Overview of Mystacidium tanganyikense Summerh.
Mystacidium tanganyikense Summerh. is a species of orchid that belongs to the family Orchidaceae. The plant is native to East Africa, specifically found in Tanzania, Zambia, and Malawi. It is a small plant that grows on rocks and trees in the highlands and montane forests, at an altitude of 1500 to 2500 meters.
Common Names
Mystacidium tanganyikense Summerh. is commonly known by several names such as Trichotosia tanganyikensis (Summerh.) Kraenzl., Mystacidium cathcartianum var. tanganyikense (Summerh.) Summerh., and Mystacidium tanganyikense var. cathcartianum (Bolus) T.Durst.
Appearance
Mystacidium tanganyikense Summerh. is a small and delicate orchid species that grows up to a height of 7 to 15cm. The plant has slender stems that are covered with sheaths and produce fleshy leaves that are about 4 to 9cm long. The leaves are elliptic and have a pointed tip with smooth edges. The flowers of the plant grow in clusters of 3 to 10 and are about 1.5cm wide. The flowers have a yellow-green color, and the petals have a white center with an orange-pink outline. The lip of the flower is white, and the column is hairy.
Uses
Mystacidium tanganyikense Summerh. is a popular ornamental plant and is widely grown for its beautiful flowers. The plant is suitable for growing in pots on a windowsill, in a greenhouse, or in an outdoor rock garden. In some African communities, the plant is used for medicinal purposes to treat various ailments such as fever and infections.
Light requirements
Mystacidium tanganyikense Summerh. requires high levels of light to thrive. Therefore, it is recommended to grow this plant in bright, indirect light conditions that mimic its natural habitat. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves and damage the plant.
Temperature requirements
The plant thrives in warm to hot temperatures. It grows best in temperatures between 18°C to 30°C, and it can tolerate a range of temperatures between 10°C to 35°C. Temperatures below 10°C can damage the plant.
Soil requirements
Mystacidium tanganyikense Summerh. grows best in a well-draining, coarse potting mix with good aeration. It requires a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH between 6.0 to 7.0. The soil mix should not be allowed to dry out completely, so it is important to water the plant regularly. Overwatering can cause root rot and damage to the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Mystacidium tanganyikense Summerh. is a terrestrial orchid that can be easily cultivated in a pot or upright position. This plant can grow in a range of environments, either in full sun or under a shade cloth. To ensure successful cultivation, it is important to place the plant in a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter. The ideal temperature range for Mystacidium tanganyikense Summerh. is between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius.
Watering Needs
The amount of water required for Mystacidium tanganyikense Summerh. depends on the environmental conditions. The plant should be watered regularly during the growing season, from spring to autumn. In areas of high rainfall, it may be necessary to reduce the watering frequency to once a week. The plant should be allowed to dry out between watering, but it should not be allowed to completely dry out as this may cause the plant to go into shock.
Fertilization
Mystacidium tanganyikense Summerh. requires regular fertilization throughout the growing season. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer should be used at a rate of ¼ strength, every two weeks. Alternatively, a slow-release fertilizer can be used, applied at the beginning of the growing season. The use of fertilizer should be stopped during the dormant season.
Pruning
Mystacidium tanganyikense Summerh. requires very little pruning. Dead or yellowing leaves can be removed as they occur to maintain the plant's appearance. If the plant has outgrown its pot, it can be repotted into a larger container with fresh potting mix. This should be done during the dormant period. Care should be taken when repotting to avoid causing damage to the plant's roots.
Propagation of Mystacidium tanganyikense Summerh.
Mystacidium tanganyikense Summerh. is a beautiful epiphytic orchid that is native to Tanzania and Southern Kenya. The plant can be propagated by different methods, including:
Division
Dividing the plant is the simplest and most common method of propagation. Divide the plant during the growing season, preferably in spring or early summer. Use a sharp and sterile knife or pruning shears to split the plant into clumps, ensuring that each clump has at least three pseudobulbs with healthy roots. Replant the divided clumps in separate containers, ensuring that the roots are covered with orchid mix.
Back Bulbs
Mystacidium tanganyikense Summerh. can also be propagated through back bulbs. These are matured pseudobulbs that have already flowered and were left behind by the mother plant after division. Remove the dry and dead roots from the back bulb and plant it in a small pot filled with orchid mix. Cover the roots with the mix and ensure that the back bulb is kept moist. It will take some time for the new growth to emerge from the back bulb, but once it does, it will produce flowering pseudobulbs.
Stem Cuttings
Propagating Mystacidium tanganyikense Summerh. through stem cuttings is a slightly complicated method that requires experience. Select a healthy stem that has no flowers and is about six inches long. Make sure that the cutting has some nodes from where the new growth will emerge. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with moist orchid mix. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a humid environment, and keep the soil moist. New growth should emerge from the nodes in a few weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Mystacidium tanganyikense Summerh.
Mystacidium tanganyikense Summerh. is a beautiful and unique orchid species. As with any plant, it can be susceptible to pests and diseases, but here are some ways to manage those potential issues.
Common Pests
There are several pests that can affect Mystacidium tanganyikense:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests like to feed on the undersides of the leaves, causing a yellow, stippled appearance. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to knock them off the plant, and then follow up with a neem oil spray.
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs look like small, cottony masses on the plant. They tend to congregate at the base of the leaves and near new growth. To manage mealybugs, wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. You can also use a neem oil spray to repel them.
- Scale insects: These pests look like small, brown bumps on the stems and leaves. They can be scraped off with a fingernail or scrubbed off with a soft-bristled brush. You can also use neem oil to manage scale.
Common Diseases
Mystacidium tanganyikense can also be affected by various diseases:
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or fungal infections. To manage root rot, remove any affected roots and repot the plant in fresh, well-draining media.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is caused by a fungal infection that results in brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove any affected foliage and spray the plant with a fungicide. Avoid overhead watering to prevent further spread of the disease.
- Virus: Unfortunately, there is no cure for viral infections in plants. If you suspect your Mystacidium tanganyikense has a virus, remove and dispose of the infected plant material to prevent further spread.
Regular inspection and maintenance of your Mystacidium tanganyikense can help you catch pest and disease issues early and prevent them from spreading to other plants in your collection.
