Overview
Hexalectris spicata (Walt.) Barnh. var. arizonica (S. Wats.) Catling & Engel is a beautiful, rare, and native orchid species that belongs to the Orchidaceae family. It is commonly known as the Arizona crested coralroot orchid and is recognized for its showy appearance that adds to the beauty of its natural habitat. This orchid species is popular among botanists and orchid enthusiasts due to its unique morphology and distribution.Origin
The Hexalectris spicata (Walt.) Barnh. var. arizonica (S. Wats.) Catling & Engel is a native orchid species to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The plant is distributed in the desert regions of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma. It prefers to grow in dry, rocky, and sandy habitats cluttered with bushes and trees.Common Names
The Hexalectris spicata (Walt.) Barnh. var. arizonica (S. Wats.) Catling & Engel is commonly referred to as the Arizona crested coralroot orchid due to its coral-like inflorescence that forms at the top of the plant.General Appearance
The Arizona crested coralroot orchid has a unique morphology that makes it stand out from other orchid species. The plant has a stem that reaches 15-45 cm in height, with a few basal leaves that grow between 5-15 cm long and 0.6-1 cm wide. It rarely produces chlorophyll, and its reddish-brown stem contains mycotrophic roots that allow it to absorb nutrients from fungi in the soil. The inflorescence of the Arizona crested coralroot orchid forms at the top of the plant and comprises a cluster of 10-15 pinkish-lavender flowers that bloom from late May to early August. The flowers have a crested, hooded lip, and a long spur that points upwards and is 1-2 cm long. The orchid produces a capsule fruit that is filled with tiny seeds that can easily be dispersed by the wind.Uses
The Hexalectris spicata (Walt.) Barnh. var. arizonica (S. Wats.) Catling & Engel is a rare species that has been listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Due to its unique morphology and declining populations, the plant has become a popular subject of study among botanists and researchers. Conservationists also prioritize the protection of this orchid species by ensuring its natural habitat is preserved. The plant has no known medicinal uses, but it adds to the beauty of the ecosystem it inhabits.Light Requirements
Hexalectris spicata var. arizonica is an orchid that prefers to grow in filtered light or partial shade. Direct sunlight may cause the plant to dry out and wilt. Therefore, it is best to place it in an area where it can receive light but is protected from intense sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in warm to hot temperatures ranging from 80-90°F (27-32°C) during the day and can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) during the night. However, it is important to keep the plant away from cold drafts or sudden drops in temperature, which may cause the plant to go into dormancy.
Soil Requirements
Hexalectris spicata var. arizonica prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, as excess water may cause the roots to rot. Orchid bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite are good soil options for this plant. It is essential to ensure that the roots have enough air circulation.
Cultivation of Hexalectris spicata var. arizonica
Hexalectris spicata var. arizonica thrives in a soil mixture that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and pine bark is recommended for optimal growth. It is also important to choose a location that receives partial shade. These orchids prefer a slightly acidic pH level of 5.5 to 6.5.
Watering Needs
Watering this orchid can be tricky as it prefers to remain slightly dry. However, the roots should not be allowed to dry out completely. To determine when the orchid needs watering, gently press your finger into the soil, and if it feels dry to the touch, water the plant thoroughly. During the wintertime, when the orchid is dormant, reduce watering significantly.
Fertilization
The orchid should be fertilized during the growing season, from spring through early fall. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 20-20-20 should be used, diluted to half strength. Fertilize every two weeks, taking care to water the plant before and after feeding. Avoid fertilizing the orchid during the winter months when it is dormant.
Pruning
Pruning Hexalectris spicata var. arizonica is not necessary. The plant naturally loses its leaves during the winter months and regenerates new growth in the springtime. Any leaves that become yellow or brown can be trimmed away with sanitized scissors to improve the orchid's overall appearance.
Propagation of Hexalectris spicata (Walt.) Barnh. var. arizonica (S. Wats.) Catling & Engel
Hexalectris spicata (Walt.) Barnh. var. arizonica (S. Wats.) Catling & Engel, commonly known as the Arizona crested coralroot, is a terrestrial orchid native to the United States. The plant has small, pale-pink or white flowers that are arranged in a spike-like inflorescence. It is a challenging plant to propagate as it is a mycoheterotroph, which means it obtains its nutrients from mycorrhizal fungi.
Seed Propagation
The most common way to propagate Hexalectris spicata var. arizonica is through seeds. The seeds can be collected from mature seed capsules of the parent plant after they have dried and turned brown. This usually occurs in late summer or early fall. The collected seeds can then be sown on a potting mixture containing sterilized soil and decomposed organic matter. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not too wet. The germination of the seeds usually occurs after three to four months. The young plants should be kept under low to medium light and warm temperatures.
Division
Division is also a propagation method for Hexalectris spicata var. arizonica, but it is not recommended due to its small size and the risk of damaging the plant. It is better to delay the division until the plant has grown for several years and has developed a large clump. When dividing, it is important to keep the mycorrhizal roots intact and replant the new sections in a soil mix containing decomposed organic matter.
Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is another method for propagating Hexalectris spicata var. arizonica, which involves growing plant tissues under sterile conditions on laboratory media. This is the most reliable propagation method, and it allows for the production of large numbers of plants with high genetic uniformity. The process starts with collecting small sections of actively growing tissues from the parent plant and sterilizing them in a bleach solution. The sterilized tissue is then cultured on laboratory media that contains a balanced nutrient mix and plant hormones. The plants that emerge from the tissue culture are transplanted into soil mix after several weeks and acclimated to greenhouse conditions.
Disease and Pest Management for Hexalectris spicata (Walt.) Barnh. var. arizonica (S. Wats.) Catling & Engel
Hexalectris spicata (Walt.) Barnh. var. arizonica (S. Wats.) Catling & Engel, also known as Arizona crested coralroot, is a terrestrial orchid that can be found in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. While this plant is generally low maintenance, it can be susceptible to various diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
One common disease that can affect Hexalectris spicata var. arizonica is fungal infection. Symptoms include discoloration, wilting, and leaf spots. To prevent fungal infection, it is essential to avoid overwatering the plant and to provide adequate ventilation by spacing out the plants. In case of fungal infection, appropriate fungicides should be used.
Bacterial leaf spot is another disease that can affect this plant. The symptoms include brown spots on leaves, and this can be caused by various bacterial pathogens. Preventing bacterial infection entails cutting off and destroying any infected leaves and avoiding overhead watering.
Common Pests
Whiteflies, spider mites, and thrips are some of the common pests that can affect Hexalectris spicata var. arizonica. Whiteflies and thrips can cause discoloration and distortion of leaves, while spider mites can cause webbing and stunted growth. To manage these pests, appropriate insecticides should be used, and the plant should be kept clean and healthy. Additionally, regularly checking for pests is essential for early detection.
Snails and slugs can also be a threat to this plant, especially when they are young. Always ensure that the soil is not too wet to avoid attracting them. Use of baits and traps is also an effective method of controlling snails and slugs.
