Origin of Nervilia viridiflava (Rchb.f.) Schltr.
Nervilia viridiflava (Rchb.f.) Schltr. is a terrestrial orchid that belongs to the family Orchidaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It grows in deciduous or evergreen forests, shady ravines, and on rocky or swampy soils.
Common Names
Nervilia viridiflava is commonly known as green-flowered fairy orchid or green-flowered Nervilia.
Uses of Nervilia viridiflava
Nervilia viridiflava has medicinal properties, and the locals in Southeast Asia have used it to treat various ailments for centuries. The plant’s tubers have been used to treat coughs, asthma, fever, and rheumatism. Its roots have been used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, and jaundice, while its leaves have been used to treat skin diseases and snake bites.
General Appearance of Nervilia viridiflava
Nervilia viridiflava is a small, tuberous perennial herb that grows up to 10 cm in height. It has a single leaf that is green and oval in shape, measuring up to 5 cm long and 3 cm wide. The plant has a small, green, and white flower that blooms between December and March. The flower has a lip that is divided into three lobes, white sepals, and green petals. The fruit produced is a capsule that opens along three lines to release small, circular, flat seeds that are dispersed by the wind.
Growth Conditions of Nervilia viridiflava
Nervilia viridiflava (Rchb.f.) Schltr., commonly known as the green-flowered fairy orchid, is a terrestrial orchid found in South and Southeast Asia. It is a hardy plant that can survive in diverse environmental conditions.
Light
Nervilia viridiflava grows well in moderate to bright light conditions. It prefers to grow in shaded areas with partial sunlight or under the canopy of larger trees. Direct sunlight may cause leaf scorch and damage, leading to stunted growth or death.
Temperature
The plant prefers warmer temperatures ranging from 18°C to 28°C. It can tolerate occasional dips in temperature, but not below 10°C, as it may cause root damage or death. In hot and dry climates, the plant may go dormant to conserve water resources, resuming growth when conditions improve.
Soil
Nervilia viridiflava is an adaptable plant that can grow in a wide range of soil types. However, it prefers well-draining soils with high organic matter content. The ideal soil pH for optimal growth is slightly acidic, ranging from 6.0 to 6.5. The plant is vulnerable to waterlogging, so it is essential to ensure adequate drainage for preventing root rot.
In conclusion, Nervilia viridiflava is a versatile plant that can grow in diverse conditions, but providing ideal growth conditions can help to enhance its growth and development.
Cultivation Methods for Nervilia viridiflava
Nervilia viridiflava is a terrestrial orchid that requires a humid and shady environment to grow. It is best cultivated in a well-draining soil mix, such as a combination of peat moss, perlite, and bark. The plant should be placed in a location that receives bright but indirect sunlight, such as a windowsill or under artificial lighting.
Watering Needs for Nervilia viridiflava
Nervilia viridiflava prefers to be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. The soil should be watered thoroughly once a week, allowing excess water to drain out of the pot. The plant may require more frequent watering in hot or dry conditions, but care should be taken to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilization for Nervilia viridiflava
Nervilia viridiflava benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season, which typically runs from spring to fall. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can be applied every two to four weeks according to package instructions. Care should be taken to avoid getting fertilizer on the leaves or stem, as this can cause damage to the plant.
Pruning for Nervilia viridiflava
Nervilia viridiflava does not require pruning in the same way that other plants do. However, it may be necessary to remove dead or yellowing leaves from the plant as they occur. This can be done by gently pulling the leaf away from the base of the plant. Care should be taken not to damage the stem or roots while pruning.
Propagation of Nervilia viridiflava
Nervilia viridiflava (Rchb.f.) Schltr., commonly known as the green-flowered Nervilia, is a terrestrial orchid species that is widely distributed in Asia, including China, India, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. It is a small-sized plant with a height of up to 10 cm, and it prefers to grow in a shaded environment in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter.
Propagation Methods
The green-flowered Nervilia can be propagated either by seeds or through vegetative propagation methods, such as division and tissue culture.
Propagation by Seeds
The green-flowered Nervilia produces small, dust-like seeds that are dispersed by wind or insects. To propagate the plant from seeds, the following steps are recommended:
- Collect the seeds from the mature capsules of the plant.
- Clean the seeds using a fine mesh to remove the debris.
- Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mixture that is rich in organic matter.
- Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, and maintain a warm and humid environment for the seeds to germinate.
- It may take several months for the seeds to germinate, and once they do, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Propagation by Division
The green-flowered Nervilia can also be propagated by division, which involves separating the plant into smaller clumps and replanting them. The following steps are recommended:
- Carefully remove the plant from its pot or the ground, making sure not to damage the roots.
- Gently separate the clumps of the plant, ensuring that each clump has sufficient roots and foliage to survive.
- Replant the individual clumps in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, and maintain a shaded environment for the plant to recover.
- Regularly water and fertilize the plant to promote healthy growth.
Propagation by Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is another method of propagating the green-flowered Nervilia, and it involves growing the plant from cultured tissue in a laboratory setting. The following steps are recommended:
- Collect a small piece of tissue from the plant, such as the meristem or leaf tip.
- Clean and sterilize the tissue to prevent contamination.
- Grow the tissue in a nutrient-rich medium that contains the necessary hormones and vitamins to induce growth.
- Once the tissue has grown into a small plantlet, it can be transplanted into individual pots and grown under normal conditions.
Overall, the green-flowered Nervilia can be propagated using various methods, and it is important to choose the appropriate method based on the resources and expertise available.
Disease Management for Nervilia viridiflava
One of the common diseases that affect Nervilia viridiflava is root rot. This disease is usually caused by fungi such as Fusarium, Phytophthora, and Pythium. To manage root rot, it is important to ensure proper soil drainage and avoid overwatering. Use fungicides such as copper-based fungicides, mancozeb, and thiophanate-methyl can be applied to control the disease.
Another common disease that affects Nervilia viridiflava is leaf spot. This disease is caused by fungi such as Alternaria and Cercospora. Leaf spot disease can be managed by removing infected leaves and avoiding overhead irrigation. Use of fungicides such as copper-based fungicides, mancozeb, and chlorothalonil can also help control the disease.
Pest Management for Nervilia viridiflava
Sucking pests such as mealybugs, whiteflies, and aphids are common in Nervilia viridiflava. These pests can cause damage by feeding on the plant sap. To manage sucking pests, use insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or horticultural oils to reduce their populations. Biological control agents such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps can also be used to manage sucking pests.
Caterpillars such as the armyworm and cutworms can also attack Nervilia viridiflava. These pests cause damage by chewing on leaves and stems. To manage caterpillars, use insecticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or spinosad that only target caterpillars. Handpicking and removing affected plant parts can also help control caterpillar infestations.
Finally, snails and slugs can also attack Nervilia viridiflava. These pests can be managed by manually removing them from the garden or using baits such as iron phosphate or metaldehyde. Creating a physical barrier such as copper tape can help prevent snails and slugs from accessing the plant.
