated through two main methods - division and seed propagation.
Division
Division is the simplest and most commonly used method for propagating Habenaria Lewallei. It involves dividing the plant into several pieces, each containing a portion of the rhizome and several healthy shoots. The best time to divide Habenaria Lewallei is in spring or fall when the plant is dormant.
To divide the plant, carefully dig up the rhizomes and cut them into sections using a clean, sharp knife. Each section should have at least one healthy shoot and a portion of the rhizome attached. Plant the divided sections immediately in moist soil, ensuring that the shoots are just below the soil surface.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation of Habenaria Lewallei is much more challenging than division, as the plant requires specific conditions to germinate and grow. Sow the seeds as soon as they are ripe in a potting mix that is rich in organic matter and evenly moist. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and gently mist the surface with water. Keep the soil evenly moist and warm, ideally between 21-24°C, until germination occurs.
It may take several weeks or months for the seeds to germinate, so patience is key. Once the seedlings have emerged, gradually reduce the humidity levels and increase the amount of light and air circulation in their environment. When the seedlings have developed several healthy leaves, transplant them into individual containers or into the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Habenaria Lewallei
Habenaria Lewallei is a beautiful orchid species that is native to Southeast Asia and is admired for its unique flowers. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to some diseases and pests that can damage it, but with good management practices, its health can be maintained.
Common Diseases
The most common disease affecting Habenaria Lewallei is leaf spot, which is caused by either a fungal or bacterial infection. Leaf spots are small, circular, or irregularly shaped lesions on leaves and flowers. They can be brown, black, or yellow and can affect the entire plant. To manage this disease, the affected plant parts should be removed and destroyed immediately, and fungicides or bactericides should be applied to prevent the spread of the disease.
Habenaria Lewallei can also be affected by root rot, which is caused by fungal infection. The fungus invades the roots, causing them to rot and ultimately affect the whole plant. To manage root rot, it is essential to ensure that the soil is well-drained and that the plant is not overwatered. Application of fungicides can also be helpful.
Common Pests
The most common insect pests that affect Habenaria Lewallei are spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests suck sap from the plant, causing it to wilt and turn yellow or brown. To manage these pests, regular inspections should be done, and if detected, insecticidal soap or neem oil should be applied. In severe cases, systemic insecticides may be used.
Fungal gnats are also common pests that can affect Habenaria Lewallei, especially when growing in damp soil. They are attracted to moist soil and lay their eggs in it. The larvae feed on the plant roots and can cause significant damage. To manage fungus gnats, it is best to allow the soil to dry between watering and reduce the overall moisture content. Sticky traps can help to catch adult gnats, and insecticidal treatments can control larvae.
In conclusion, good disease and pest management practices such as regular inspections, proper watering, and application of insecticides or fungicides when necessary will ensure Habenaria Lewallei stays healthy and beautiful.
