General Description:
Malaxis pygmaea Summerh. is a small, delicate orchid species that is native to Africa.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known as the Dwarf Malaxis or the Tiny Malaxis.
Appearance:
The Dwarf Malaxis is a miniature plant that typically grows to a height of only 3-6 cm. Its stem is thin and delicate with small leaves. The flowers of the plant are arranged in dense clusters and can be yellow or green in color. The plant blooms from July to August and produces capsules that contain many tiny seeds.
Uses:
The Dwarf Malaxis is not known to have any commercial or medicinal uses. However, it is considered a valuable addition to collections of rare and exotic plants.
Light Requirements
The plant Malaxis pygmaea Summerh. typically grows in shaded areas. It prefers a partial shade environment, and direct sunlight can cause harm to the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The temperature preference for Malaxis pygmaea Summerh. ranges from 15°C to 28°C. The plant thrives in warmer temperatures, and frost can cause significant damage. It typically grows at higher elevations, and the cooler temperatures at this level are ideal for its growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires moist, well-draining soil to grow. The soil needs to be rich in organic matter and must have high water-holding capacity. Some substrates where the plant can grow include sand, gravel, humus-rich soil, and clay. The plant is not tolerant to drought conditions and requires constant moisture in the soil to thrive.
Cultivation methods for Malaxis pygmaea Summerh.
Malaxis pygmaea Summerh. is a terrestrial orchid that is found in high-altitude mountain areas. It can be propagated by seed, but the easiest way is by dividing the rhizomes during the dormant season. The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and moist but not waterlogged. It thrives in a slightly shaded location, protected from the direct sun.
Watering needs for Malaxis pygmaea Summerh.
The watering needs of Malaxis pygmaea Summerh. are specific. The plant requires constant moisture but not a lot of standing water around its roots. During the growing season, the plant should be kept moist. However, be careful not to overwater the plant. Watering should be reduced during winter dormancy.
Fertilization of Malaxis pygmaea Summerh.
Malaxis pygmaea Summerh. benefits from a regular supply of nutrients during the growing season. Fertilize your plant monthly with a balanced fertilizer diluted to half strength. Avoid fertilizing the plant during winter dormancy, or when it is showing signs of stress.
Pruning of Malaxis pygmaea Summerh.
Malaxis pygmaea Summerh. seldom needs pruning. However, if your plant is starting to look leggy or overgrown, you can trim back dead leaves or flowers. You can also divide the plant into smaller sections to create more plants.
Propagation of Malaxis pygmaea Summerh.
The propagation of Malaxis pygmaea Summerh. can be done by both sexual and asexual means. The plant produces small, dust-like seeds that require a specific type of fungi to germinate. Therefore, sexual propagation requires a specialized method to grow the plant from seed.
Sexual Propagation
The seeds of Malaxis pygmaea Summerh. can be collected from the capsules once they are matured and dry. The seeds must be sown on a sterile growing medium that is mixed with an appropriate cultural fungus, typically from the genus Rhizoctonia, to initiate germination. The seedbed should be kept moist and placed in a warm environment with high humidity to allow the fungi to colonize the seeds. Germination of the seeds typically takes several weeks to a few months, depending on the temperature and humidity conditions.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation of Malaxis pygmaea Summerh. can be done by dividing the pseudobulbs. Mature plants can be lifted and carefully divided into smaller sections that each have at least one pseudobulb. The divisions should be potted in a well-draining medium and kept moist until new growth appears.
Another asexual method that can be used is through tissue culture. However, it requires specialized laboratory equipment and techniques that are not commonly available to most individual growers.
Disease and Pest Management for Malaxis Pygmaea Summerh.
Malaxis pygmaea Summerh., commonly known as the dwarf adder’s-mouth orchid, is a delicate plant that can be prone to a few diseases and pests. Here are some common issues that might affect this plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Malaxis pygmaea is fungal leaf spots. This disease can appear as small, circular or irregular brown or black spots on the leaves. The spots can grow and merge, leading to large necrotic patches that cause leaf drop and stunted growth. To manage this disease, remove all the affected leaves and avoid overhead watering. Improve air circulation, and maintain good hygiene by cleaning all garden tools used for pruning. Use a fungicide registered for orchids, and apply as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Another disease that might affect the Malaxis pygmaea is bacterial brown spot. This disease causes small, water-soaked spots that turn brown or black, later spreading and causing leaf drop. To manage this disease, remove all infected leaves and improve air circulation. Use appropriate copper-based bactericides, and follow the application instructions carefully.
Pests
Malaxis pygmaea is relatively pest-resistant, but occasionally, it might suffer from mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Mealybugs appear as white, waxy, and cotton-like masses in the leaf axils or on the underside of the leaves. Spider mites are tiny and cause yellow, stippled leaves. Scale insects appear as brown or white bumps on the leaves. To manage these pests, apply a systemic insecticide, sticky tapes, or horticultural oil, and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Being a relatively delicate plant, it is vital to ensure the Malaxis pygmaea is healthy, with optimal growing conditions of adequate light, humidity, moisture, and appropriate temperature. Also, ensure proper ventilation, and avoid over-fertilization as this can attract pests and diseases. By practicing good cultural practices and monitoring for pests and diseases, you can enjoy a healthy and thriving Malaxis pygmaea Summerh. in your garden.
