Polystachya Lawalreana Geerinck

Introduction

Polystachya lawalreana Geerinck is a species of the flowering plant family Orchidaceae. It is native to tropical West Africa, where it is found growing in the Ivory Coast, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

Common Names

This species of orchid is commonly referred to as Lawalre's Polystachya or simply Polystachya orchid.

Description

Polystachya lawalreana Geerinck is a small to medium-sized epiphytic (tree-dwelling) plant. It has a thin, wiry stem with short, upright branches that bear numerous leaves and flowers. The leaves are strap-shaped, dark green, and up to 15 cm in length. The flowers emerge from the stem in clusters of 5 to 15, each one measuring about 1 cm across. They are a pale greenish-yellow color with a waxy texture and a sweet, delicate fragrance.

Uses

Like many species of orchid, Polystachya lawalreana Geerinck is grown as a popular ornamental plant for its beautiful flowers. It is also used in traditional medicines to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and stomach complaints. Some people believe that the plant has aphrodisiac properties and use it to improve sexual health.

Conclusion

Polystachya lawalreana Geerinck is a lovely and versatile species of orchid that is prized by gardeners and traditional healers alike. With its delicate pale flowers and sweet fragrance, it adds beauty and interest to any collection of plants.

Light Requirement

Polystachya lawalreana Geerinck is an epiphytic orchid that grows well in bright, indirect light. The plant requires at least 50% shade to prevent damage due to exposure to direct sunlight. You can place it in a west- or east-facing window, or hang it from a shady spot beneath a tree, awning, or pergola.

Temperature Requirement

Polystachya lawalreana Geerinck thrives in a tropical to subtropical climate. The plant can grow at temperatures ranging from 18 to 30°C (65 to 86°F) with relative humidity of 50% to 70%. You can grow it indoors or in a greenhouse, but ensure the temperature and humidity levels are in the acceptable range.

Soil Requirement

Polystachya lawalreana Geerinck grows best in a well-draining potting mix that allows air circulation around the roots. You can prepare a potting mix by combining orchid bark, sphagnum moss, perlite, or charcoal. The plant does not require soil and can instead grow in sphagnum moss or on a tree bark mount.

Cultivation

Polystachya lawalreana Geerinck is an epiphytic orchid that grows well in a well-draining potting mix with good aeration. The plant prefers bright, indirect light and high humidity, which can be provided by placing a tray of water near the plant.

When potting this plant, it is essential to select a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. The potting mix should consist of bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite in equal parts. The plant should be repotted every two years or when the roots have outgrown the current pot.

Watering Needs

Polystachya lawalreana Geerinck requires regular watering to maintain healthy growth. It is recommended to water the plant every 5 to 7 days during the growing season, and every 10 to 14 days during the dormant period.

It is essential to ensure that the potting mix is moist but not soggy to prevent the roots from rotting. The plant can be watered by soaking the pot in a tray of water until the mix is thoroughly moistened or by pouring water through the pot's soil until it drains out through the bottom.

Fertilization

Polystachya lawalreana Geerinck requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth. A balanced liquid fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 20-20-20 should be used.

The plant should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season, and once a month during the dormant period. It is essential to dilute the fertilizer to half its recommended strength to prevent burning the plant's roots.

Pruning

Pruning of Polystachya lawalreana Geerinck is mainly done to remove dead or damaged leaves, stems, or roots. It is recommended to use sterile tools to prevent the spread of disease.

The plant can also be cut back after it has finished flowering to encourage new growth and the development of new flower spikes.

Propagation of Polystachya lawalreana Geerinck

Polystachya lawalreana Geerinck, commonly known as the Dancing ladies orchid, is a stunning orchid variety that is popular among plant enthusiasts. The plant is indigenous to West Africa and Madagascar and is primarily grown as an ornamental plant. Propagation is necessary to ensure that you have more plants to expand your collection or share with others. Here are some propagation methods for Polystachya lawalreana Geerinck:

Seed Propagation

The propagation of Polystachya lawalreana Geerinck is mainly done from seeds. The seeds should be obtained from a reliable source, and the viability of the seeds should be tested before planting. To propagate from seed, follow these steps:

1. Soak the seeds in water for about 24 hours to soften the seed coat
2. Sterilize the planting medium using fungicide to prevent the growth of fungus
3. Plant the seeds in the prepared medium and cover them lightly
4. Keep the pot in a shaded area with a temperature of about 70-80°F
5. Water the soil consistently to ensure that it remains moist
6. The seedlings should emerge after about 4-6 weeks

Division Propagation

You can propagate Polystachya lawalreana Geerinck by division, but this method is not as effective as seed propagation. It is advisable to divide the plant when repotting to prevent transplant shock. Ensure that you follow these steps carefully when dividing the plant:

1. Remove the plant from the pot
2. Gently separate the pseudobulbs that have developed rhizomes
3. Cut through the rhizome using a sterile tool
4. Repot the divisions in a separate pot
5. Provide the right amount of water and light to the propagated plant

Propagation of Polystachya lawalreana Geerinck can be rewarding when done right. It is, however, essential to exercise patience and not be in a hurry to see results. Remember to follow the necessary steps to ensure that the propagation process is successful.

Disease and Pest Management for Polystachya lawalreana

Polystachya lawalreana is a beautiful orchid that is native to West Africa. As with most plant species, it can suffer from several pests and diseases that can inhibit its growth and damage its beauty. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect Polystachya lawalreana and ways to manage them:

Root Rot

Root rot is a common fungal disease that affects many orchid species, including Polystachya lawalreana. The disease often occurs when the plant's roots are exposed to excess water for long periods. The symptoms of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilted foliage, and black or brown, mushy roots. To manage this disease, ensure that the plant's pot has good drainage and that it is not exposed to excess water. If the disease is severe, consider removing the affected parts and replanting in fresh soil.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants, including Polystachya lawalreana. These pests often appear as white, cottony masses clustered on the plant's foliage or in the joint of leaves and stems. To manage mealybugs, introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or use insecticidal soap. Male seamybugs can be removed by using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol, but this is a time-consuming process that should only be done when the infestation is limited.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the plant's sap. They often appear on the undersides of leaves, where they form tiny webs. Infected leaves may become yellowed, stunted, or distorted. To manage spider mites, consider using a miticide, a specialized insecticide that targets mites specifically. Alternatively, introduce natural predators such as ladybugs, or simply wipe the plant's leaves regularly with a damp cloth to remove the mites.

Virus

Virus infections are not very common in orchids, but they can occur and are often fatal. The symptoms of virus infections vary depending on the virus, but they often include yellowing, mottling, or streaking of leaves, stunted growth, or deformed flowers. There is no cure for viral infections, so the best way to manage them is to prevent their spread by isolating infected plants and removing them from the growing area.

With proper care and attention to disease and pest management, Polystachya lawalreana can grow and thrive for many years, providing you with beautiful flowers and a lovely fragrance.