Polystachya lindleyana Harv.
Polystachya lindleyana Harv. is a species of epiphytic orchid that belongs to the family Orchidaceae. It is commonly known as the Yellow Bush Orchid and is native to the African continent, specifically in the countries of Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Nigeria, and Angola.
General Appearance
The plant has pseudobulbs which are small and spaced out. The plant's leaves are strap-like, green and leathery, which can grow up to 45cm in length. This orchid can grow as epiphyte on trees or lithophyte on rocks, with each stem producing 7-15 green flowers with yellow or green-yellow sepals and petals, which can grow to 3cm in diameter. The lip is trilobed and the central lobe is the longest. Its inflorescence is a raceme and each branch contains numerous, small flowers.
Uses
Polystachya lindleyana Harv. is grown as an ornamental plant for its beautiful flowers. Due to its small size, it is often grown in terrariums or as a hanging plant in baskets. It is a low maintenance orchid and can tolerate moderate to bright indirect light, and humidity levels of around 60-70%. It thrives best in warm temperatures and an even moisture regime.
In traditional medicine, some communities in Africa use the plant's roots to treat venereal diseases, diarrhea, and dysentery. The roots, leaves and bulbs are reported to possess anti-inflammatory, anesthetic and analgesic properties.
Light Requirements
Polystachya lindleyana Harv. requires bright but indirect light to thrive. Direct sunlight can damage the plant's leaves causing them to wilt or dry out. A shady spot under a tree or near a window with sheer curtains protecting it from the sun is ideal for this plant.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is a tropical orchid that grows best in temperatures between 60-80°F (16-27°C). It can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F(10°C) if it's not for an extended period. However, avoid exposing the plant to temperatures above 85°F (29°C) as it can cause wilting and dehydration of the leaves.
Soil Requirements
Polystachya lindleyana Harv. is an epiphyte meaning it grows on trees and rocks, not in soil. Therefore, it requires a well-draining potting medium that mimics its natural growing environment. A recommended potting mix for this plant is a combination of sphagnum moss, fir bark, and perlite. The mix should be coarse enough to allow adequate airflow and drainage for the roots.
Cultivation methods:
Polystachya lindleyana Harv. is an epiphytic plant native to Africa, which means it naturally grows on other plants without being parasitic. Therefore, it can be cultivated in both soil and on a host plant.
If grown in the soil, the substrate should be well-draining, slightly acidic, and rich in organic matter. The plant also needs adequate ventilation and humidity levels.
If grown on a host plant, it should be placed in a way that allows enough light to penetrate through the foliage. Sphagnum moss can also be used to provide a suitable substrate for the plant to grow.
Watering needs:
Like most epiphytic plants, Polystachya lindleyana Harv. prefers regular misting and periodic watering. The frequency of watering should be adjusted depending on the temperature, humidity, and sunlight conditions.
Water the plant when the substrate or moss is slightly dry, but never allow it to dry out entirely. It's essential to avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot and eventually kill the plant.
Fertilization:
To promote healthy growth and blooming, Polystachya lindleyana Harv. should be fertilized regularly during the growing season. The best time to fertilize is during the active growing season, which typically runs from spring to summer.
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, and dilute it to half strength or less before adding to the substrate or misting the plant. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as it can damage the plant and hinder its growth.
Pruning:
Pruning Polystachya lindleyana Harv. is not required, but it can help enhance the plant's shape and promote blooming.
Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased leaves or stems to keep the plant healthy and avoid potential pests or diseases. Also, remove any aerial roots that have turned brown or shriveled.
It's important to use sterile pruning tools to avoid spreading any infections from plant to plant. After pruning, it's recommended to keep the plant in a shaded area for a few days to reduce stress and promote healing.
Propagation Methods of Polystachya lindleyana Harv.
Polystachya lindleyana Harv., commonly known as the Natal orchid, is a beautiful, epiphytic orchid that is native to areas of tropical Africa. It is a popular plant amongst orchid enthusiasts because of its stunning appearance and easy care requirements. Propagation of this plant can be done through several methods, including dividing, keiki production, and seed germination.
Dividing
Dividing is the most common propagation method for Polystachya lindleyana Harv. This process involves separating the plant into smaller sections and replanting them in fresh potting media. The best time to divide this plant is during its growing season in the spring or early summer.
To divide the plant, carefully remove it from its pot and rinse off any old potting media. Gently separate the plant into smaller sections, making sure that each section has enough roots and pseudobulbs to remain healthy. Then, replant each section into a fresh potting mix and water the plants well.
Keiki Production
Polystachya lindleyana Harv. often produces keiki, or small plantlets, along its stem that can be used for propagation. To propagate the plant using keiki, wait until the keiki is about one-third the size of the parent plant before gently detaching it and potting it in fresh potting media. Keiki should be left attached to the parent plant until they have developed several roots.
Seed Germination
Seed germination is a more time-consuming and challenging propagation method for Polystachya lindleyana Harv. It requires a sterile environment and specialized conditions to ensure success.
To propagate this plant with seeds, start by removing the seeds from the seed pods and placing them in a sterile growing medium. Keep the medium moist and warm, ideally between 75-80°F (24-27°C), and away from direct sunlight. Germination should occur within 4-6 weeks, after which the seedlings can be transplanted into small pots with fresh potting media.
Overall, Polystachya lindleyana Harv. is a relatively easy plant to propagate using any of the above methods. Each method has different advantages and disadvantages, so choose the method that works best for your situation.
Disease Management
Polystachya lindleyana Harv. is usually not affected by many diseases, and most of these are caused by fungi. The most common diseases that can affect the plant include powdery mildew, black spot, rust, and leaf spot. These diseases can cause discoloration and weakening of the plant, and in severe cases, lead to death.
To manage powdery mildew, it is essential to keep the plant clean and free from debris. Use a fungicide to control the infection, and ensure that the plant is not overwatered as moisture can contribute to the spread of the disease. For black spot, use a fungicide to eliminate the infection, and ensure that the surrounding area is clean and free from debris. Rust can also be controlled using fungicides, and removing infected leaves can also help contain the infection. Finally, for leaf spot, ensure that the plant is not overcrowded, and remove any infected leaves to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Polystachya lindleyana Harv. is usually not affected by many pests. However, it is important to look out for common pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects that can affect the plant. These pests can cause the yellowing of leaves, wilting, and stunted growth.
To control spider mites, use a miticide, and ensure that the plant is well-watered as dry conditions can encourage the pests. Mealybugs and scale insects can be controlled using insecticidal soap or neem oil, and ensure that the plant is free from debris as this provides a breeding ground for pests.
Regularly inspecting the plant for any signs of damage or infestation is crucial in controlling and preventing disease and pests from affecting the Polystachya lindleyana Harv. plant.
