Origin and Common Names
Mystacidium distichum (Lindl.) Pfitzer var. grandifolium De Wild., also known as the Large-leaved Mystacidium, is an epiphytic orchid that can be found in various parts of Africa, including Cameroon, Gabon, Angola, Congo, and Zimbabwe. It can be found growing on tree trunks, branches, and rocky outcrops. It is known for its beautiful, waxy flowers with a strong sweet fragrance.
The plant has several names in different parts of Africa. In Zimbabwe, it is called tsenza. In some parts of Congo, it is known as mubilu. In Cameroon, it is called "Liambi" or "Lianbi".
Appearance
Mystacidium distichum var. grandifolium is a beautiful, medium-sized orchid with long, strap-like leaves that grow up to 30 cm long by 4 cm wide. Its flowers, which bloom in the summer months, can reach up to 8 cm in diameter. The flowers are a pale yellow-green color, with the lip (the lower part of the flower) being a deeper yellow-green color. The lip is fringed with long, white hairs that give the flower a delicate, ethereal appearance.
The plant often forms clumps of several growths, each growing on a short stem that is less than 3 cm long. The roots are thick and fleshy, and can grow several inches long. The plant can grow up to 50 cm in height and 40 cm in width.
Uses
Mystacidium distichum var. grandifolium is a popular ornamental plant, prized for its beautiful flowers and attractive foliage. It is often grown in pots or hanging baskets in cool, humid environments such as greenhouses or conservatories. In the wild, the plant is used in traditional medicine for a range of ailments, including stomach issues, anxiety, and respiratory infections. The plant contains several compounds that have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a useful remedy in many traditional healing practices.
Growth Conditions for Mystacidium distichum (Lindl.) Pfitzer var. grandifolium De Wild.
Mystacidium distichum (Lindl.) Pfitzer var. grandifolium De Wild. is an epiphyte or lithophyte species that belongs to the Orchidaceae family. This plant is found in the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, growing on trees, rocks, and cliffs.
Light Requirements
Mystacidium distichum (Lindl.) Pfitzer var. grandifolium De Wild. requires bright, indirect light to thrive. It is important to protect this plant from direct sunlight that could damage its leaves. A shaded spot with good air circulation is ideal for this orchid.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Mystacidium distichum (Lindl.) Pfitzer var. grandifolium De Wild. is between 18°C and 28°C. This plant prefers warm and humid conditions, and it is essential to avoid exposing it to harsh temperatures and frost.
Soil Requirements
Mystacidium distichum (Lindl.) Pfitzer var. grandifolium De Wild. does not require soil to grow. Instead, it thrives on the bark of trees and rocks. This plant has special roots that absorb moisture and nutrients from the air, and that is why it is known as an epiphyte or lithophyte. It is essential to ensure that the medium is well-drained and does not retain excessive moisture.
Water Requirements
Proper watering is essential for the growth of Mystacidium distichum (Lindl.) Pfitzer var. grandifolium De Wild. This plant requires moderate watering, and its medium should be moist, but not waterlogged. It is essential to avoid water stagnation, which could lead to root rot.
Fertilizer Requirements
Mystacidium distichum (Lindl.) Pfitzer var. grandifolium De Wild. requires a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is advisable to use a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for epiphytic orchids. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid over-fertilization, which could damage the roots and leaves of this plant.
Cultivation
Mystacidium distichum (Lindl.) Pfitzer var. grandifolium De Wild. generally prefers warm and moist environments, making it an ideal indoor plant for people who enjoy high humidity levels. The plant does well in well-drained soils, with a pH range of 4.5 to 7.0. Gardeners should ensure that the plant has a well-draining pot or hole in case it is planted in the ground. The plant prefers being in partial to full shade, but it can also withstand direct sunlight in the morning or late evening.
Watering Needs
The plant requires moderate watering, and it is critical to avoid flooding or drying out the soil. Gardeners should water the plant once a week or every two weeks, based on the season and environmental conditions. They should also check the soil moisture levels before watering the plant. If the soil feels damp, it's best to wait a bit, but if it feels dry, it's time to water the plant.
Fertilization
Fertilization is a vital aspect of taking care of this plant. It's recommended to use a balanced 20-20-20 liquid fertilizer, diluted to half-strength every two weeks during the growing season. The fertilization process ensures optimal plant growth, enhances the color of the leaves and flowers, and boosts the plant's immune system. Care should be taken to avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as it can cause nutrient burn, damaging the plant.
