Plant Description
Mystacidium globulosum (Ridl.) T.Durand & Schinz, also known as the African Mystacidium orchid, is a rare and exotic plant species that belongs to the orchid family Orchidaceae. This epiphytic orchid is native to the humid forests of tropical Africa, specifically in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia.
Plant Appearance
Mystacidium globulosum is a monopodial orchid species characterized by its long and slender stems that can grow up to 120 cm in length. Its leaves are arranged alternately along the stem and are elliptical or lanceolate in shape, with a length of 6-14 cm and a width of 1.5-3.5 cm.
The flowers of the African Mystacidium orchid grow in clusters of 10-20, and each flower is small, approximately 2 cm in diameter. The petals and sepals are yellow-green in color, while the lip is white with a yellow center and reddish-purple spots. They bloom in the summer and fall months, and their fragrance is sweet and spicy.
Common Names
Apart from African Mystacidium orchid, the plant is also commonly known as the Button Mystacidium, Globular-flowered Mystacidium, and Zulu Orchid.
Uses
The African Mystacidium orchid is a popular ornamental plant due to its exotic and stunning appearance. It is commonly grown in gardens, greenhouses, and as a houseplant.
In traditional African medicine, the plant is used to treat a variety of ailments such as fever, malaria, and dysentery. The leaves are crushed and boiled to create a tea that is consumed as a remedy.
Growth Conditions of Mystacidium globulosum
Mystacidium globulosum (Ridl.) T.Durand & Schinz is a beautiful African orchid that is native to Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. This plant is an epiphyte, meaning it grows on other plants, and requires specific growth conditions to thrive.
Light Requirements
Mystacidium globulosum requires bright, filtered light to grow well. It should be placed in a bright spot where it can receive indirect sunlight for most of the day. Direct sunlight can damage the leaves and cause them to wilt or burn, so it is crucial to protect the plant from the scorching sun.
Temperature Requirements
Mystacidium globulosum is a warm-temperature orchid and prefers temperatures between 70-85°F (21-30°C) during the day and 60-65°F (15-18°C) at night. Temperatures that are too cold or too hot can severely affect the plant's growth and cause damage to the leaves and flowers.
Soil Requirements
As an epiphyte, Mystacidium globulosum does not require soil to grow. Instead, it thrives on a well-draining growing medium, such as coarse bark or sphagnum moss, that allows air to circulate around its roots. The plant's roots should be able to breathe and dry out in between watering to prevent root rot, which can cause the plant to die.
Humidity Requirements
Mystacidium globulosum requires high humidity levels of 60-70% to grow well. This plant can be grown in a tray filled with pebbles and water to increase the humidity level. Alternatively, a humidifier can be used to provide the plant with the required moisture levels.
Fertilizing Requirements
Mystacidium globulosum requires regular fertilization to grow well. A balanced fertilizer, such as 20-20-20, should be applied every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). This plant should not be fertilized during the dormant period (fall and winter).
Cultivation Methods
Mystacidium globulosum (Ridl.) T.Durand & Schinz is a epiphytic orchid that grows in the wild on trees and rocks in the forests of Africa. Its growth requirements in cultivation must mirror their natural habitat. The plant thrives in temperatures from 50 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep your Mystacidium globulosum plant in a location with strong, indirect light. The plant should never be exposed to direct sunlight.
Watering Needs
Mystacidium globulosum (Ridl.) T.Durand & Schinz should be watered once a week during summer. During winter, water the plant once every ten days to two weeks to prevent over-watering. The plant must be grown in well-draining soil or grown in a pot with masses of sphagnum moss. The plant can also be mounted on tree fern or cork slabs. If mounted, the plant should be misted occasionally.
Fertilization
Feed Mystacidium globulosum (Ridl.) T.Durand & Schinz with a complete orchid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Use a half-strength dilution in spring and fall while not feeding the plant during winter. Over-fertilization can occur, and it can harm the plant.
Pruning
Mystacidium globulosum (Ridl.) T.Durand & Schinz doesn't require extensive pruning as Orchid's growth is incremental. Dead or damaged roots should be removed immediately. Remove any yellow leaves to prevent the spread of diseases. Also, remove spikes where the plant has already bloomed.
Propagation of Mystacidium Globulosum
Mystacidium globulosum is a beautiful orchid species that is endemic to Madagascar. This species can be propagated through two main methods: seed propagation and division propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is quite challenging, but it is one of the most commonly used methods to propagate Mystacidium globulosum. This method involves the use of fresh seed pods, which should be harvested when they turn brown.
Once harvested, the seeds should be cleaned and disinfected before being sown in a suitable medium. Mystacidium globulosum seeds require high humidity and moderate light to germinate. Therefore, it is important to provide the seeds with the appropriate conditions to ensure successful germination.
Division Propagation
Division propagation is another common method for propagating Mystacidium globulosum. This method involves dividing the parent plant into smaller clumps that can be grown individually. The best time for division propagation is during the dormant season, which is usually in the fall.
The parent plant should be carefully lifted and separated into smaller clumps. Each clump should have at least one pseudobulb and several healthy roots. Once divided, the clumps can be planted in new pots with fresh potting soil. It is important to keep the newly propagated plants in a shaded area and provide them with adequate water until they are established.
Propagation of Mystacidium globulosum can be challenging, but with the right techniques and conditions, one can successfully propagate this beautiful orchid species.
Disease Management
Mystacidium globulosum is generally considered to be a low maintenance plant with low susceptibility to diseases. However, like all plants, it is still possible for this orchid to develop diseases when environmental and cultural conditions are not optimal. One of the most common diseases affecting Mystacidium globulosum is fungal infections.
Fungus thrives in warm, humid environments and can cause damage to the leaves and flowers of the plant. To avoid fungal infections, it is important to ensure proper air circulation and avoid overwatering. Pruning any damaged leaves or flowers can also help prevent the spread of the fungus. If a fungal infection is suspected, fungicide sprays may be applied as a last resort.
Pest Management
Mystacidium globulosum is also susceptible to pests, with some of the most common pest problems being red spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests can damage the leaves and flowers and weaken the plant.
To prevent pest infestations, inspect the plant regularly to catch any problems early. Remove any dead leaves or flowers as soon as possible, as they can attract pests. Additionally, try to maintain a clean growing environment by avoiding dirt buildup in the pot or on the plant's leaves.
If pests are discovered, there are various ways to manage them. For mild infestations, wiping the plant down with a natural insecticide like neem oil can help get rid of the pests. For more severe infestations, it may be necessary to isolate the plant and use a stronger chemical pesticide. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid harming the plant or the environment.
