Overview
Lissochilus giganteus Welw. ex Rchb.f., commonly known as giant putty root, is a species of orchid native to tropical Africa. This plant belongs to the family Orchidaceae, which includes over 25,000 species of flowering plants.
General Appearance
The plant has a large, fleshy tuber at the base and can grow up to 1.7 meters in height. It has a single stem with alternate leaves that are narrow, lance-shaped, and up to 30 cm long. The inflorescence, which appears in the summer months, is a terminal raceme with up to 25 large and showy flowers. Each flower is about 8 cm in diameter and is characterized by the typical 3-lobed lip of orchids.
Uses
Various African tribes traditionally use this plant for medicinal purposes, where the tuber is used to treat a variety of ailments, such as stomachache, snakebites, and venereal diseases. Additionally, it is a highly prized ornamental plant, and collectors love it for its unique and appealing appearance.
Common Names
The plant is known under different common names, including giant putty root, giant lissochilus, giant orchid, lissochilus orchid, and Welwitsch’s orchid.
Light Requirements
Lissochilus giganteus Welw. ex Rchb.f. prefers partial to full sunlight, so it should be planted in a location with at least six hours of sunlight daily. The plant can tolerate some shade, particularly during the hottest part of the day. Therefore, it is best to plant the orchid in an area with filtered or dappled sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
For the Lissochilus giganteus Welw. ex Rchb.f. plant to thrive, it requires moderate temperatures, i.e., between 60-85°F (15-29°C). The orchid plant cannot tolerate temperature extremes, so it is crucial to avoid exposing it to heat or cold drafts in areas like air conditioning units or heaters.
Soil Requirements
The Lissochilus giganteus Welw. ex Rchb.f. plant requires slightly acidic soil with good drainage. The ideal soil mixture should contain orchid bark, perlite, and some peat moss. The orchid plant should be repotted every 1-2 years using fresh soil mixtures or whenever the soil mixture starts to decompose.
Cultivation Methods
Lissochilus giganteus Welw. ex Rchb.f. is a terrestrial orchid species that requires proper cultivation methods to maintain its growth. It can thrive in warm and humid conditions, making it ideal for locations with a tropical climate.
For optimal growth, Lissochilus giganteus should be grown in well-draining soil with a pH range of 4.5 to 5.5. It is also important to provide adequate sunlight, as it requires partial to full shade.
The plant can be propagated using division or from seedlings. It is also crucial to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level to ensure its growth.
Watering Needs
Watering is a crucial aspect of the care of Lissochilus giganteus. The plant should be watered generously during its growing season, which is typically from spring to autumn.
However, it is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and bacterial infections. It is best to water the plant thoroughly and allow the soil to dry out before watering again.
During the dormant season, which is typically during winter, it is best to reduce watering to prevent the soil from becoming overly saturated.
Fertilization
Lissochilus giganteus requires regular fertilization to maintain its growth and health. The plant should be fertilized every two to three weeks during the growing season, using a fertilizer with balanced NPK ratios.
It is important to avoid over-fertilization, as this can lead to burn and damage to the plant's roots. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and adjust the amount of fertilizer based on the plant's growth and soil quality.
Pruning
Pruning is not required for Lissochilus giganteus, as it generally grows in a compact form and does not require excessive maintenance. However, trimming back any damaged or dead foliage can promote the growth of new shoots.
If the plant becomes too large, it can be divided into smaller sections and propagated to ensure its continued growth and health.
Propagation of Lissochilus giganteus Welw. ex Rchb.f.
Lissochilus giganteus Welw. ex Rchb.f, commonly known as the Giant Lissochilus orchid, can be propagated through several methods. Successful propagation ensures the availability of the species, which is endemic to Africa, as well as maintaining genetic diversity.
Propagation from seeds
The most common propagation method for Lissochilus giganteus is through seeds. The orchid produces a large number of small and lightweight seeds. The seeds require a symbiotic relationship with certain fungi to germinate and grow naturally. In propagation, seeds can be sown directly on the surface of a moist potting mixture. Covering the seeds with plastic helps maintain a moist environment, and germination occurs after 4 to 6 weeks. Seed propagation requires sterile and well-draining conditions.
Propagating through division
Lissochilus giganteus can be propagated through division of mature plants. This method requires the separation of individual pseudobulbs along with their roots. The individual sections are repotted in a fresh medium and placed in a shaded area for a few weeks. Care must be taken not to damage any roots during the division process, and roots should be kept moist during repotting.
Propagation through back bulbs
Back bulbs contain dormant buds that can be used for propagation. After separating a back bulb from the parent plant, it may be planted in a suitable mixture and kept in a shaded area until new growth appears. After that, it can be treated as a mature plant. This method of propagation may take longer than the other methods, but it ensures the genetic resemblance of the new plant to the parent.
Propagation of Lissochilus giganteus requires patience and discipline. With proper care and attention, the plant can be propagated through all these techniques. Growing the Giant Lissochilus orchid from seed or propagating from mature plants has been seen as a rewarding process by many plant enthusiasts.
Disease Management
Lissochilus giganteus is susceptible to different types of plant diseases that can affect the growth and development of the plant. Some of the common diseases of this plant include:
- Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by a fungal infection and is characterized by small, circular spots on the leaves. The spots may be brown or black and may have a yellowish halo around them. To manage this disease, it is important to remove the infected leaves and destroy them. Also, avoid overhead irrigation, as this can promote the growth and spread of fungal spores.
- Root Rot: This is a common disease that affects many types of plants, including Lissochilus giganteus. It is caused by a fungal infection that attacks the roots of the plant. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. To manage this disease, it is important to ensure that the soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering the plant. Also, consider using a fungicide to control the spread of the fungus.
- Bacterial Blight: This disease is caused by a bacterial infection and is characterized by wilting and yellowing of the leaves. To manage this disease, it is important to remove and destroy the infected leaves. Also, avoid overhead irrigation and overcrowding the plants, as these can promote the growth and spread of bacterial spores.
Pest Management
Lissochilus giganteus is also susceptible to pests that can damage the plant and reduce its productivity. Some of the common pests that might affect this plant include:
- Mealybugs: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage mealybugs, it is important to remove the infected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly. Also, consider using a pesticide to control the spread of the insects.
- Spider Mites: These are tiny pests that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow or brown. To manage spider mites, it is important to maintain a high level of humidity around the plant and avoid using pesticides that can harm beneficial insects.
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage aphids, it is important to remove the infected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly. Also, consider using a pesticide to control the spread of the insects.
