Origin
The Malaxis stelidostachya, also known as the Philippine green orchid, belongs to the genus Malaxis and is native to the Philippines. It is commonly found in damp and shady areas like streams, riverbanks, and wet forests with an elevation range of up to 1,300 meters above sea level.
Common Names
The Malaxis stelidostachya is commonly known by several names, including the Philippine green orchid, Philippine adder's mouth orchid, and green flowered malaxis. It is highly regarded for its beauty and uniqueness, making it a popular ornamental plant in many countries worldwide.
Uses
The Malaxis stelidostachya is known for its medicinal properties, particularly in treating fever and inflammation. Its dried rhizomes have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to relieve pain in the bones and muscles. Apart from medicinal purposes, it is also used for ornamental purposes, specifically as a decorative house plant and for landscaping in outdoor gardens and public spaces.
General Appearance
The Malaxis stelidostachya typically grows up to 30 centimeters in height and has long, slender stems that are covered in green leaves. The plant produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that grow in dense clusters and bloom all year round. The flowers have a unique shape, with twisted, elongated petals that resemble a snake's mouth. The plant thrives in moist and shaded areas, with its roots submerged in water or moist soil. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, making it a hardy plant that's easy to grow and maintain.
Light Requirements
The plant Malaxis stelidostachya requires moderate light exposure for optimal growth. It prefers partial shade to full shade conditions, and direct sunlight for an extended period could lead to leaf burn and stunted growth. The ideal location for planting should have filtered light throughout the day, with some direct morning sun exposure. Too little light can result in weak stems and reduced flowering, particularly during the winter months when sunlight is scarce.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures and cannot survive in extreme temperatures. The ideal temperature for growth ranges between 60°F and 80°F. Humidity is also a critical factor in the growth of Malaxis stelidostachya. The plant cannot tolerate high temperatures combined with low humidity. Dry environments will cause wilting and death in Malaxis stelidostachya, so regular misting might help maintain the perfect humidity levels for the plant to thrive. If the temperature drops below 50°F, the plant will begin to experience cold damage, resulting in yellowing or loss of foliage, or even death in severe cases.
Soil Requirements
Malaxis stelidostachya grows best in moist, well-drained, and slightly acidic soils. The ideal soil pH range for growth is between 5.5 and 6.5. The soil should have good water retention capacity, and it should never be allowed to dry out completely. The plant is also sensitive to salt, so the soil should have a low salt concentration. Adding organic matter like compost or peat moss to the soil can help increase water retention and drainage capabilities. Malaxis stelidostachya prefers nutrient-rich soil, so regular fertilization can help promote vigorous growth and healthy blooms.
Cultivation Methods
Malaxis stelidostachya (Rchb.f.) Kuntze is an epiphytic or terrestrial orchid that grows in a wide range of habitats, including moist forests and rocky areas. It requires a well-draining medium with good aeration to prevent rotting. When cultivating Malaxis stelidostachya, ensure it is planted in a medium appropriate for its environment. To ensure successful growth, it needs to be planted in a well-draining medium that is high in organic matter, such as sphagnum moss, fir bark, or perlite.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Malaxis stelidostachya depend on its growing environment and the medium in which it is planted. In general, it requires regular watering during the growing season, ensuring that its medium is kept moist, but not waterlogged. During the dormant season, it requires less water, but the medium should not be allowed to dry out completely. The best practice is to water frequently and lightly to avoid overwatering or underwatering. In addition, providing humidity through a humidifier or misting the plant's foliage regularly can also help prevent dryness.
Fertilization
Fertilizing Malaxis stelidostachya is essential and should be done on a regular basis. It can be fertilized using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing period. It may also benefit from a foliar fertilizer applied every two weeks. During the dormant season, it is best to reduce fertilization, but it should not be stopped entirely. Overfertilization may lead to excessive growth, which can weaken the plant's structure, making it more susceptible to disease and pests.
Pruning
Pruning is not usually necessary for Malaxis stelidostachya. However, trimming off any dead or yellowed leaves that appear can help improve the plant's overall appearance and health. If the plant becomes too large, it can be divided into smaller pieces and planted separately, with each piece potted in a suitable medium. This not only helps control the size of the plant but also promotes root growth and plant health.
Propagation of Malaxis stelidostachya (Rchb.f.) Kuntze
Malaxis stelidostachya (Rchb.f.) Kuntze, also known as the spike-lip orchid, is a terrestrial orchid that can be propagated through different methods.
Division
One of the most common methods to propagate M. stelidostachya is through division. This method involves carefully separating the plant into smaller pieces, each containing healthy rhizomes and clusters of leaves, and then replanting them.
Division is best done during the plant's dormant period, which usually happens during the winter months. It is important to sterilize the tools used for division to avoid accidentally introducing diseases or pests into the new plants.
Seed propagation
Another way to propagate M. stelidostachya is through seed propagation. Mature plants can produce seed pods that contain thousands of tiny seeds.
To propagate using seeds, the seeds need to be collected from the pods and then sown in a sterile growing medium. The growing medium should be kept moist and warm but not waterlogged.
The seeds typically germinate within a few weeks, and the resulting plants can take several months or even years to mature.
Tissue culture
Tissue culture is a less common but effective method for propagating M. stelidostachya. This method involves taking a small piece of plant tissue and growing it in vitro (in a lab or greenhouse environment) in a sterile culture medium.
Once the new plantlets have formed, they can be transferred to pots and grown until they are mature enough to be planted in the ground. This method allows for the production of large numbers of plants in a short amount of time and can be useful for conserving rare or endangered species.
Disease Management
The Malaxis stelidostachya plant is mostly resistant to diseases if provided with appropriate care. However, a few diseases may affect the plant if it is exposed to unfavorable conditions.
Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by fungi and bacteria and results in brown spots on the leaves. To prevent the spread of the disease, remove the infected leaves and destroy them. Avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation around the plant.
Crown Rot: This disease is caused by the fungus Pythium. Infected plants will have a brown, soft, and mushy crown. To prevent this disease, ensure the soil is well-draining and avoid over-watering. Use appropriate fungicides to treat the infected plant.
Anthracnose: This disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum. Symptoms include blotchy spots on leaves, stems and flowers. To prevent the onset of this disease, apply appropriate fungicides at the beginning of the growing season and remove infected plant parts as soon as possible.
Pest Management
Malaxis stelidostachya is generally free from pests. However, on rare occasions, pests may infest the plant.
Thrips: These tiny insects suck sap from the leaves and flowers of the plant, causing foliage damage and wilting. To prevent the pest, maintain good hygiene in and around the plant, remove weeds, and use insecticides.
Aphids: These sap-sucking insects tend to gather in groups on the plants, causing yellowing and distorted leaves. To prevent infestation, apply appropriate insecticides, use reflective mulch, and use natural predators such as ladybugs.
Spider Mites: These pests spin webs and cause yellow stippling on leaves. To prevent these pests, maintain high humidity levels around the plant, prune damaged leaves, and use appropriate pesticides.
