Origin
Malaxis wendtii Salazar, also known as Wendt's Malaxis or the Philippine Malaxis, is a terrestrial orchid species commonly found in the Philippines.
Common names
The plant is commonly referred to as Wendt's Malaxis or the Philippine Malaxis due to its origin. It belongs to the family Orchidaceae, which also includes many other species of orchids.
Uses
Although not commonly used for medicinal purposes, the plant is often used in horticulture for its aesthetic value. It is a popular choice for gardeners and orchid enthusiasts due to its unique beauty and relatively easy maintenance. The plant is suitable for growing in pots or planted in the shade of trees or other plants.
General appearance
Malaxis wendtii Salazar has a small, compact growth habit with thick, fleshy leaves that are about 10cm long and 1.5cm wide. The plant produces small greenish-yellow flowers with reddish-brown spots that grow on a slender stem. The flowers are about 0.5cm in diameter and have a lovely sweet fragrance. The plant has a root system consisting of thin, fibrous roots that spread out shallowly in the soil.
Light Requirements
Malaxis wendtii requires moderate light. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it may burn the leaves. This plant can be grown either indoors or outdoors.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for Malaxis wendtii ranges between 65°F-80°F (18°C-27°C). It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but not below 50°F (10°C). High humidity is also crucial for healthy growth, ranging between 60%-90%.
Soil Requirements
Malaxis wendtii can be grown in a variety of soil types including sandy, clayey, or loamy soils. The soil should be well-draining and should retain some moisture. This plant also benefits from the addition of organic matter, such as compost or peat moss.
Cultivation Methods
The Malaxis wendtii Salazar, commonly known as the Philippine orchid or fern-leaf orchid, is a small epiphytic orchid endemic to the Philippines. This orchid requires a warm and humid environment, making it ideal for cultivation in a greenhouse or terrarium. It can be grown in a variety of media, including sphagnum moss, bark, or a mixture of the two. However, it prefers a well-draining medium.
When planting the orchid, it's important to provide adequate air circulation around the roots to prevent root rot. It's also crucial to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to the plant's death.
Watering Needs
Malaxis wendtii Salazar requires consistent moisture levels to thrive. During the growing season, it's recommended to water the orchid once a week or when the potting medium feels dry to the touch. The frequency of watering should be reduced during the plant's dormant period. It's important to use water at room temperature to prevent shock to the plant. Using rainwater or distilled water is also recommended, as malaxis orchids are sensitive to minerals and chemicals present in tap water.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth and blooming, orchid-specific fertilizers should be used. It's recommended to fertilize once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 20-20-20 or 10-10-10. Dilute the fertilizer in water to half or quarter strength to avoid over-fertilization, which can result in damage to the roots and failure to bloom.
Pruning
Malaxis wendtii Salazar doesn't require extensive pruning, but it's beneficial to remove any yellowing or dead leaves to maintain the plant's appearance and health. The orchid's stems should only be pruned after they have completely dried up. Cutting back the stems while they are still green can prevent the orchid from blooming. It's also important to sterilize pruning tools with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Malaxis wendtii Salazar
Malaxis wendtii Salazar, also known as the Philippine Malaxis or the Philippine adder's-mouth, is a terrestrial orchid species endemic to the Philippines. It is a small-sized plant that grows up to 20 cm in height. The plant produces delicate spikes of small greenish-yellow flowers that bloom in the summer and the fall seasons.
Propagation of Malaxis wendtii Salazar can be done through the following methods:
Division
Division is the most common propagation method for Malaxis wendtii Salazar. It involves separating the plant into smaller sections, each containing one or two pseudobulbs and some roots. The best time to divide the plant is during its dormant period, which is usually after the flowering season when the leaves start to turn yellow. The divided sections are then planted into separate pots with well-draining soil mix.
Seed sowing
Malaxis wendtii Salazar can be propagated by sowing its seeds, but this method is not commonly used due to the orchid's slow growth rate. The seeds are very small and require a sterile environment and high humidity level to germinate. Sowing the seeds in a mixture of sphagnum moss and perlite, and keeping them in a covered container is recommended. The germination can take up to six months or more, and the resulting seedlings need to be carefully monitored and nurtured in a safe environment.
Keiki production
Keiki production is another propagation method for Malaxis wendtii Salazar. It involves producing plantlets or miniature clones from the mother plant's nodes or aerial roots. The keiki (Hawaiian for "baby") can be separated from the parent plant once it has grown a few roots and has developed its own set of leaves. The keiki is then potted into a separate container and provided with appropriate care.
Propagation of Malaxis wendtii Salazar requires patience and careful attention to detail. Proper care and propagation techniques can result in a healthy and thriving orchid specimen.
Disease and Pest Management for Malaxis wendtii Salazar Plants
Malaxis wendtii Salazar, commonly known as the Wendt's Malaxis, is a tropical orchid plant that requires special care and attention to combat diseases and pests. The following are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and some ways to manage them effectively.
Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting the Wendt's Malaxis is fungal infections. Fungus thrives in humid and damp conditions, so proper ventilation is essential to keep the humidity low. You can also apply copper fungicides to prevent fungal infections. Another common disease is bacterial leaf spot, which can be controlled by using bactericides.
Pests
Wendt's Malaxis plants are susceptible to several pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips. Spider mites are tiny insects that form webs around the plant, sucking the sap from the leaves and causing damage. Mealybugs appear as white cottony growth on the leaves and stems, sucking the sap and causing yellowing of the leaves. Thrips are tiny insects that feed on the flowers and buds, causing them to distort and turn brown. To manage pests, you can use insecticidal soaps and neem oil sprays that are effective in controlling spider mites and mealybugs. Also, removing the affected plant parts can control thrips infestation.
Another important pest to look out for is the snail. Snails are notorious for eating plant leaves and can cause massive damage to the Wendt's Malaxis. You can control snail infestation by handpicking them and introducing predators like ducks or geese in your garden space.
By taking proper measures to control diseases and pests, you can ensure that your Malaxis wendtii Salazar thrives and remains healthy for an extended period of time.
