Overview
Polystachya doggettii Rendle & Rolfe is a species of orchid that belongs to the family of Orchidaceae. It is native to Tanzania, where it is found in the coastal forests and woodlands. The plant is commonly known as Doggett's Polystachya, which was named after Mr. A. M. Doggett, the collector of the type specimens in 1910.
Appearance
Polystachya doggettii is a small-sized epiphytic plant that has a creeping rhizome and a short stem. It has leaves that are dark green, leathery and has a fairly flat upper surface. The leaves are about 7 to 10cm long, and about 1.5cm wide. The inflorescence is a cluster containing up to ten flowers that blooms on an erect stem that can grow up to 20 cm tall. The flowers are small in size, around 1 cm, that has greenish-yellow sepals and petals. The lip of the flower is white with magenta veins.
Uses
Polystachya doggettii is commonly used as an ornamental plant in landscaping projects. Its attractive appearance and small size make it a perfect choice for planting in hanging baskets, pots, or mounted on a piece of wood or cork bark. It is known for its easy-to-grow nature and can tolerate a range of growing conditions.
Besides its ornamental value, Polystachya doggettii is also used in traditional medicine. The plant has antifungal properties, and its extracts are used to treat fungal infections. It is also used to treat various ailments including fever, headache, and stomach disorders.
Cultivation
Polystachya doggettii prefers warm and humid conditions and a well-draining growing medium. The plant can be grown in pots or mounted on a piece of wood or cork bark. It needs bright, indirect light and should be protected from direct sunlight. The plant should be watered regularly, but water should be allowed to drain out of the container to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Fertilizing can be done every two weeks using a balanced liquid fertilizer. Polystachya doggettii can be propagated by dividing the plant from the parent plant or by using keikis.
Light Requirements
Polystachya doggettii is a species of orchid that requires bright but filtered light to grow properly. The plant should be placed in an area where it can receive plenty of indirect sunlight. An east or west-facing window can provide the ideal light conditions for this orchid. The plant should not be exposed to direct sunlight as it can damage the leaves and flowers.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to the tropical regions of West Africa and requires warm temperatures to grow. The ideal temperature range for Polystachya doggettii is between 60 and 80°F (15.5 to 26.5°C). The plant cannot withstand temperatures below 50°F (10°C) and should be kept away from drafts and cold windows during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
Polystachya doggettii is an epiphytic orchid, which means it grows on other plants or surfaces. The plant does not grow in soil but instead requires a well-draining substrate such as bark, sphagnum moss, or a mixture of the two. The roots of the plant should never be allowed to sit in standing water as this can cause root rot. It is important to use a substrate that allows for proper drainage to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom of the pot.
Cultivation Methods for Polystachya doggettii Rendle & Rolfe
Polystachya doggettii Rendle & Rolfe, commonly known as the Doggett’s Polystachya, is an epiphytic orchid species that is native to Cameroon and Nigeria. The plant grows best in warm, humid environments, with partial shade or filtered sunlight. When cultivating this plant, it is necessary to replicate and maintain its natural habitat to increase its chances of growth and reproduction.
The best way to cultivate Polystachya doggettii Rendle & Rolfe is by placing it on a piece of bark or wood, with sphagnum moss that is moist but not waterlogged. The orchid should be positioned in a place where it can receive bright, indirect light, and good airflow. To mimic the plant’s natural habitat, you can install a humidifier to keep the air moist or mist the leaves with water spray twice a day.
Watering Needs for Polystachya doggettii Rendle & Rolfe
Polystachya doggettii Rendle & Rolfe orchids require frequent watering to keep the sphagnum moist but not waterlogged. Unlike most orchids that can withstand periods of drought, Polystachya doggettii Rendle & Rolfe is highly sensitive to dryness and wilts quickly when deprived of water.
The best way to water this plant is by placing it in a shallow tray filled with water or running a small stream of water through the sphagnum for 5-10 minutes, at least once a week. The water should be at room temperature to avoid shock or damage to the plant.
