Polystachya affinis Lindl. var. affinis: Overview
Polystachya affinis Lindl. var. affinis, also known as the "many-spiked Polystachya," is a species of epiphytic orchid found in various regions of Africa, including Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
Physical Description
The plant has a compact, upright stem that can reach up to 50 centimeters in height. Its leaves are long and narrow and can grow up to 24 centimeters long. The flowers are small and arranged in multiple inflorescences along a long spike that can carry up to 100 flowers. The flowers are yellowish-green with brownish-red stripes that are concentrated near the base. The flowering season generally lasts from August to September.
Common Names
Polystachya affinis Lindl. var. affinis is known by several common names, including "Many-spiked Polystachya," "Bow-legs Polystachya," and "Two-toothed Polystachya."
Uses
Polystachya affinis Lindl. var. affinis has no known medicinal uses. However, it is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant and is considered an ideal plant for beginners in orchid cultivation due to its easy maintenance. In the wild, the plant is utilized by local communities for its fragrant flowers, which are often used as a perfume. The plant is also known to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Light Requirements
The Polystachya affinis Lindl. var. affinis typically grows under medium to high light conditions. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it may cause leaf damage. It is recommended to grow this plant under filtered light or partial shade to mimic their natural environment.
Temperature Requirements
Polystachya affinis Lindl. var. affinis prefers warm temperatures with a range of 18°C to 27°C. This plant is tolerant of high temperatures but cannot withstand temperatures below 10°C during its growth period. During winter, it is recommended to keep the temperature above 15°C to encourage healthy growth.
Soil and Water Requirements
Polystachya affinis Lindl. var. affinis can adapt to different types of soil but prefers substrates with good drainage ability. A recommended mixture for this plant is composed of sphagnum moss, bark, and perlite. The plant requires regular watering but should be allowed to dry slightly before watering again. Overwatering may lead to root rot and should be avoided.
Cultivation methods:
Polystachya affinis Lindl. var. affinis requires a warm and humid environment to grow properly. It thrives best in temperatures between 18°C to 30°C and can tolerate a wide range of light levels. The orchid needs a well-draining potting mix and a container with adequate drainage. The plant should be repotted every two years using a new potting mix.
Watering needs:
The plant requires consistent and thorough watering. Water the orchid when the top inch of the potting mix is dry. The frequency of watering may vary depending on the temperature, humidity, and light levels where the orchid is kept. It is important not to let the plant dry out completely, as it can negatively impact its growth and health.
Fertilization:
Polystachya affinis Lindl. var. affinis requires regular fertilization to grow healthy and strong. Use a balanced fertilizer on the plant every two weeks during the growing season and once a month during the rest period. Avoid fertilizing the orchid when it is dry or stressed.
Pruning:
Regular pruning can help to ensure the health and vitality of the plant. Remove any dead or damaged leaves as soon as possible to prevent the spread of disease. Additionally, pruning is necessary to remove old flower spikes and promote new growth. The spikes can be removed once the flowers have faded or dried out.
Propagation of Polystachya affinis Lindl. var. affinis
Polystachya affinis Lindl. var. affinis can be propagated through various methods:
Division
The plant can be divided into smaller sections with roots and leaves and planted separately in pots. Division can be done during the growing season when the plant is actively growing. The sections should be potted in a well-draining medium and kept moist until new growth appears.
Offsets
Offsets or small plantlets that appear at the base of mature plants can be separated and placed in individual pots. The offsets should have roots and a few leaves attached to ensure successful propagation. The pots must be kept in a warm and humid environment for the plant to root and establish.
Cuttings
Stem cuttings can be taken from the plant during the growing season when new shoots are emerging. The cuttings should be about 5cm long and placed in a moist rooting medium. The cuttings must be kept in a warm and humid environment. Roots should develop within a few weeks, and the plantlet can be transplanted once it has established.
Seed propagation
Polystachya affinis Lindl. var. affinis can also be propagated by seed. The seeds must be sown in a well-draining medium and kept moist. The seedlings should be kept in a warm and humid environment. Germination can take a few weeks to a few months. Once the seedlings have developed several leaves, they can be transplanted to individual pots.
Disease and Pest Management for Polystachya affinis Lindl. var. affinis
Polystachya affinis Lindl. var. affinis is a beautiful orchid plant, but like all plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal and Bacterial Diseases: Gray Mold, Black Spot, and Bacterial Soft Rot are some of the common fungal and bacterial diseases that can affect Polystachya affinis Lindl. var. affinis. These diseases usually occur due to poor air circulation, humidity, and overwatering. To manage these diseases, it is essential to keep the leaves and surrounding areas of the plant clean and dry. You can also use a fungicide or bactericide to treat the plant.
Viral Diseases: The most common viral disease that affects Polystachya affinis Lindl. var. affinis is Cymbidium Mosaic Virus. This disease causes yellowing of leaves and stunts the growth of the plant. There is no cure for this disease, so it is essential to remove the infected plant and isolate it from other plants to prevent the spread.
Pests
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can attack Polystachya affinis Lindl. var. affinis. These pests usually attack when the plant is kept in a dry and warm environment. You can manage these pests by keeping the humidity level high and using insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat the plant.
Thrips: Thrips are small and slender pests that can cause damage to the foliage of Polystachya affinis Lindl. var. affinis. They usually feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant, causing discoloration and distortion. You can manage these pests by using a systemic insecticide or removing the affected parts of the plant.
Slugs and Snails: Slugs and snails can also attack Polystachya affinis Lindl. var. affinis. They usually feed on the leaves and flowers, causing holes and damage to the plant. You can manage these pests by using a slug and snail bait or handpicking them off the plant and surrounding areas.
Managing diseases and pests in Polystachya affinis Lindl. var. affinis requires good plant care and regular inspection. By following the recommended steps, you can keep your plant healthy and free from pests and diseases.
