Origin and Common Names
Pachystela cinerea (Engl.) Radlk. var. ogowensis Engl. is a species of flowering plant in the Orchidaceae family. It is native to West and Central Africa, where it grows in tropical rainforests. This plant is commonly known as the Green Orchid.
General Appearance
The Green Orchid is a small, epiphytic orchid that typically grows up to 20 cm in height. It has an erect stem and produces a cluster of dark green leaves at the base of the stem. The leaves are leathery and oblong in shape, reaching up to 10 cm in length. The plant produces small, delicate flowers that are greenish-white with purple streaks. The flowers are about 1 cm in diameter and have a distinctive, sweet fragrance.
Uses
The Green Orchid is mainly used as a decorative plant. It is grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. Its attractive foliage and delicate flowers make it a popular choice among plant enthusiasts. In traditional medicine, the plant is used to treat various ailments such as headaches, fever, and coughs. The plant is also used in some African countries as an aphrodisiac.
Light Requirements
Pachystela cinerea var. ogowensis thrives in bright light conditions. Exposing it to direct sunlight for a few hours each day is beneficial, but it should be shielded from intense afternoon sun rays. It is recommended to place this plant near a window facing west or south, or under fluorescent lights for at least 12 hours a day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adapted to warm temperatures and requires a minimum temperature of 15°C (59°F) to grow properly. The ideal temperature range for Pachystela cinerea var. ogowensis is between 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) or above 40°C (104°F) can be harmful and stunt its growth, or even kill it.
Soil Requirements
The soil should be well-draining, loose, and rich in organic matter. A mix of sand, peat moss, and perlite is a good choice for Pachystela cinerea var. ogowensis. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, ranging from 5.5 to 6.5, to ensure healthy growth. This plant does not like to be waterlogged, so be cautious not to overwater it.
Cultivation methods
Pachystela cinerea (Engl.) Radlk. var. ogowensis Engl. is a tropical plant that requires certain cultivation methods for optimal growth. The plant is best grown in a greenhouse or indoors, in well-draining loamy soil. You can also plant it outside in a semi-shaded area where it is protected from the wind and excessive sun.
Propagation of the plant can be done through stem cuttings or seedlings. Cuttings should be taken from mature plants during the growing season, while seeds should be sown in trays or pots filled with a seed-raising mixture. The plant requires high humidity levels, so it is advisable to place it in a humid chamber or mist the leaves regularly.
Watering needs
Pachystela cinerea (Engl.) Radlk. var. ogowensis Engl. requires frequent watering, especially during periods of growth. Avoid overwatering as it may lead to root rot. You can opt for watering in the morning or evening when the temperatures are cooler and the sun is not too hot. The plant also benefits from frequent misting to boost humidity levels.
Fertilization
Fertilization is important for optimal growth and flowering of Pachystela cinerea (Engl.) Radlk. var. ogowensis Engl. A balanced fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium should be applied during the growing season. Fertilization should be done every two weeks to ensure the plant receives the necessary nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Pachystela cinerea (Engl.) Radlk. var. ogowensis Engl. However, you can remove dead, yellow or brown leaves or stems to maintain the plant's appearance and prevent the spread of pests or diseases. You can also trim overgrown roots if the plant becomes pot-bound.
Propagation of Pachystela cinerea (Engl.) Radlk. var. ogowensis Engl.
The plant Pachystela cinerea (Engl.) Radlk. var. ogowensis Engl. can be propagated through seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
The seeds of Pachystela cinerea (Engl.) Radlk. var. ogowensis Engl. can be collected from the ripe pods of the plant. The seeds should be sown in a mixture of potting soil and sand and kept moist. The ideal temperature range for seed germination is between 20°C to 25°C. The seeds take about 2-3 weeks to germinate.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are another method of propagating Pachystela cinerea (Engl.) Radlk. var. ogowensis Engl. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants during the growing season. The cutting should be about 10-15 cm in length, with at least two nodes. Remove the lower leaves of the cutting and dip the base in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a mixture of potting soil and sand and keep it moist. The ideal temperature range for rooting the cutting is between 20°C to 25°C. The cutting will root in about 3-4 weeks.
Propagation through stem cuttings is a faster method of propagating Pachystela cinerea (Engl.) Radlk. var. ogowensis Engl. compared to seed propagation.
Disease Management
Pachystela cinerea (Engl.) Radlk. var. ogowensis Engl. is susceptible to a few fungal diseases. The most common fungal disease that affects this plant is powdery mildew. The symptoms of powdery mildew include gray or white powdery spots on the foliage of the plant. To manage this disease, it is essential to maintain good air circulation by pruning branches that are overcrowding the plant. Additionally, watering the plant from the base and avoiding splashing water on the foliage can go a long way in controlling powdery mildew.
Fusarium wilt is another fungal disease that can affect Pachystela cinerea (Engl.) Radlk. var. ogowensis Engl. The symptoms include yellowing of leaves, wilting, and collapsing of the plant. It is essential to remove and destroy any infected plant material to prevent the spread of the disease. Additionally, avoiding overwatering the plant and planting in well-draining soil can help prevent Fusarium wilt. Crop rotation is also crucial in managing this disease.
Pest Management
One of the most common pests that attack Pachystela cinerea (Engl.) Radlk. var. ogowensis Engl. is the spider mite. These pests suck sap from the leaves, causing yellowing and curling of the foliage. To manage spider mites, you can try using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Additionally, it is crucial to keep the plant well-hydrated and mist the foliage often to deter spider mites from settling on the plant.
Another pest that can attack this plant is the mealybug. Mealybugs often settle on the undersides of the leaves and feed on the plant's sap, causing stunted growth and yellowing of the plant. To manage mealybugs, you can try using a damp cloth or cotton swab to remove the pests from the plant. You can also use neem oil or horticultural oil to control the infestation.