Pruning
Regular pruning is a requirement for the Mystacidium distichum plant to stay healthy and to prevent the accumulation of dead or damaged leaves and branches. The best time to prune the plant is after flowering has ended, and one should use garden shears or sharp scissors. Gardeners should not worry if the plant loses some buds or leaves during the pruning process, as this helps the plant to focus on developing new buds and leaves.
Propagation methods of Mystacidium distichum (Lindl.) Pfitzer var. grandifolium De Wild.
Mystacidium distichum (Lindl.) Pfitzer var. grandifolium De Wild., commonly known as the Giant Mystacidium, is a beautiful and sought-after orchid species native to Central and East Africa. It grows best in warm to hot temperatures and high humidity, under bright and filtered light, and in well-draining soil or a potting mix designed for orchids.
There are several methods to propagate Mystacidium distichum, including:
Division
Division is the most common and straightforward propagation method for Mystacidium distichum. It involves separating the plant into smaller sections, ensuring each section has at least one pseudobulb and a few healthy roots. Use a sharpened and disinfected knife or shears to cut through the rhizome, and replant each division in a small container with fresh potting mix. Water the plants well and keep them in a warm and humid environment until new growth appears.
Backbulb propagation
Backbulb propagation is another way to propagate Mystacidium distichum, especially if the plant has lost its main growth or flowering points. It involves taking healthy and matured pseudobulbs from the parent plant and treating them with a fungicide and rooting hormone. Plant the treated backbulbs in a well-draining potting mix and keep them moist and humid until new growth and roots start to emerge.
Tissue culture
Tissue culture is a more complicated and technical propagation method, but it allows large numbers of identical and disease-free plants to be produced from a small amount of tissue. It involves taking a small sample of plant tissue, such as a leaf or stem, and growing it in a sterile and nutrient-rich medium in a laboratory. The resulting plantlets are then transferred to a greenhouse or nursery for further growth and acclimatization.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to keep the newly propagated plants in a warm and humid environment, provide them with adequate light and ventilation, and avoid overwatering or fertilizing. With proper care, Mystacidium distichum can form large and stunning clumps of foliage and blooms, and make great additions to any orchid collection or tropical garden.
Disease Management
Mystacidium distichum is generally a healthy plant species, but it can be affected by some plant diseases. Here are the common plant diseases that might affect Mystacidium distichum and the ways to manage them:
Fungal Diseases
Mystacidium distichum is susceptible to different types of fungal diseases like black spots, rusts, and leaf spots. To manage these diseases, you should prevent the following:
- Avoid overhead watering and instead use drip irrigation to avoid water splash on leaves, which promotes fungal growth and spread.
- Ensure good air circulation around your plant, which helps to reduce moisture buildup and minimize fungal growth.
- Regularly prune the infected leaves, which can spread the disease to the entire plant.
- Use fungicides as a last resort if the damage is severe and other control measures have failed. Some of the fungicides to use for plant diseases include copper-based fungicides or natural products like neem oil and garlic oil that have antifungal properties.
Bacterial Diseases
Mystacidium distichum is also susceptible to bacterial diseases like leaf spots. To manage bacterial diseases, you should:
- Remove and destroy infected leaves to prevent the spread of the disease to the entire plant.
- Apply copper-based fungicides to manage the disease especially in the early stages.
- Use well-draining soil and avoid over-irrigation, which can exacerbate the growth of bacterial diseases.
Pest Management
In addition to diseases, Mystacidium distichum can also be affected by pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Here are some tips on how to manage these pests:
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, white, and fluffy insects that can congregate on the leaves and stems of plants like Mystacidium distichum. To manage Mealybugs:
- Use a cotton swab, dipped in rubbing alcohol, to wipe out the adult Mealybugs.
- Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, which is a natural insecticide, to manage Mealybug infestations.
- Use a systemic insecticide, which can get into the plant's vascular system and kill the Mealybugs it feeds on.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny, brown, and oval-shaped mites that can cause discoloration and wilting of the leaves. To manage Spider Mites:
- Keep the humidity levels high, as Spider Mites thrive in dry air conditions.
- Use insecticidal soap or neem oil, which can suffocate Spider Mites and prevent other pests from infesting your plant.
- Spray your plant with water to remove any visible mites and their webs.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small, flat, and oval-shaped insects that can be found on the stems and leaves of plants. To manage Scale Insects:
- Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove visible Scale Insects from the plant.
- Use a horticultural oil spray, which can suffocate the Scale Insects and prevent further infestation.
- Introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewing larvae into your garden, which can eat the Scale Insects.
By following these tips, you can manage and prevent the common diseases and pests that affect Mystacidium distichum.
