Polystachya eurychila Summerh. - Overview
Polystachya eurychila Summerh. is a species of orchid that belongs to the genus Polystachya, which is known for its epiphytic, lithophytic, or occasionally terrestrial growth. This plant is native to Africa, specifically in the countries of Angola, Zambia, and Zimbabwe where it grows in humid and shaded rainforests.
Common Names
Polystachya eurychila Summerh. is commonly known as the Pan-Tropical Orchid due to its widespread distribution in tropical regions of the world. It is also called the African Polystachya as it is found predominantly in the African continent.
Appearance
Polystachya eurychila Summerh. has a distinct appearance with its elongated stems that can grow up to 30 centimeters long. The stems bear narrow, dark green leaves that are lanceolate to oblong in shape, measuring up to 7 centimeters long and 1.5 centimeters wide. The plant blooms in summer, where it produces small flowers that measure about 1.5 centimeters in diameter. The flowers are usually green-yellow to pale yellow, usually with purple-brown markings that can vary in intensity.
The plant's roots are also unique as they are thick and fleshy, acting as a sponge to absorb water and nutrients from the air and rain. This makes it an excellent candidate for epiphytic growth, where they attach themselves to tree trunks or rocks.
Uses
Polystachya eurychila Summerh. is commonly grown as an ornamental plant due to its unique appearance and attractive flowers. It is grown in specialized orchid farms or as part of a collection by orchid enthusiasts.
Some African tribes also use the plant's roots to make traditional medicine, where it is used to alleviate various ailments such as fever, sore throat, and infections. The fleshy roots are usually dried and prepared as tea, where it is consumed as a natural remedy.
Overall, Polystachya eurychila Summerh. is a fascinating plant that is not only visually appealing but has cultural significance and medicinal uses as well.
Light Requirements
Polystachya eurychila Summerh. is an epiphyte plant that requires bright, filtered light to grow. It thrives in an area that receives indirect or dappled light, such as under the canopy of a tree. However, it should be protected from direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves and cause damage to the plant.
Temperature Requirements
This plant requires a warm, humid environment to grow. It prefers temperatures between 60°F to 80°F (15.5°C to 26.7°C), making it a suitable houseplant. During the night, the temperature should not drop below 55°F (12.8°C), as this can cause damage to the plant. Proper humidity levels are also critical to the plant's survival, and it thrives best in humid environments with humidity levels between 50-70%.
Soil Requirements
Polystachya eurychila Summerh. is an epiphyte plant that grows on tree trunks or similar substrates. As such, it prefers a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter. An excellent soil mix is composed of bark chips or sphagnum moss. Avoid using soil mixes that retain too much moisture, as it can cause root rot and lead to the death of the plant.
Cultivation methods for Polystachya eurychila Summerh.
Polystachya eurychila Summerh. is an epiphyte that can be found in tropical and subtropical regions. When cultivating this plant, it is best to replicate its natural environment.
Epiphytes grow on the surface of other plants, such as trees, without harming them. Therefore, Polystachya eurychila Summerh. should be grown in a pot without soil. Instead, use moss, bark, or coconut fiber as the growing medium to replicate the plant's natural environment. The pot should be small, as these plants prefer to grow in cramped quarters.
Watering needs of Polystachya eurychila Summerh.
Like many orchids, Polystachya eurychila Summerh. prefers to be kept moist but not wet. Watering once a week should be sufficient, providing enough moisture for the plant to grow healthily. It is important not to overwater, which can cause root rot.
The growing medium should drain well to avoid water accumulation, which could harm the plant. The plant should be watered when the growing medium starts to dry out.
Fertilization of Polystachya eurychila Summerh.
Polystachya eurychila Summerh. requires regular fertilization to ensure healthy growth and flowering. Fertilizing once a month during the growing season, which is generally from spring to autumn, is sufficient.
Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 20-20-20 to provide the right nutrients for this plant. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength and apply it to the plant's growing medium. Avoid applying fertilizer to the leaves or flowers.
Pruning Polystachya eurychila Summerh.
Pruning Polystachya eurychila Summerh. is essential to keep the plant looking tidy and to encourage healthy growth. Dead, dying, and damaged leaves and stems should be removed as soon as possible.
Pruning should be done carefully, using clean and sterilized pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant. Prune the stems back to the base of the plant, leaving the healthy parts intact. The plant will grow new stems from the base, promoting healthy and vigorous growth.
Propagation of Polystachya eurychila Summerh.
Polystachya eurychila Summerh. is a beautiful and rare epiphytic orchid, mainly found in Angola and Zambia. The plant produces large clusters of small, fragrant flowers, which are highly sought after among orchid enthusiasts. If you're planning to grow Polystachya eurychila in your garden or greenhouse, it's essential to understand its propagation methods.
Propagation Methods
The following are the propagation methods that can be used for Polystachya eurychila:
Division
Division is the most common method used to propagate Polystachya eurychila. This method involves dividing the plant's rhizomes into several sections, each containing a few pseudobulbs. These divisions can be planted in pots or mounted onto a suitable substrate and kept in a warm, humid environment. Within a few weeks, new growth should emerge from the pseudobulbs.
Keiki Production
Keiki production is another propagation method that can be used to multiply Polystachya eurychila. This method involves allowing the plant to produce small, baby plants, called keikis, which can be separated from the mother plant and potted up separately. Keiki production can be encouraged by providing the plant with high humidity levels and a warm, stable environment.
Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is a more advanced propagation method that can be used to produce large numbers of Polystachya eurychila plants in a short period. This method involves removing a small piece of the plant tissue and growing it in a sterile, nutrient-rich medium, under controlled conditions. Once the plant tissue has multiplied sufficiently, it can be transferred to soil or a growing substrate and nurtured until it reaches maturity.
In summary, Polystachya eurychila Summerh. can be propagated through division, keiki production, or tissue culture. Regardless of the method used, it's essential to provide the plant with a warm, humid environment and proper growing conditions to ensure successful propagation.
Disease and Pest Management for Polystachya eurychila Summerh.
Pests and diseases can cause significant damage to the Polystachya eurychila Summerh. plant. Here are some common pests and diseases that might affect the plant and some ways to manage them:
Pests
Spider Mites: Spider mites are common pests that might cause damage to the plant by sucking the sap out of the leaves. You can control spider mites by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ensure you thoroughly cover the underside of the leaves as this is where spider mites usually hide.
Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that pierce the leaves and suck plant juices. You can control thrips by using a systemic insecticide that is absorbed by the plant.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs can cause damage to the plant by sucking sap out of the leaves and stems, leading to stunted growth. You can control mealybugs by wiping them off the plant with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Make sure to discard any infected parts separately.
Diseases
Fungal diseases: Polystachya eurychila Summerh. is vulnerable to fungal diseases like leaf spot and anthracnose. Fungal diseases can be managed through cultural practices like crop rotation, regular pruning of affected parts and adequate air circulation. Fungicides like copper-based fungicides or neem oil can also be used to control disease outbreaks.
Bacterial diseases: The plant is also susceptible to bacterial diseases like bacterial soft rot. Cultural practices such as maintaining strict sanitation practices can prevent the spread of bacterial soft rot. Affected parts should be pruned and disposed of outside the garden. Copper-based fungicides and antibiotics like streptomycin can also be used to control bacteria disease outbreaks.
In conclusion, managing pests and diseases in Polystachya eurychila Summerh. can be achieved through an integrated management approach that involves cultural practices and the use of appropriate pesticides and fungicides.
