Overview:
Mystacidium clavatum is a type of flowering orchid that belongs to the Orchidaceae family. It is native to the tropical regions of Africa and is commonly found in countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Malawi. This orchid is a popular decorative plant because of its attractive blooms and easy-to-care-for nature.
Common Names:
Mystacidium clavatum is known by several common names including the Green Mystacidium, Clubbed Mystacidium, and Green Mountain Orchid.
Physical Description:
Mystacidium clavatum is a relatively small orchid with a compact growth habit. Its leaves are leathery, thick, and dark green, growing up to 7cm long and about 2.5cm wide. This orchid produces multiple inflorescences, each with 5-15 flowers. The flowers are green, yellow-green, or cream in color, and have a unique tubular shape with a waxy texture. The lip of the flower is longer than the other parts of the flower and is shaped like a strap with a wavy edge. Each flower is about 1.5cm wide and blooms for about a week.
Uses:
Mystacidium clavatum is primarily grown as an ornamental plant and is a popular choice for indoor gardening. It is a relatively easy orchid to grow and offers a unique look to any collection. The plant requires bright but indirect light and regular watering to maintain its health. The flowers of this orchid are used in traditional African medicine to treat various ailments like epilepsy, fever, and dysentery. In some African cultures, the orchid is also used in religious ceremonies for spiritual purposes.
Light Requirements
Mystacidium clavatum prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight as it may scorch the leaves. If grown indoors, place the plant near a sunny window that filters the light adequately.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Mystacidium clavatum is between 55-75°F (13-24°C). However, it is known to tolerate higher temperatures up to 85°F (29°C) during the day, as long as the nighttime temperatures drop to around 65°F (18°C). Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can harm the plant and may cause its leaves to drop.
Soil Requirements
Mystacidium clavatum thrives in a well-draining, loose, and airy potting mix that holds some moisture but does not become waterlogged. You can create the ideal mix by combining pine bark, perlite, and sphagnum moss in equal parts. Avoid using garden soil as it may contain pests and diseases.
Cultivation Methods
The plant Mystacidium clavatum (Rendle) Rolfe is best grown in a pot, where it can be easily monitored for adequate growth and watering. The ideal temperature for this plant should be between 18-29°C. It requires bright indirect sunlight, so it should be placed in an area where it can get enough sunlight without being exposed to direct rays.
Watering Needs
The plant needs to be watered once or twice a week, depending on the humidity and temperature of the surrounding. Always check if the top layer of soil is dry before watering. During winter when the temperature drops, watering should be done with lesser frequency. It is crucial to avoid over-watering as it could lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Mystacidium clavatum requires adequate nutrients to thrive. Fertilization should be done 2-3 times a month during the growing season (spring to autumn). The fertilizer should have a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K) for optimal growth. Avoid applying fertilizer during winter and when the plant is not actively growing.
Pruning
Pruning should be done when necessary, mainly to remove dead, damaged, or yellowing leaves. Always use sterile equipment when pruning to avoid the spread of diseases. Also, cut off any dead flower spikes after they have dried up, as this helps in promoting the growth of new shoots and flowers.
Propagation of Mystacidium clavatum
Mystacidium clavatum (Rendle) Rolfe can be propagated through two methods: division and stem cuttings.
Division
Division is the separation of the plant into smaller sections, each with its own new roots and shoots. It is best performed during the plant's dormant period in autumn or early winter. Here are the steps to propagate using division:
- Carefully remove the plant from its pot or the ground.
- Loosen the soil around the rootball and gently separate the roots into smaller sections.
- Make sure that each section has healthy roots and shoots.
- Plant the new sections in individual pots filled with well-draining potting mix.
- Water the newly potted plants and place them in a shaded or partially shaded area. Avoid direct sunlight until new growth is visible.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings involve taking a section of the stem with one or two nodes and planting it in a rooting hormone and well-draining soil mix. This method is best performed during the plant's active growth period in spring or summer. Here are the steps to propagate using stem cuttings:
- Select a healthy stem with at least one node. Nodes are the points on a stem where leaves or buds emerge.
- Cut the stem below a node using a sharp and sterile blade.
- Coat the cut end with rooting hormone to encourage root growth.
- Plant the stem cutting in a well-draining potting mix.
- Water the cutting and place it in a bright, but shaded area. Avoid direct sunlight until new growth is visible.
After a few weeks, new roots and shoots should start to grow. Once the new growth is visible, the plant can be transferred to a larger container or planted in the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Mystacidium clavatum (Rendle) Rolfe
Mystacidium clavatum (Rendle) Rolfe, commonly known as the African butterfly orchid, is a beautiful orchid that is native to East and Central Africa. Although hardy, it is not immune to diseases and pests that can affect its health and beauty. To ensure your plant remains healthy, it’s important to be vigilant and take prompt action against diseases and pests.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect the African butterfly orchid is fungal infections. These infections happen when the plant is exposed to moisture for long periods, typically due to overwatering. Symptoms of fungal infections in Mystacidium clavatum include leaf spots, discoloration, and yellowing of tissue. To manage fungal infections, ensure proper ventilation, avoid overwatering, remove infected parts, and treat the plant with a suitable fungicide.
Viral infections are another common disease that can affect the African butterfly orchid. These infections often lead to stunted growth and deformities in the plant. Common signs of viral infections to watch out for in Mystacidium clavatum include color breaking and mottle. To prevent the spread of viral infections, isolate infected plants and destroy them and treated with suitable systemic insecticides.
Common Pests
Like other plants, Mystacidium clavatum is susceptible to pests. One of the most common pests that can affect the plant is spider mites. These pests suck sap from the plant and can lead to wilting, leaf drop, and death. To prevent spider mites infestation, keep the air humid and mist the plants sometimes. Ensure you place the pot on a tray filled with water, and do not allow the plant to dry-out too much.
Another common pest that can affect the African butterfly orchid is mealybugs. These pests feed on plant sap and excrete a sticky substance that can attract ants. The first sign of mealybugs infestation is the presence of cotton-like substances on stems and leaves. To manage an infestation of mealybugs, remove infected parts, wash the plant with water, and apply suitable insecticides.
Scale insects, aphids and thrips can also be problematic pests in Mystacidium clavatum. Scale insects feed by sucking sap from the plant and leaving behind a waxy coating. Aphids are small and soft-bodied insects that suck sap and can multiply quickly. Thrips use their rasping mouthparts to scrape away at the surface of the plant and feed on the sap. To manage infestations of these pests, you can apply various insecticides.
By being vigilant and taking prompt action against diseases and pests, you can keep your Mystacidium clavatum healthy and flourishing. Remember to monitor and keep the plant under controlled conditions, apply fertilizer and nutrient-rich soil from time to time, and spray regularly with fungicides and insecticides to protect your plant from potential problems.
