Polystachya geniculata Summerh. Plant Description
Polystachya geniculata Summerh. is a flowering plant that belongs to the orchid family, Orchidaceae. It is a terrestrial plant that grows in the forest understory, in humid areas, and is shade-loving. The plant is native to tropical Africa, including Madagascar and the Comoros Islands.
Common Names
Polystachya geniculata is commonly known as the Knee-jointed Polystachya and sometimes referred to as the African Angraecum because they share some similarities with the genus Angraecum. The plant can also be identified by other names such as Nopalxochia geniculata, Polystachya marojejyi, and Polystachya puberula.
General Appearance
Polystachya geniculata is a small-sized plant that grows up to 15 cm in height. It has a robust stem, which is almost knee-jointed, hence its common name, the Knee-jointed Polystachya. The leaves of this orchid are crowded and range from pale green to gray-green. The flowers come in clusters of 4 to 6, with each flower measuring between 4 to 5 mm in length. The plant produces small, purplish-brown flowers with a yellowish-green lip. The Polystachya geniculata flowers bloom between spring and summer.
Uses
Polystachya geniculata is an ornamental plant used in landscaping and indoor decoration. As a result of its unique beauty and knee-jointed stems, it is often used in hanging baskets, terrariums, or mounted on walls or trees. In addition, the plant is sometimes cultivated for medicinal purposes in traditional African medicine to treat fever and other ailments.
Light Requirements
Polystachya geniculata Summerh. thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves. Therefore, it is best to place it in a well-lit area but away from direct sunlight. You can also grow it under artificial light, which should be turned on for about 12-16 hours daily.
Temperature Requirements
The temperature range for Polystachya geniculata Summerh. should be between 60-85°F (16-29°C). These orchids prefer warm temperatures with high humidity. If you are growing it indoors, you should keep the temperature at the lower end of the range and increase the humidity by using a humidifier or pebble tray. If you are growing it outdoors, it is best to keep it in a shady spot during the hottest parts of the day.
Soil Requirements
Polystachya geniculata Summerh. does not require soil to grow. Instead, it prefers a well-draining medium such as sphagnum moss or bark chips. These materials allow air to circulate around the roots, preventing them from rotting. It is essential to repot these orchids every 1-2 years to refresh the medium and prevent overcrowding of the roots.
Cultivation Methods for Polystachya Geniculata Summerh.
Polystachya geniculata Summerh. is an epiphytic orchid that grows naturally in tropical regions. To cultivate this plant, it is essential to mimic its natural growing conditions. This plant requires a well-draining substrate, such as orchid bark or sphagnum moss, to allow for adequate air circulation around its roots. It can be also cultivated on a piece of wood or in a hanging basket.
Since it is an epiphyte, it needs to be placed in bright, indirect light, preferably near an east-facing window or under a shade cloth. If you live in an area with low humidity, you may need to mist its leaves daily or provide a humidifier in its vicinity to prevent the leaves from drying out.
Watering Needs for Polystachya Geniculata Summerh.
Polystachya geniculata Summerh. requires regular watering. However, it would help if you allowed its growing media to dry out slightly between watering sessions to prevent overwatering and root rot. The frequency of watering can vary depending on the temperature, humidity, and the substrate used. You can touch the surface of the substrate to check if it is dry, and then water accordingly.
Always use water that is at room temperature or slightly warmer for watering orchids. Avoid using cold water as it can shock the roots. In addition, you can use rainwater or distilled water instead of tap water to prevent a buildup of mineral deposits in the substrate, which can harm the roots over time.
Fertilization for Polystachya Geniculata Summerh.
Polystachya geniculata Summerh. needs regular fertilizing to maintain its health and promote blooming. You can use a balanced orchid fertilizer, which has equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. You can fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season. It is best to dilute the fertilizer to half strength before use, as orchids are sensitive to fertilizer salts that can burn their roots.
Always fertilize a wet substrate to prevent salt buildup. Do not fertilize the plant when it is in a dry state, as it can cause permanent damage to the roots. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions on the fertilizer label.
Pruning for Polystachya Geniculata Summerh.
Pruning is essential to maintain the size and shape of Polystachya geniculata Summerh. As a general rule, remove any dead, dying, or damaged plant parts, including spent flowers and yellow leaves. Cut the damaged parts of roots cleanly and discard them safely. Cutting back the flower spikes after the last blooms have wilted may encourage additional blooms.
You can also prune the plant's roots when it outgrows its growing media. Remove any dead or decaying roots and trim the elongated roots to fit a smaller space. Always use a sterilized cutting tool to avoid any cross-contamination from diseased plant material.
Propagation Methods for Polystachya geniculata Summerh.
Polystachya geniculata Summerh. is an orchid species that can be propagated by different methods.
Division
Division is a common method of propagation for orchids, and Polystachya geniculata Summerh. can be propagated in this way. The process involves separating the plant's pseudobulb and roots from its parent plant and planting it somewhere else. This method should be done during the plant's dormancy period.
Keiki Production
Keikis are baby plants that grow on the stem of a parent plant. Polystachya geniculata Summerh. can produce keikis, and these can be used to propagate the plant. The process involves separating the keiki from the parent plant and planting it in a suitable medium.
Meristem Culture
Meristem culture is a propagation method that involves growing entire plants from small sections of plant tissue. This method can be used for Polystachya geniculata Summerh. by taking tiny sections of the plant's shoot tip using a sterile tool. This method is more advanced than the previous two and requires specialized equipment and skills.
Disease and Pest Management for Polystachya geniculata Summerh.
Polystachya geniculata Summerh. is a species of orchid that can be susceptible to certain types of diseases and pests. Here are some common issues that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases:
1. Leaf Spot - This is a fungal disease that can affect the leaves and cause yellowing and dark, circular spots. To manage this disease, it is important to improve air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering. Infected leaves should be removed and destroyed. Fungicides can be used to prevent further spread of the disease.
2. Crown Rot - This is a bacterial disease that can cause the crown of the plant to become soft and mushy. To manage this disease, it is important to avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent further spread of the disease.
Pests:
1. Spider Mites - These pests are very small and can cause yellowing and speckling on the leaves of the plant. To manage spider mites, it is important to maintain adequate humidity levels around the plant and wash the leaves with a mild soap solution.
2. Scale Insects - These pests can cause a sticky substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage scale insects, it is important to physically remove them and wash the plant with a mild soap solution. Insecticides can also be used to prevent further infestation.
By being vigilant and taking preventative measures, it is possible to manage diseases and pests that might affect Polystachya geniculata Summerh. and keep the plant healthy and thriving.
