Overview
Lissochilus pulcher, also known by its former scientific name Angraecum pulchrum, is a species of orchid originally from Madagascar. It is a popular ornamental plant due to its beautiful, fragrant flowers and unique appearance.
Common Names
Common names for Lissochilus pulcher include the Beautiful Lissochilus, the Purple Angraecum, and the Beautiful Angraecum.
Appearance
Lissochilus pulcher is a fairly small orchid, growing up to about 20 cm in height. Its leaves are long and thin, and its flowers grow in clusters of up to 10 at a time. The flowers themselves are star-shaped, with a pinkish-purple color and a white center, and they give off a sweet, pleasant fragrance.
Uses
Lissochilus pulcher is primarily grown as an ornamental plant, admired for its delicate beauty and sweet fragrance. In its native Madagascar, the plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including headaches, respiratory problems, and digestive issues.
Growth conditions of Lissochilus pulcher (Thouars) Summerh.
Lissochilus pulcher (Thouars) Summerh. is an orchid species that is endemic to Madagascar. This orchid is grown as an ornamental plant due to its beautiful flowers and attractive shape. The growth conditions of Lissochilus pulcher are as follows:
Light requirements:
Lissochilus pulcher grows well in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves and flowers of this orchid. Therefore, it is best to place this plant near a partially shaded area.
Temperature:
Lissochilus pulcher is a warm-growing orchid that thrives in temperatures ranging between 18°C to 28°C. This orchid cannot tolerate extreme temperature fluctuations and should be kept in a stable environment.
Humidity:
Lissochilus pulcher requires high humidity to grow successfully. A humidity level of 60% to 80% is ideal for this orchid. To maintain the preferred humidity level, place the orchid near a humidifier or mist the plant regularly.
Air circulation:
Lissochilus pulcher requires good air circulation to prevent any fungal diseases. Therefore, it is best to place the plant in a well-ventilated area.
Soil requirements:
Lissochilus pulcher grows best in a well-draining soil mix that consists of bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite. The soil should have a pH level of 5.5 to 6.5, which is slightly acidic. It is essential to repot the plant every two years to provide fresh soil and ensure healthy growth.
Overall, with proper care, Lissochilus pulcher can thrive and produce beautiful flowers for years to come.
Cultivation Methods
Lissochilus pulcher is a terrestrial orchid species that grows best in mild to warm temperatures. It prefers well-draining soil with good aeration. This plant can be propagated through the division of its pseudobulbs. When repotting, make sure to use a well-draining substrate and a pot that is big enough to accommodate the plant's growth.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering, it is essential to keep a delicate balance. In general, Lissochilus pulcher should be watered well but not saturated. It is best to water the plant early in the morning or late in the afternoon when temperatures are cooler. As you water, ensure that the water drains well from the pot's bottom, avoiding water retention in the substrate, which increases the risk of rot and fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Lissochilus pulcher needs a balanced fertilizer that has equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilize your plant at least once every week during the growing season. However, do not fertilize if the orchid is in bloom as this can inhibit blooming or damage the flowers. Use a diluted solution when applying the fertilizer to avoid fertilizer burn.
Pruning
Pruning Lissochilus pulcher is not mandatory but advisable if you want to shape or control its growth. Prune the plant after it has flowered, and the blooms have dropped. Cut back the flower stem to the base of the plant. If you wish to remove any dead or diseased foliage, make sure to use clean and sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant. Ensure the plant remains well hydrated after pruning to encourage new growth.
Propagation of Lissochilus pulcher
Lissochilus pulcher is a beautiful, evergreen orchid native to Madagascar. Propagation is a crucial aspect of ensuring adequate numbers of plants.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation of Lissochilus pulcher mainly happens through seed. The orchid regularly produces seed pods that eventually split open, and the seed is dispersed naturally. Seeds can be collected and sown in a greenhouse or a controlled environment. The seeds should be sown in a mixture of peat moss, coco coir, and perlite. The mixture should be damp, but not waterlogged. The seeds should be sown on the surface and left uncovered. Seedlings will emerge in approximately two weeks, and this signals the right time to move them to the brighter light. For best results, the seedlings should be kept in a warm and humid environment until they are established enough to transplant.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation can be done via division of the clumps. The orchid plant produces pseudobulbs, which store water and nutrients to support the orchid's growth during dry seasons. The best time to divide the clumps is when they have produced new shoots. Using a sharp, sterilized blade, cut through the rhizome and ensure that each division has a fan of leaves. The divisions should be potted in a mixture of peat moss, coco coir, and perlite. The medium should be moist but not waterlogged, and it is essential to keep the new plants in a warm, humid environment until they are established.
Overall, propagation of Lissochilus pulcher is relatively easy, and the new plants will take some time before they are big enough to produce flowers. Patience is necessary because this orchid's growth rate can be slow, but with the proper care and attention, success is achievable.
Disease Management
Lissochilus pulcher is susceptible to fungal diseases such as leaf spot and stem rot. The best way to manage these diseases is to ensure proper drainage and reduce the humidity around the plant. Avoid overhead watering and instead water the plant at the soil level. Remove any affected leaves or stems immediately to prevent the spread of the disease. Fungicides may also be used as a preventive measure.
Another common disease that affects Lissochilus pulcher is virus infection. The symptoms include yellowing and stunted growth. Unfortunately, there is no remedy for virus-infected plants. The best approach is to remove and destroy the infected plants to prevent the spread of the virus to other plants in the area.
Pest Management
The major pests that attack Lissochilus pulcher include mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. These pests can cause damage to the leaves and affect the overall growth of the plant. The best way to manage them is to regularly inspect the plant for any signs of infestation. Isolate the infested plant to prevent the pests from spreading to other plants in the area. Insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils may be used to control the infestation.
When dealing with mealybugs, it is important to remove them manually using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Ensure that you get rid of all the insects to prevent a re-infestation. Spider mites can be managed by increasing the humidity around the plant and periodically washing the leaves with water to control their population. Scale insects can be scraped off using a toothbrush, or horticultural oils can suffocate them.
In conclusion, proper preventative measures such as good sanitation, regular inspection, and adequate watering and fertilization, are essential to protect your Lissochilus pulcher plant against disease and pest attacks. These measures can promote plant health, improve growth and flowering, and enhance the overall appearance of the plant.
