Overview
Liparis pentagonalis Szlach., also known as the five-angled twayblade, is a species of orchid that belongs to the genus Liparis. It is native to the mountainous regions of Taiwan and can also be found growing in the Philippines.
Appearance
The Liparis pentagonalis Szlach. plant typically grows to a height of 5-15 cm and has a petite, slender stem. It has elliptical-shaped leaves that have a length of 3-5 cm and a width of 2-3 cm. The color of the leaves ranges from a light green to a dark brownish-green shade.
Its flowers grow in a raceme inflorescence, and each flower is typically about 0.4-0.6 cm in length. The flowers themselves are white, with a lip that is usually pale pink or purple in color.
Common Names
Liparis pentagonalis Szlach. has several common names including Five-angled Twayblade, Five-angled Liparis, and Five-angle Dragon Orchid. In Taiwan, this plant is commonly known as Wu Bian Ban Lan in the local dialect.
Uses
Although this species of orchid does not have any significant medicinal use, the Liparis pentagonalis Szlach. plant is primarily cultivated for its aesthetic value. Its intricate flowers make it a popular choice for gardeners and orchid enthusiasts alike.
Additionally, in Taiwan, the Five-angled Twayblade is considered a natural treasure and an important species of flora in the region. Conservation efforts have been implemented to help maintain and protect this species in its natural habitat.
Light Requirements
The Liparis pentagonalis Szlach. plant requires partial to full shade for optimum growth. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, especially during the hottest hours of the day. The plant is well-suited for indoor cultivation, as it can thrive even in low-light conditions.
Temperature Requirements
The preferred temperature range for Liparis pentagonalis Szlach. is between 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F). Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) can damage the plant and cause growth stunting. The plant can tolerate slight temperature fluctuations but must be protected from extreme heat and cold.
Soil Requirements
Liparis pentagonalis Szlach. requires a well-draining soil mixture that is slightly acidic to neutral. The ideal soil mix consists of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite in equal parts. It can also grow in a chunked bark and sphagnum moss substrate. The plant is sensitive to salts; therefore, it is advisable to use only low-nutrient soil mixes. The addition of charcoal can help improve soil quality and increase water retention.
Cultivation Methods for Liparis Pentagonalis Szlach.
Liparis pentagonalis Szlach. is an orchid plant that requires specific conditions for optimal growth. Firstly, ensure the plant is grown in a medium to bright light area away from direct sunlight. The ideal temperature range is between 15-25°C (59-77°F) to promote healthy root and flower growth.
The plant prefers high humidity levels, between 60%-75%. It is advisable to use a humidifier to maintain humid conditions. Also, placing a tray with water and pebbles beneath the pot is an optional method that can assist in increasing humidity around the plant.
When potting the plant, consider using a well-draining medium such as sphagnum moss and includes the use of a pot with adequate drainage holes. The plant should be watered thoroughly, rather than small amounts regularly.
Watering Needs for Liparis Pentagonalis Szlach.
Watering the Liparis pentagonalis Szlach. should be done once the medium feels nearly dry. It is important to avoid overwatering, as the roots may rot hence, compromising the plant's health. The plant can be watered by pouring water on the medium until it runs out from the bottom of the pot.
The type of water used should be considered. Soft rainwater is the best choice as it has a lesser amount of dissolved minerals. On the other hand, tap water or hard water contains high concentrations of minerals and may cause the build-up of salts in the soil, leading to root damage.
Fertilization for Liparis Pentagonalis Szlach.
The Liparis pentagonalis Szlach. plant requires regular feeding for optimal growth and development of flowers. When the plant is actively growing, a balanced fertilizer, 20-20-20, can be applied once a month. Alternatively, a high-nitrogen fertilizer can be provided during the vegetative stage to stimulate healthy growth of the foliage.
The fertilizer should be dissolved in water, following the manufacturer's instructions, and applied to the soil around the plant. It is vital to avoid getting the fertilizer on the foliage or flowers as it may burn the plant.
Pruning for Liparis Pentagonalis Szlach.
Liparis pentagonalis Szlach. does not require frequent pruning. However, stems that have withered or died should be removed. Also, with the fading of the flowers, the stalks can be cut back to the base, encouraging renewed growth.
When dividing the plant, ensure that each section has roots and a few pseudobulbs, then pot each section in a different container. Dividing the plant helps to prevent overcrowding in the pot, which may lead to root damage, and promotes new growth.
Propagation of Liparis pentagonalis Szlach.
Liparis pentagonalis Szlach. is commonly known as the Five-angled Liparis. It is a terrestrial orchid that is native to the Himalayas. The plant can be propagated both sexually and asexually.
Propagation by Seed
Seeds are the reproductive units of orchids. Propagation by seed is the primary method used to raise new plants. For Liparis pentagonalis Szlach., the best time to collect seeds is when capsules mature and turn brown. Seeds must be sown immediately as they have only a short viability period.
The sowing medium should be well-drained, sterile, and free of pathogens. A mixture of sphagnum moss, PBH peat, and perlite in the ratio of 2:1:1 is ideal for seedling growth. Seeds should be sown on the surface of the medium and not buried. Cover the seeds with clear plastic to create a humid environment that will help in seed germination.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division is another method used to propagate Liparis pentagonalis Szlach. This method is generally used to propagate mature plants that have clumped in size. This is done by carefully separating the plant into two or more divisions, ensuring that each division has enough roots to sustain itself. The best time to perform this operation is after the flowering period when the plant enters its dormant phase.
The roots should be washed clean of the potting media gently and, with a sterilized sharp knife, the clump should be divided into sections depending on the number of healthy shoots available. Each section must have some healthy roots, pseudobulbs, and shoots.
Once the sections are obtained, plant them in separate pots, using a well-drained, organic potting mix. Water the newly planted sections with care to allow them to settle into the new environment without suffering from dehydration. For the next few months, keep the newly planted sections in a lightly shaded area, away from direct sunlight, and provide them with a humid environment to help promote their growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Liparis pentagonalis Szlach.
Liparis pentagonalis Szlach, commonly known as the Five-angled Liparis, is a terrestrial orchid that is relatively easy to grow. However, like most plants, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth, development, and overall health. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that may attack this plant and how to manage them:
Diseases
1. Fusarium wilt: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant and causes them to rot. The first sign of this disease is yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage this disease, you need to remove the infected plants and destroy them. It would be best if you also avoided over-watering the plant, which favors the growth of fungi.
2. Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungus that affects the leaves and stems of liparis pentagonalis. It can cause dark spots or blotches on the leaves, which may eventually lead to leaf drop. You can control this disease by regularly pruning the affected parts of the plant and disposing of them properly. You may also want to apply a fungicide to the plant to stop the spread of the disease.
Pests
1. Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can be quite devastating to liparis pentagonalis. They feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing, curling, and wilting of the leaves. You can manage spider mites by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. You should also keep the plant well-hydrated to prevent infestation.
2. Mealybugs: These are common pests that infest orchids, including liparis pentagonalis. Mealybugs are white, cottony insects that feed on the plant's sap. You can control mealybugs by regularly inspecting the plant and removing any visible bugs using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. You can also apply insecticidal soap to the plant to prevent infestations.
By following the tips above, you can help to ensure that your liparis pentagonalis Szlach plant remains healthy and free from diseases and pests. Regular inspection and maintenance are essential in identifying any issues early and preventing further spread to ensure a healthy, flourishing plant.
