Overview:
Polystachya lacroixiana Geerinck is a species of epiphytic orchid that belongs to the family Orchidaceae. Orchid species from the genus Polystachya are commonly referred to as many-stalked orchids or fireworks orchids because of their branching, polystachous inflorescences.
Origin:
Polystachya lacroixiana Geerinck is found in tropical Africa, particularly in the area covering Angola, Zambia, and Malawi.
Common Names:
The plant is called "Lacroix's Polystachya" in English, while in French it is commonly known as "Polystachya de Lacroix".
Appearance:
Polystachya lacroixiana Geerinck is a small orchid that grows up to 6cm tall. It has small pseudobulbs which bear linear-elliptic leaves measuring about 13 cm long and 2.5 cm broad. The inflorescence is racemose, arching to many-stalked, and it bears up to 30 white to yellowish-green flowers. The shape of the flowers is described as star-like with a conspicuous spur.
Uses:
Like other orchid species, Polystachya lacroixiana Geerinck is prized for its beauty and is sometimes grown as an ornamental plant. It can be propagated through seed or by dividing its pseudobulbs. Some species of Polystachya are also used in traditional medicine, particularly in Africa, to treat various ailments including malaria, fevers, and coughs.
Light Requirements
Polystachya lacroixiana requires bright but filtered light. Direct sunlight can damage and burn the leaves of the plant. So, it is best to place them in a well-lit area but away from direct sunlight. East or west-facing windows are ideal for the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the Polystachya lacroixiana plant is between 18°C to 28°C. This plant prefers warm and humid conditions, so it is best to avoid placing them in areas where temperature fluctuations are high. It is important to maintain a consistent temperature range throughout the day and night for the plant to thrive.
Soil Requirements
Polystachya lacroixiana grows best in a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter. It is recommended to use a mixture of sphagnum moss, bark, and perlite to create the ideal soil composition. Avoid using heavy potting mixtures as this can prevent drainage and lead to root rot.
Cultivation methods for Polystachya lacroixiana Geerinck
Polystachya lacroixiana Geerinck is a beautiful orchid species that is native to Africa. It is a relatively easy plant to grow and care for, making it a great addition to any orchid enthusiast's collection.
The plant thrives in intermediate to warm temperatures, ranging from 15°C to 28°C. It grows best in medium to bright indirect light, avoiding direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves and flowers.
The orchid can be grown in a potting mix that includes sphagnum moss, bark, and perlite. Keep the potting mix slightly moist, but not too wet, as the plant is susceptible to root rot.
Watering needs for Polystachya lacroixiana Geerinck
Watering frequency will depend on the temperature and humidity of the growing area. It is important to keep the potting mix slightly moist, but not waterlogged.
The orchid should be watered when the top inch of the potting mix is dry to the touch. Use room temperature, distilled or rainwater to avoid mineral and chemical buildup in the potting mix.
Water the orchid thoroughly, ensuring that the water drains through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Do not allow water to pool around the base of the plant, as this can cause root rot.
Fertilization for Polystachya lacroixiana Geerinck
Polystachya lacroixiana Geerinck should be fertilized regularly during the growing season (spring to fall). Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Use a weak fertilizer solution (25-50% strength) every two weeks. Reduce the frequency and strength of fertilization during the dormant season (winter) to avoid stressing the plant.
Pruning for Polystachya lacroixiana Geerinck
Pruning is usually not necessary for Polystachya lacroixiana Geerinck. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves as they appear, cutting them off at the base of the plant. Be careful not to damage any healthy leaves or flowers.
If the orchid has finished flowering, you can cut the flowering stem off at the base of the plant to encourage the growth of a new flowering stem. This will also help the plant conserve energy and focus on new growth.
Propagation of Polystachya lacroixiana Geerinck
Polystachya lacroixiana Geerinck, commonly known as the Golden Shower Orchid, can be propagated through division, stem cuttings, and keikis.
Division
Division is a common propagation method used for Polystachya lacroixiana Geerinck. This method involves separating the plant into separate sections, each with their own roots and stems. The plant should be carefully removed from its pot or growing medium, and the root ball should be gently teased apart, making sure that each section has a good amount of roots and stems. The sections can then be potted up into their own pots with fresh potting soil. It is important to keep the soil moist and to avoid direct sunlight until new growth is observed.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings can be a useful propagation method for Polystachya lacroixiana Geerinck. Select a healthy stem and make a clean cut just below a node. The cutting should be around 4-6 inches long, and all leaves should be removed except for the top two or three. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in a small pot with a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a warm, humid spot with bright, indirect light. After a few weeks, new growth should be observed, indicating successful root growth.
Keikis
Polystachya lacroixiana Geerinck often produces keikis, which are small plantlets that grow on the stem or flower spike of the plant. These can be carefully removed and potted up into their own pots with fresh potting soil. It is important to keep the soil moist and to avoid direct sunlight until new growth is observed.
Disease Management for Polystachya lacroixiana Geerinck
Polystachya lacroixiana Geerinck is a hardy and disease-resistant plant, but it may get affected by some fungal and bacterial diseases. Good cultural practices like proper irrigation, ventilation and fertilization can help in disease prevention. However, if the plant gets affected by any disease then fungicides and bactericides can be used to manage them.
One of the common diseases that might affect Polystachya lacroixiana Geerinck is black rot caused by the fungus Pythium species. The symptoms of the disease include black, water-soaked lesions on the leaves that eventually lead to plant death. To manage the disease, remove the infected parts of the plant and apply fungicides like copper-based fungicides and dithiocarbamates.
Another fungal disease that the plant can get affected by is powdery mildew caused by the pathogen Erysiphe species. The disease is characterized by the presence of a white powdery substance on the leaves and flowers. The disease can be managed by removing the infected parts of the plant and applying fungicides like sulfur and neem oil.
Pest Management for Polystachya lacroixiana Geerinck
Polystachya lacroixiana Geerinck is generally a pest-resistant plant, but some pests might still infest the plant. Thrips, mealybugs, and spider mites are some common pests that might infest the plant. Good cultural practices like regular inspection and sanitation can help in pest prevention. However, if the infestation is severe, then insecticides can be used to manage the pest problem.
Thrips are small insects that feed on the plant and cause stunted growth and deformed flowers. To manage thrips, one can remove the infested parts of the plant and apply insecticides like neem oil and spinosad.
Mealybugs are also small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant and cause yellowing and wilting of leaves. The insects leave behind a white, waxy substance that looks like cotton. To manage mealybug infestation, remove the insects by hand or using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. If the infestation is severe, then insecticides like insecticidal soap and neem oil can be used.
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant sap and cause yellow and brown spots on leaves. Fine webbing is also visible on the leaves and flowers which can make the plant look unsightly. To manage spider mites, one can remove the affected parts of the plant and apply insecticides like pyrethrin and neem oil.
