Polystachya acridolens Summerh.
Polystachya acridolens Summerh. is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Orchidaceae. It is native to the African continent, specifically found in Angola and Zambia. The plant grows in montane areas, at an elevation of 1000 to 2700 meters above sea level.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the "Bitter-scented Polystachya" due to its unpleasant smell. It is also known as "Acrid Polystachya" or "Polystachya with Bitter Perfume".
Appearance
The Polystachya acridolens Summerh. plant grows up to 25 cm tall and produces a loose cluster of small flowers. The flowers are about 1 cm in diameter, typically yellowish-green with purplish-brown markings. The plant has a thin pseudobulb and two large leaves, which are about 15 cm long and 1 cm wide at the base. The stem of the plant is thin and producing short appendages, or side shoots, which are inflorescences that produce one or a few flowers.
Uses
The Polystachya acridolens Summerh. plant is commonly collected as an orchid for breeding and research purposes. It is also occasionally cultivated as an ornamental plant. Despite its unpleasant smell, the plant has medicinal properties and is used to treat various ailments, such as fever, headaches, and stomach problems in traditional African medicine. However, its medicinal value is not widely known or studied.
Light Requirements
Polystachya acridolens Summerh. is a species that thrives in bright, indirect light. It should be placed in a spot where it can receive plenty of light, but not direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Polystachya acridolens Summerh. is between 65-85°F (18-29°C). It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures but should be protected from frost at all times.
Soil Requirements
Polystachya acridolens Summerh. prefers a well-draining, loose potting mix that is rich in organic matter. A mix containing sphagnum moss, perlite, and bark is recommended. The plant should be repotted every 2-3 years.
Cultivation Methods
Polystachya acridolens Summerh. is an epiphytic orchid that primarily grows in forests and swamps. In cultivation, it is best grown in a greenhouse or a terrarium that provides a moist, humid environment. The plant should be potted in a well-draining mix containing pieces of bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite or vermiculite. Polystachya acridolens Summerh. requires bright, indirect light, and should be provided with proper ventilation. It can also be mounted on a piece of wood or a tree fern slab.
Watering Needs
Polystachya acridolens Summerh. requires consistent moisture, and its potting mix or mount should never be allowed to dry out completely. Watering should be done once or twice a week, depending on the environmental conditions. Rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water should be used to avoid mineral buildup in the mix or mount. The plant can also benefit from regular misting to maintain the humidity levels around its foliage.
Fertilization
Polystachya acridolens Summerh. requires a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 20-20-20, or a similar formula. Fertilization should be done every two weeks during the growing season, which lasts from spring to late summer. Specialized orchid fertilizers can also be used to provide additional micronutrients that the plant may need. Over-fertilization should be avoided, as it can harm the roots and lead to salt buildup.
Pruning
Polystachya acridolens Summerh. requires minimal pruning, as it primarily grows as a clump of small pseudobulbs with one or two leaves each. Old leaves can be removed when they become yellow or brown, but new growth should be allowed to develop. Flower spikes should also be left on the plant until they naturally die off, as they may produce additional blooms the following year.
Propagation of Polystachya acridolens Summerh.
Polystachya acridolens Summerh. can be propagated through different methods:
Division
The plant can be divided during the repotting time. Divide the plant into smaller sections by carefully cutting or pulling the roots apart. Each division should have at least two growths and generate a new plant. The new plants must be potted in a proper orchid mix and kept in a warm and humid environment that promotes growth until they have established their root system.
Keiki production
Keiki is the Hawaiian word for baby plant. Polystachya acridolens can produce keikis that can be used for propagation. They can be produced either naturally or artificially. Normally, keikis grow from the nodes of flower spikes. They can be removed and potted separately when they have developed their own roots and leaves. Artificial keiki production involves wounding a node on the flower spike with a sharp blade or twisting it with a piece of wire. Then, apply a growth hormone to the wound and place the flower spike horizontally on a moist substrate. Keep it warm and humid until the keiki develops and starts producing its root system.
Meristem culture
This method is done in a laboratory under sterile conditions. It involves taking a small portion of the plant called a meristem. This portion contains special cells that are capable of producing new plants. These cells are grown on a nutrient-rich agar medium and provided with the right growth hormones. The cells multiply and differentiate into roots and shoots forming new plants. After the plants have developed a root system, they can be transferred to a suitable substrate and carefully acclimated to greenhouse conditions before transplantation.
Disease Management
Polystachya acridolens Summerh. is a sturdy plant that is not generally susceptible to diseases. However, some fungal infections can affect the plant, such as leaf spot and black mold. These diseases can be managed effectively by spraying a fungicide on the leaves and stem of the plant. Always follow the instructions given on the fungicide label to avoid overuse or misuse of the product, which can cause further harm to the plant.
Pest Management
Polystachya acridolens Summerh. may face attacks from various pests, including mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites. These pests can be managed by spraying the plant with a pesticide that targets the specific pest. It is crucial to identify the type of pest before using any chemical control method. Overuse of pesticides can have a toxic effect on the plant's health, and it may also cause damage to the environment. Therefore, use pesticides as a last resort and always read the instructions carefully before use.
Another way to get rid of pests is to use home remedies. For instance, mixing some dish soap with water and spraying it on the leaves and stem of the plant can help get rid of mealybugs and scale insects. For spider mites, you can use a mixture of water and rubbing alcohol and spray it on the plant. Be sure to rinse the plant with clean water after using these remedies to avoid any residue.
Regular pruning of the plant and maintaining proper hygiene of the plant container can help prevent pest attacks. Remove any dead leaves or plant debris from the container and keep the area around the plant clean and dry.
By following these disease and pest management strategies, you can ensure the healthy growth of your Polystachya acridolens Summerh. plant and enjoy its exotic beauty for years to come.
