Overview:
Polystachya fusiformis is a species of orchid in the family Orchidaceae. Native to Madagascar, this orchid can also be found in other parts of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. It is commonly known as the "spindle-shaped Polystachya".
Description:
The plant has a monopodial growth habit with long, thin stems that can reach up to 80 cm in length. It has a relatively small size, typically growing up to 25 cm tall. The leaves are narrow, long, and leathery, measuring about 5 to 15 cm in length. They are usually arranged alternately along the stem.
The flower spikes of Polystachya fusiformis grow from the base of the leaves, with up to 30 small, fragrant flowers per stalk. Each flower has a greenish-yellow color, with a reddish-brown lip that is covered in fine, white hairs. The blooms can last for up to three weeks.
Uses:
Polystachya fusiformis is a popular ornamental plant for horticulturalists and orchid collectors because of its unique and attractive flowers. Its fragrance is also highly desirable. The plant can be grown in pots or in a well-maintained greenhouse environment. In its native Madagascar, it is used in traditional medicine to treat ailments like fever, diarrhea, and dysentery.
Aside from its ornamental and medicinal uses, the plant has also caught the attention of scientists for its potential in bioprospecting. It is believed that the orchid's metabolites, like alkaloids and flavonoids, have antibacterial and antifungal properties that can be utilized in the development of novel drugs and cosmetics.
Appearance:
Overall, Polystachya fusiformis is a slender and delicate orchid with a simple yet eye-catching appearance. Its small size and suitability for cultivation make it an appealing addition to any collection or garden.
Light Requirements
Polystachya fusiformis requires plenty of bright, indirect sunlight to grow well. It should be placed in a location that receives at least 6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight each day. If the plant does not receive enough light, it may become weak and may not produce flowers.
Temperature Requirements
Polystachya fusiformis prefers warm temperatures with a range between 18°C to 27°C. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 15°C, but it may suffer frost damage at temperatures below 12°C. It is best to protect the plant from cold drafts and direct hot sunlight as it may cause damage to the leaves.
Soil Requirements
Polystachya fusiformis prefers a mix of orchid bark, sphagnum moss and perlite. The mix should be well-draining and aerated to ensure the plant does not become waterlogged. The roots of orchids like Polystachya fusiformis require air to grow which is why a well-draining mix is essential.
Cultivation Methods for Polystachya Fusiformis (Thouars) Lindl.
Polystachya fusiformis is an epiphytic and lithophytic orchid species that can be grown outdoors in tropical and subtropical climates. It thrives in warm temperatures, high humidity, and bright but not direct sunlight.
The plant has a monopodial growth habit and grows up to 30 cm in height and can spread 30 cm wide, making it an ideal plant for growing in pots or hanging baskets.
When planting, use well-draining soil to help prevent root rot and allow air to circulate around the roots. The plant should be watered regularly, but avoid waterlogging the soil, as this can cause root rot. The plant should also be given plenty of air circulation to help prevent fungal growth.
Watering Needs of Polystachya Fusiformis (Thouars) Lindl.
The plant requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. It is essential to water the plant immediately after planting it to help the roots establish themselves in the soil. However, avoid overwatering the plant, as this can cause root rot and fungal growth.
One way to check if the plant needs watering is to stick your finger into the soil and feel how dry it is. If it feels dry, it's time to water the plant. Another method is to lift the pot, and if it feels light, it needs watering.
The water used for the plant should be at room temperature and not too cold, as the plant does not like cold temperatures. A good rule of thumb is to water the plant once a week and increase the frequency during hot, dry weather.
Fertilization of Polystachya Fusiformis (Thouars) Lindl.
The plant requires regular fertilization to thrive. Fertilize the plant twice a month during the growing season, which is from spring to summer, using a balanced fertilizer. Use a high-potash fertilizer during the flowering season to help promote blooming.
To apply fertilizer, mix it with water and then water the plant as usual. Be careful not to over-fertilize the plant as this can cause damage to the roots and foliage. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the fertilizer packet for best results.
Pruning of Polystachya Fusiformis (Thouars) Lindl.
Pruning the plant is not necessary as it naturally grows to a manageable size, but dead, yellow, or damaged leaves and flowers should be removed as soon as possible. This will help prevent any fungal growth and keep the plant looking tidy.
The plant can also be divided every two to three years during the dormant season. Divide the plant by carefully separating the rhizome, and then re-pot the new plant in fresh soil. This will help prevent any overcrowding and improve the plant's overall health.
Propagation of Polystachya fusiformis
Polystachya fusiformis (Thouars) Lindl. or commonly known as the spindle-shaped polystachya, is a species of orchid that can easily be propagated through several methods. These methods include seed propagation, division of the pseudobulbs, stem cutting, tissue culture, and keiki propagation.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is a common way of propagating Polystachya fusiformis. Fresh seeds must be soaked in a fungicide solution for 30 minutes to prevent fungal infections. These seeds must then be sown on a well-draining substrate, covered by a thin layer of sphagnum moss. The seeds must be kept humid and warm, with a temperature of 25-30°C. The germination process can take from six months to a year.
Division of the pseudobulbs
Dividing the pseudobulbs is another way of propagating Polystachya fusiformis. The plant must be carefully removed from its container, and the pseudobulbs must be separated using a sharp and sterilized knife. Each new division must have at least two bulbs and several roots. These divisions must be replanted on a well-draining substrate, keeping them humid and warm until they start developing new growth.
Stem cutting
Stem cutting is a more challenging way of propagating Polystachya fusiformis. Cuttings must be made from the top of a stem, but it must have a node with at least one bud. These cuttings can be treated with rooting hormone to encourage growth. The planted cuttings must be kept in a warm and humid environment and must not be under direct sunlight.
Tissue culture
Tissue culture is a scientific method of propagating Polystachya fusiformis. It involves growing the plant in a sterile environment, with the right nutrients and hormones. This method is more advanced and is performed in specialized laboratories.
Keiki propagation
Keiki propagation happens when a new plantlet grow from the side of the mother plant. These keikis can be carefully removed from the mother plant and transplanted into their container. Keikis are already mature, and will have their own roots and leaves, which makes the propagation process easier.
Disease Management
Polystachya fusiformis is prone to certain diseases, notably fungal and viral infections. The following control measures can be employed to manage these diseases effectively:
- Fungal infections: These can be controlled by pruning and removing affected plant parts, improving air circulation, and avoiding waterlogged soil conditions. Fungicides with active ingredients such as copper hydroxide, thiophanate-methyl, and chlorothalonil can also be used to manage fungal infections.
- Viral infections: There are no known cures for viral infections, so preventive measures are critical. They include frequent surveillance, removal of infected plants, keeping pests away, avoiding physical contact with other plant materials, and strict plant sanitation practices.
Pest management
Aside from diseases, Polystachya fusiformis is also susceptible to pest attacks. The following management options can be utilized to control common pests:
- Mealybugs: These pests are dome-shaped and covered in white, waxy material. They suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. Mealybugs can be managed by introducing natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings, manually removing them using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol, or applying insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These are tiny pests that thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause webbing on the plant's surface. They can be managed by spraying the plant with water, introducing natural predators like predatory mites, or applying neem oil.
- Aphids: They are small, soft-bodied insects that attack young shoots and leaves causing stunted growth. Aphids can be managed by washing the plant with a strong stream of water, manually removing them, or introducing predators such as ladybirds and lacewings.
Overall, regular inspection, maintaining a clean growing environment, and promoting the plant's overall health can reduce pest and disease incidence in Polystachya fusiformis.
