Polystachya dalzielii Summerh. - Description
Polystachya dalzielii is a species of orchid that belongs to the family Orchidaceae. It is also known by the common name of Dalziel's polystachya and can be found in many parts of Africa. This orchid is epiphytic in nature, meaning it grows on other plants, but it can also grow as a lithophyte, which means it can grow on rocks.
Appearance
Polystachya dalzielii has a relatively small and slender stem, which can grow up to a length of 30 cm. One of the features of the plant is the leaf, which is up to 15 cm long and about 6 cm wide. It is thick and leathery, and each leaf has 2-4 prominent veins along the length of the leaf. The plant blooms in winter and spring, where it produces a long and thin inflorescence that can grow up to 80 cm in height. The flowers are small, around 1 cm in diameter, with a brown, greenish base and beautifully contrasting orange to yellow tips.
Uses
The plant Polystachya dalzielii is not only used for ornamental purposes, but it is also used in traditional medicine. In Africa, the plant is used to treats fever, headache, and stomach ache. Moreover, it is also used as an aphrodisiac. The roots of this plant are used in traditional medicine to make an infusion, and it is claimed that it can treat various ailments from a simple headache to heart diseases.
In conclusion, Polystachya dalzielii Summerh is an interesting plant that has a beautiful appearance and numerous uses in traditional medicine. Its distinct features, such as its slender stem, thick and leathery leaves, and contrastingly colored flowers, make it a unique addition to any garden.Light Requirements
Polystachya dalzielii Summerh. requires moderate light levels to grow. Direct sunlight can be harmful to the plant as it can cause the leaves to become scorched. It is best to place the plant in bright, indirect light, such as near a north or east-facing window. If growing indoors, place the plant under artificial grow lights with a light intensity of 1500-2000 foot-candles.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Polystachya dalzielii Summerh. is between 60-85°F (15-29°C). It is important to avoid exposing the plant to sudden temperature changes or prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50°F (10°C), as it can cause leaf damage or death. Additionally, the plant prefers a high humidity environment with a relative humidity of 50-80%.
Soil Requirements
Polystachya dalzielii Summerh. is an epiphytic orchid and can grow in a variety of media, including sphagnum moss, bark, and charcoal. It is important to provide a well-draining medium that allows for air circulation around the roots. The addition of perlite or vermiculite to the media can help to increase drainage while retaining moisture. Avoid using soils containing large amounts of peat moss or garden soil, as they can retain too much moisture and lead to root rot.
Cultivation
Polystachya dalzielii Summerh. is native to tropical regions in Africa, and is commonly found growing on trees and rocky outcrops. If you wish to cultivate this orchid, it is recommended that you mimic its natural growing conditions as closely as possible. It can be successfully grown in a greenhouse, conservatory, or within a terrarium setup where it can receive adequate light and moisture.
You can either grow it using a pot or mount it on a piece of cork, bark, or rock, which will allow its aerial roots to establish better. Ensure that any pot or container used has several drainage holes to prevent stagnant water from accumulating. Use a well-draining medium such as fir bark or sphagnum moss, and avoid soil as it can suffocate the roots.
Watering
As an epiphytic orchid, Polystachya dalzielii Summerh. doesn't require a lot of water. However, it does need high humidity levels, ideally between 60% to 80%. You can achieve this by regularly misting the plant or using a humidifier to keep the surroundings moist. Water the orchid when the potting mix or mount feels nearly dry. During the growing season, you can water once a week or more frequently if it's hot and drier. Reduce watering during the dormant season.
Fertilization
Like most orchids, Polystachya dalzielii Summerh. benefits from a regular feeding regime. Fertilize using a balanced orchid fertilizer, which you can dilute to half the recommended strength. Do this once a month during the growing season, i.e., spring to autumn. During the dormant season, you can stop fertilizing entirely.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Polystachya dalzielii Summerh. unless there is diseased or dead plant material that needs removing. At times, some of its leaves may turn yellow and die back, which is normal. Remove these leaves to improve the plant's overall health and appearance. Additionally, you can trim off any aerial roots that dry out or appear damaged to prevent them from rotting and spreading diseases to the plant.
Propagation of Polystachya dalzielii Summerh.
Polystachya dalzielii Summerh., commonly known as the Yellow Flowered Polystachya, is a beautiful orchid species that is native to tropical Africa. The plant is popular among orchid lovers due to its attractive flowers and easy cultivation. There are several propagation methods that can be used to propagate this plant, let's take a look at some of them.
Division
The most common method of propagating Polystachya dalzielii Summerh. is through division. This method involves dividing the plant into several smaller parts, each with its own set of roots. To do this, gently remove the plant from its pot and separate the clumps of pseudobulbs. Ensure that each division has at least two pseudobulbs and a healthy set of roots. These can be replanted into their own pots with fresh potting mix.
Keiki
Another propagation technique used for Polystachya dalzielii Summerh. is through keiki. A keiki is a small plant that forms on the stem of the mother plant and can be removed and grown as a separate plant. To propagate through keiki, cut the stem of the mother plant just underneath the keiki and pot it in fresh potting mix in its own pot. Ensure that the new plant is kept in a warm and humid environment until it establishes roots.
Seed propagation
Polystachya dalzielii Summerh. can also be propagated through seeds. However, this method is not commonly used due to the complexity and time it takes for the seeds to germinate. To propagate through seeds, collect the seed pods when they turn brown and split open. Sow the tiny seeds on top of a tray of moist sphagnum moss and cover with plastic to create a humid environment. Place the tray in a warm, bright area, and keep the moss damp. The seeds should germinate in about a month, and once the seedlings are big enough, they can be transplanted into their own pots with fresh potting mix.
Disease and Pest Management: Polystachya dalzielii Summerh.
Polystachya dalzielii Summerh. is a beautiful and striking orchid species that can be affected by various pests and diseases. Effective management of these pests and diseases is essential to keep the plant healthy and vibrant. This article outlines common diseases and pests that may affect Polystachya dalzielii Summerh. and suggests ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Bacterial Leaf Spot: This is a bacterial disease that leads to the formation of small, water-soaked spots on leaves that may enlarge and become yellow in color. The spots can coalesce and cause the leaves to fall off. To manage bacterial leaf spot, the affected parts of the plant should be removed, and copper-based fungicides can be applied.
Black Rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and flowers of Polystachya dalzielii Summerh. The affected parts become dark brown or black in color, and soft, watery rot can lead to the decay of the plant. The management of black rot involves the removal of the affected parts of the plant and the application of fungicides.
Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that causes the roots of the plant to rot, leading to stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and eventual death of the plant. The management of root rot involves good cultural practices, such as proper drainage, avoiding overwatering, using sterile soil, and the application of fungicides.
Common Pests
Spider Mites: These are small, sap-sucking pests that cause yellowing and browning of leaves, distortion of plant growth, and the formation of webbing. To manage spider mites, the plant should be showered periodically, and the application of insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil can be effective.
Scale Insects: These are small, immobile pests that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant and suck the sap, causing yellowing, wilting, and drop-off of leaves. The management of scale insects involves the application of horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
Mealybugs: These are soft-bodied, sap-sucking pests that form white, cotton-like masses on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage mealybugs, the plant should be showered periodically, and the application of insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil can be effective.
In conclusion, pests and diseases can adversely affect the health and growth of Polystachya dalzielii Summerh. Effective management of these pests and diseases is essential for maintaining the plant's beauty and vitality. Proper cultural practices, such as good drainage and watering habits, can help prevent the occurrence of these pests and diseases. If an infestation occurs, the application of insecticides or fungicides, as appropriate, can help control and manage the problem.
