Overview
Orchis speciosa L.f., also known as Showy Orchis, is a species of orchid found in India and South-East Asia. It is a terrestrial orchid with tubers and belongs to the family Orchidaceae.
Appearance
The plant has a single stem that grows up to 60 cm tall. The leaves are oval-shaped, fleshy, and grow in a basal rosette. The flowers of Showy Orchis are large, showy, and heavily scented. The inflorescence is a dense spike and each flower has six pale pink petals, with darker pink or red markings on the lip. The stamen and the stigma are located at the center of the flower.
Common Names
Showy Orchis is known by various common names including Himalayan Orchid, Large Orchid, Pink Orchid, Rampachodavaram, Panchaparani, and Balanthiya.
Uses
The tubers of Orchis speciosa L.f. are used in traditional medicine for their aphrodisiac properties. They are also used as a tonic for the treatment of general weakness, impotence, and sperm-related problems. In some parts of India, the tubers are believed to be effective in reducing fever. The plant is also of ornamental value, with its large and showy flowers making it a popular addition to gardens and greenhouses. However, as a wild orchid, it is at risk due to habitat loss and over-harvesting.
Growth Conditions of Orchis speciosa L.f.
Orchis speciosa L.f. is a terrestrial orchid that typically grows in cool and shady areas of high altitude forests and meadows. The plant requires specific growth conditions to thrive, which primarily include the following:
Light Requirements
Orchis speciosa L.f. prefers to grow in cool and shady areas, typically under the canopies of trees or in partially shaded areas. Direct exposure to sunlight may result in leaf burn or drying of the plant. Therefore, the plant requires filtered or diffused light to grow optimally.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in cool and temperate temperatures ranging between 12°C to 27°C (54°F to 81°F). Orchis speciosa L.f. is best suited to regions with a cool to the cold climate, typically between 900 to 2700 meters above sea level.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows well in well-draining soils that are slightly acidic or neutral with a pH between 6.0 to 7.5. The orchid prefers rich, organic, and porous soils that are typically found in coniferous forests, meadows, and rocky slopes. Moreover, the plant requires excellent aeration and water drainage to support optimal root growth.
Overall, Orchis speciosa L.f. is a delicate terrestrial orchid that requires specific growth conditions to thrive. The plant prefers cool and shady areas, cool temperatures, and well-draining soil with excellent aeration and water drainage. Adequate care and attention to these requirements can help the plant achieve optimal growth and thriving.
Cultivation Methods
Orchis speciosa L.f. is a terrestrial orchid species and is cultivated in pots or in garden beds. These orchids require well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. Choose a sheltered location that has partial to full shade, as these plants cannot tolerate high temperatures and direct sunlight. Plant the orchids 15 to 20 cm deep into the soil and ensure there is enough space between them for proper growth.
Watering Needs
Water the Orchis speciosa L.f. regularly to maintain the soil moisture level. These orchids prefer moist soil, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. The plants require more watering during the growing season but reduce the frequency during the dormant season. Use tepid water to avoid any shock to the plant.
Fertilization
Feed Orchis speciosa L.f. twice a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer that contains equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Reduce the frequency to once a month in the dormant season. Apply the fertilizer in a quarter-strength solution to avoid any damage to the roots.
Pruning
Prune the Orchis speciosa L.f. only when necessary to promote new growth and prevent the spread of diseases. Remove any yellowing or dead leaves or cut back the stem after the blooming season to encourage the growth of new shoots. Avoid trimming the roots, as they are where the plant stores its nutrients.
Propagation of Orchis speciosa L.f.
Orchis speciosa L.f. can be propagated both sexually and asexually for commercial and hobby purposes. It is a robust plant with a wide distribution range that includes parts of India, Bhutan, and China. The flowering period extends from May to June, and the plant produces fleshy, tuberous roots that can be divided for propagation.
Sexual propagation
The primary method of sexual propagation of Orchis speciosa L.f. is through seeds. The plant produces ample amounts of small seeds that can be harvested and planted in a suitable environment. For successful germination, the seeds require a humid substrate and a temperature between 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. The first root growth is visible within four weeks, and the plant can be transplanted after six months.
Asexual propagation
Asexual propagation of Orchis speciosa L.f. is primarily done through root division. The plant can produce several tubers, which can be dug up and separated. It is essential to ensure that each tuber has a viable bud for successful propagation. Once separated, the tubers can be planted in suitable pots with a well-draining substrate. For optimal growth, it is crucial to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, and to provide the plant with indirect light and temperature between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. Asexual propagation of Orchis speciosa L.f. through root division ensures that the new plants retain their characteristics from the parent plant, making it ideal for commercial propagation purposes.
Disease Management
Orchis speciosa L.f, commonly known as Showy Orchis, can be affected by several diseases that can reduce its yield or kill the plant. The most common diseases that affect orchids include fungal infections, bacterial infections, and viral infections.
Fungal infections can cause leaf spots, root rot, and stem rot. The symptoms of fungal infections include yellowing of leaves, black spots on leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. To manage fungal infections, apply fungicides such as chlorothalonil, mancozeb, or copper fungicides. Additionally, improving the airflow and reducing the humidity level can prevent the spread of fungal diseases.
Bacterial infections can cause leaf spots, soft rot, and wilting. The symptoms of bacterial infections include water-soaked spots on leaves, wilting of new growth, and blackening of stems. To manage bacterial infections, apply copper-based fungicides such as Bordeaux mixture or copper sulfate. Remove infected parts of the orchid and avoid overhead watering as it can spread the bacteria.
Viral infections can cause stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and distorted flowers. Unfortunately, there is no cure for viral infections. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent the spread of the virus to other plants.
Pest Management
Orchis speciosa can also be attacked by insect pests that can damage the plant and reduce its yield. The most common insect pests that attack orchids include mealybugs, scale insects, mites, Aphids, and thrips.
Mealybugs are small, white insects that suck sap from the plant and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew that attracts ants. To manage mealybugs, use pesticides such as neem oil, insecticidal soap, imidacloprid or apply rubbing alcohol to the mealybugs using a cotton swab.
Scale insects are similar to mealybugs in their behavior and have a hard, protective covering that makes them difficult to control. To manage scale insects, use insecticides such as neem oil, malathion or apply rubbing alcohol to the scale using a cotton swab.
Mites are tiny arachnids that suck sap from the plant and cause yellowing of leaves. To manage mites, apply miticides such as neem oil, insecticidal soap, or summer oil.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can quickly reproduce and cause serious damage to the plant. To control aphids, apply insecticidal soap, neem oil, or pyrethrin-based insecticides.
Thrips are tiny, slender insects that can cause damage to the flowers by sucking the sap. To control thrips, use pesticides such as neem oil, spinosad or insecticidal soap.
It is recommended to periodically monitor the plants for any signs of pests or diseases and take appropriate measures to control them.
