Overview
Pachystoma thomsonianum Rchb.f. is a species of orchid that belongs to the family Orchidaceae. It is a rare orchid species found in the tropical regions of Asia, including Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar. The plant thrives in tropical rainforests and montane forests, where it grows epiphytically on trees and rocks. This plant is also known by several common names such as Thomson's Pachystoma and Thick-Lipped Pachystoma.
Description
Pachystoma thomsonianum Rchb.f. is a medium-sized orchid that usually grows between 10 and 15 cm tall. The plant features a single, erect, and thick stem with 3-4 oval-shaped leaves that are around 7 cm long and 3-4 cm wide. The leaves are glossy, and light green in color, with prominent veins visible on both sides.
The flowers of Pachystoma thomsonianum Rchb.f. are large and showy, each measuring around 3-4 cm in diameter. The flowers have a unique, flattened, and fan-like lip with dense white hair. The lip is covered in purple veins with white borders, also known as a disc-like, or viscidium, which attaches to the polinia of a visiting bee. The sepals and petals of the flower are greenish-yellow and have no distinctive markings. The plant blooms from late spring to summer when it produces several flowers on a branched inflorescence, each lasting around two weeks.
Uses
Pachystoma thomsonianum Rchb.f. has not found any widespread use for commercial purposes. However, its beauty and rarity make it a popular choice for orchid collectors, and it is grown as an ornamental plant in botanical gardens, primarily in Asia. The plant is also beneficial to the ecosystem as it plays a vital role in preserving biodiversity by hosting various pollinators.
The plant is not used for medicinal purposes, and there is no information available on whether it has any therapeutic properties.
Conclusion
Pachystoma thomsonianum Rchb.f. is a rare, beautiful, and distinct orchid species found mainly in the tropical regions of Asia. It is unique in appearance, with thick, oval-shaped leaves and large, showy flowers with dense white hairs. Although it has little commercial value, the plant is a popular choice for orchid collectors, and it provides essential ecosystem services by supporting pollinators.
Light Requirements
Pachystoma thomsonianum Rchb.f. grows best in partial shade with filtered sunlight. It can also tolerate full sun if the soil moisture is consistently maintained.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm and humid growing conditions with a temperature range between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. It is not tolerant of frost or extreme heat, so it must be grown in the shade during hot summer months, especially in areas with higher temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Pachystoma thomsonianum Rchb.f. grows well in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soils. However, the soil must be well-draining to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot. The soil pH should be acidic to neutral, with a range of 5.5 to 7.0, and enriched with organic matter for better growth.
Cultivation
Pachystoma thomsonianum Rchb.f. is an epiphytic orchid, which means it can be grown on rocks, logs, or other plants, such as trees. It prefers bright and filtered light and temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C). It can be propagated through stem cuttings and seedlings.
Watering Needs
Pachystoma thomsonianum Rchb.f. requires regular watering, but it should not be over-watered. The soil or growing medium should be kept moist but not waterlogged. It is best to water in the morning or early afternoon, allowing the plant to dry before evening to prevent fungal growth.
Fertilization
Pachystoma thomsonianum Rchb.f. requires regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. It is recommended to use a balanced orchid fertilizer with an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilizing can be done every two weeks or following the manufacturer's instructions.
Pruning
Pachystoma thomsonianum Rchb.f. does not require much pruning, except for removing any dead or damaged leaves or flowers. The plant can be divided every two to three years when it has outgrown its container or when the growing medium needs to be replaced.
Propagation of Pachystoma thomsonianum Rchb.f.
Pachystoma thomsonianum Rchb.f. can be propagated through several methods such as through seeds, vegetative propagation and tissue culture method.
Propagation through seeds:
Seeds of Pachystoma thomsonianum Rchb.f. can be sown directly on to the soil surface or in seedling trays filled with a well-draining potting mix. The seeds germinate well in a warm and moist environment, and the seedlings can be transplanted once they are large enough to handle.
Vegetative propagation:
Pachystoma thomsonianum Rchb.f. can be propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants and planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, high-humidity environment until they develop roots. Division involves separating the plant into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a portion of the roots and foliage.
Tissue culture:
Tissue culture is a technique that involves growing plant cells in a sterile environment in vitro. In this method, small pieces of plant tissue are transferred to a nutrient-rich medium under sterile conditions. These pieces of tissue then differentiate into new shoots, roots, and eventually whole plants that can be transplanted into soil.
Propagation of Pachystoma thomsonianum Rchb.f. through any of the above-mentioned methods results in healthy plants that can be used for ornamental purposes or conservation efforts.
Disease and Pest Management for Pachystoma thomsonianum Rchb.f.
Pachystoma thomsonianum Rchb.f., commonly known as Thomson's pachystoma, is a beautiful plant with striking flowers. However, like any other plant, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant, along with suggested ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
1. Leaf spot disease: Leaf spot appears on the lower leaves of Pachystoma thomsonianum Rchb.f. as small brown spots. The primary reason behind this is the incidence of humidity and overwatering. To manage this, remove the lower leaves which are affected.
2. Crown and root rot: This is a common disease in plants, characterized by the decay of the crown and root of the plant. It is caused due to excessive watering or poor soil drainage. To control the spread of the disease, remove the infected parts of the plant, and do not water excessively.
3. Powdery mildew: Powdery mildew tends to develop on the foliage of potted plants of Pachystoma thomsonianum Rchb.f. when humidity levels increase remarkably. Regular spraying of neem oil-based fungicide solution where before the onset of the spore-bearing season can manage the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
1. Spider mites: Spider mites are a common pest that infests the foliage of potted plants of Pachystoma thomsonianum Rchb.f. They suck the sap from the foliage of the plant and can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. To control the spread of spider mites, you can hose off the entire plant with water, especially the undersides of the foliage.Or you may spray Isopropyl Alcohol or Neem oil solution on the foliage.
2. Mealybugs: These are white, furry-looking insects that tend to develop on the nodes of the plant. They suck the sap from the plant’s foliage and produce honeydew as waste, which can attract ants. Remove any infected part of the plant, and consider repotting using new soil.
3. Scale insects: These pests commonly infest the undersides of the plant's foliage. They form a white waxy-like layer over their bodies, making it difficult to control and eliminate. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil-based solution.
By following these simple tips, you can easily manage diseases and pests and ensure your Pachystoma thomsonianum Rchb.f. plant thrives.