Fertilization of Polystachya doggettii Rendle & Rolfe
Fertilization is essential for the growth and development of Polystachya doggettii Rendle & Rolfe orchids. Generally, orchids require a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) for healthy growth and flowering. When it comes to fertilizing this orchid, it is best to use a balanced fertilizer formulation with a high nitrogen (N) content of 30-10-10.
The recommended time for fertilization is during the growing season (Spring - Summer). It is essential to dilute the fertilizer before applying it to the plant to avoid burning or damaging the roots. The ideal frequency for fertilization is every two weeks, with a half-strength mixture of fertilizer and water.
Pruning of Polystachya doggettii Rendle & Rolfe
Pruning Polystachya doggettii Rendle & Rolfe eliminates dead or diseased leaves, encourages growth, and promotes flowering. It is essential to prune the plant to prevent the overgrowth of new leaves that block light and air circulation, which will lead to poor plant health and growth.
The best time for pruning is during the dormant season (fall), after the orchid has finished flowering. Use clean and sharp scissors to cut off the dead or diseased leaves, without damaging the healthy ones. You can also remove old flower spikes to encourage the growth of new ones.
Propagation Methods for Polystachya doggettii Rendle & Rolfe
Polystachya doggettii Rendle & Rolfe, commonly referred to as Doggett's Polystachya, is a beautiful epiphytic orchid species that originates from Cameroon, West Africa. Due to its stunning appearance and relatively easy cultivation, this orchid has become a popular plant among hobbyists.
Propagation by Seed
The most common propagation method for Polystachya doggettii is by seed. The seeds are fine, dust-like particles that are best sown on moist sphagnum moss or other suitable growth media. The best time to sow the seeds is during the spring or summer months when the temperature ranges from 68°F to 75°F.
Once you have obtained the seeds, you should sterilize the growth medium by washing it with boiling water or using a fungicide. Sow the seeds and cover the container with a clear plastic lid to maintain humidity. The seeds should germinate in 1-2 months.
Propagation by Division
Another viable propagation method for Polystachya doggettii is by division. This method involves separating the plant into smaller sections, each containing a sufficient number of pseudobulbs and roots for growth. This allows the sections to form individual plants.
To divide the plant, remove it from the pot and carefully separate the sections using a sterilized knife or shears. Don't separate the sections into pieces that are too small as this can damage the plant's natural growth. Repot the divided sections in appropriate pots, preferably with the same growth media, and water. Maintain appropriate environmental conditions to foster growth.
Propagation by Keiki Growth
Propagation by keiki growth is a relatively uncommon method, but it's still possible to propagate Polystachya doggettii in this way. Keikis refer to baby clones produced by the parent plant through agamogenesis. This is when the plant produces a new plantlet, usually at the base of the flowering stalk, instead of producing flowers.
The keiki growth can be removed from the parent plant once it has developed roots and a few leaves. Carefully detach it from the parent plant using a sterilized knife or shears. Pot the keiki in a suitable pot with appropriate growth media and place it in bright but indirect sunlight. Ensure it's being watered regularly.
Overall, Polystachya doggettii is an easy-to-cultivate plant that can be propagated using different methods. All propagation methods require appropriate environmental conditions, regular watering, and care to successfully accomplish. With that, your orchid collection can grow and flourish by reproducing its very own Doggett's Polystachya.
Disease Management
Polystachya doggettii Rendle & Rolfe is highly susceptible to fungal diseases such as leaf spots, blights, and root rots. To manage these diseases, it is essential to maintain good sanitation practices by removing and destroying any infected plant material. Avoid overhead watering and ensure adequate air circulation to prevent moisture buildup that can encourage fungal growth. Use a fungicide spray following label instructions and apply it at the first sign of disease to prevent the spread.
Pest Management
Common pests that might affect Polystachya doggettii include mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Mealybugs can be removed by hand or with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or insecticidal soap. Spider mites prefer dry conditions, so increasing humidity levels can help manage their populations. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat the infested plants.
Scale insects are another common problem that can weaken the plant by sucking the sap from the stems and leaves. They form a hard, protective shell that can make them hard to control. However, they can be removed by wiping them off the plant with a cloth dipped in alcohol or insecticidal soap. Repeat treatment is necessary since scale insects reproduce rapidly.
