Overview
Nervilia bicarinata (Blume) Schltr. is a terrestrial herbaceous plant species belonging to the family Orchidaceae. It is commonly referred to as the Nerve Orchid or Ridge-crested Nervilia.
Origin
The Nervilia bicarinata is native to tropical and subtropical Asia, including countries like China, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.
Appearance
The Nervilia bicarinata is a small-sized plant that can grow up to 15 cm tall. It has solitary, long-petioled leaves that are heart-shaped or kidney-shaped. The plant produces a single inflorescence that bears 1 to 3 flowers. The flowers of Nervilia bicarinata have a pinkish-red to lilac hue with a distinct lip that is white in color.
Uses
The Nervilia bicarinata has been traditionally used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, sore throat, inflammation, coughs, and bronchitis. The plant is rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds that possess potent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The Nervilia bicarinata is also cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its attractive flowers and foliage.
Light Requirements
Nervilia bicarinata is a shade-loving plant. It thrives best under 50 percent shade and can tolerate up to 70 percent shade. Direct sunlight can damage the plant and scorch its leaves. Therefore, exposing the plant to direct sunlight should be avoided.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow well under a wide range of temperatures, provided it has adequate humidity. The optimal temperature range for growth is between 18 to 25°C. Temperatures below 10°C and above 30°C can cause stress to the plant and hinder its growth.
Soil Requirements
Nervilia bicarinata requires well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. The soil should be rich in organic matter and should hold moisture without becoming waterlogged. The plant can grow in a variety of soils such as sandy, loamy, and clay soils, provided they are well-draining. Adding compost or leaf litter to the soil can improve its fertility and structure.
Cultivation Methods for Nervilia bicarinata (Blume) Schltr.
Nervilia bicarinata is native to tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia. It thrives in areas with a temperature range of 15 to 25°C and prefers indirect sunlight.
The plant can be propagated through seeds or division of the tubers. It should be planted in well-draining soil and covered with a thin layer of mulch to keep the soil moist. The tubers can be planted at a depth of 2-3cm in the soil.
Watering Needs for Nervilia bicarinata (Blume) Schltr.
Nervilia bicarinata requires moderate watering during its growing season, which is from spring to fall. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. Watering should be reduced during the plant's dormant season, which is from winter to early spring.
Fertilization for Nervilia bicarinata (Blume) Schltr.
Nervilia bicarinata requires regular fertilization during its growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied every two weeks. Organic fertilizers can also be used to improve soil fertility.
Pruning for Nervilia bicarinata (Blume) Schltr.
Nervilia bicarinata does not require regular pruning, but dead or decaying leaves and stems should be removed promptly to prevent the spread of disease. The plant can also be divided every 2-3 years to maintain its health and vigor.
Propagation of Nervilia bicarinata
Nervilia bicarinata, commonly known as the hinged nervilia or crane orchid, is a terrestrial orchid species native to Southeast Asia. Propagation of this plant can be done through two methods: seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Nervilia bicarinata from seeds is a time-consuming process that requires patience and attention to detail. The seeds of this plant are extremely small, dust-like particles that require a sterile environment to germinate.
The seeds should be sown in a well-draining mix of peat moss and perlite or sand. The container should be covered with a transparent lid or plastic wrap to maintain high humidity levels and should be kept in a warm location that receives dappled sunlight.
Germination can take several weeks to months, and once the seedlings have grown enough to handle, they can be transplanted to individual pots or a communal pot with other plants of the same species.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Nervilia bicarinata is an easier and faster method as it involves the division of the plant's tuber. This method is best done when the plant is dormant, during the winter months.
The plant should be carefully dug up, and the tuber should be divided into several pieces, each with at least one live shoot and a healthy set of roots. The divisions should be dusted with fungicide to prevent rotting and planted in a well-draining mix of soil and perlite or sand.
The newly propagated plants should be kept in a location with high humidity levels and dappled sunlight until they are well established, after which they can be treated as mature plants.
Disease Management
Nervilia bicarinata (Blume) Schltr. is susceptible to several diseases that can affect its growth and yield. The following are some common diseases and management strategies that can be implemented to control them:
Bacterial Blight
Bacterial blight is a common disease that affects the leaves and stems of Nervilia bicarinata. The disease causes dark brown to black lesions that can grow and merge, resulting in extensive damage to the plant. The disease can be controlled by removing and destroying infected plant parts and treating the plant with a copper-based fungicide.
Fusarium Wilt
Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease that affects the roots and stems of Nervilia bicarinata. The disease causes wilting, yellowing, and stunting of the plant. Infected plants can be treated with a fungicide containing thiophanate-methyl or azoxystrobin. Crop rotation and soil solarization can also help control the disease.
Virus Diseases
Nervilia bicarinata is susceptible to several viruses that can cause stunting, yellowing, and distorted leaves. The viruses can be controlled by using virus-free seedlings, avoiding the use of infected tools and equipment, and controlling the insects that carry the virus.
Pest Management
Nervilia bicarinata (Blume) Schltr. is also susceptible to several pests that can cause significant damage to the plant. The following are common pests and management strategies that can be implemented to control them:
Scale Insects
Scale insects can cause damage to the leaves and roots of Nervilia bicarinata. The insects suck the plant sap, leading to stunting, yellowing, and reduced growth. Infested plants can be treated with a horticultural oil or insecticide containing imidacloprid.
Root-Knot Nematodes
Root-knot nematodes can cause damage to the roots of Nervilia bicarinata, leading to stunting, wilting, and yellowing of the plant. Infested plants can be treated with nematicides or by practicing crop rotation and soil solarization.
Cutworms
Cutworms can feed on the stems of Nervilia bicarinata, leading to wilting and stunting of the plant. Infested plants can be treated with an insecticide containing spinosad, and cutworms can also be manually removed from the plant.
