Description of Polystachya poikilantha Kraenzl. var. leucorhoda (Kraenzl.) P.J.Cribb & Podz.
Polystachya poikilantha Kraenzl. var. leucorhoda (Kraenzl.) P.J.Cribb & Podz. is a species of orchid that is native to the African continent. It is commonly known as the African spikemoss orchid or the African rainbow orchid.
Origin
Polystachya poikilantha Kraenzl. var. leucorhoda (Kraenzl.) P.J.Cribb & Podz. is indigenous to Africa and can be found in countries such as Angola, Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Common Names
Polystachya poikilantha Kraenzl. var. leucorhoda has several common names, including African spikemoss orchid and African rainbow orchid.
Uses
Polystachya poikilantha Kraenzl. var. leucorhoda is grown primarily as an ornamental plant due to its attractive appearance. Its strikingly vibrant flowers make it an excellent choice for adding color to gardens and landscapes. Additionally, some African communities use this plant for medicinal purposes. Its roots and bulbs are said to have healing properties, and it is used to treat ailments such as stomach ulcers and dysentery.
Appearance
The African spikemoss orchid has long, slender stems that can grow up to 30 cm in length. Its leaves are small and narrow, and it produces a tall spike of flowers that can grow up to 50 cm in height. The flowers are typically pink, purple, or white, and they have a distinctive, delicate fragrance. This plant prefers to grow in shaded areas and requires well-drained soil to thrive.
Light Requirements
Polystachya poikilantha Kraenzl. var. leucorhoda prefer partial to full shade environments. Direct sunlight could scorch the plant's leaves. It thrives well under conditions with low to medium light intensity. To achieve this condition, you can place the plant near a partially shaded window or close to the south-facing window.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Polystachya poikilantha Kraenzl. var. leucorhoda is between 15°C to 30°C. The plant can tolerate slight temperature variations but must not fall below 12°C as this can affect its growth. During the winter period, protect the plant from cold drafts and frost as this can cause damage.
Soil Requirements
Polystachya poikilantha Kraenzl. var. leucorhoda grows well in a well-draining potting mix, which retains some moisture. However, it would help if you avoided waterlogged soils entirely. You can use a mixture of orchid bark, perlite, and peat moss in a ratio of 2:1:1. You can also add some charcoal to the mix to prevent the soil from becoming acidic.
Cultivation Methods
Polystachya poikilantha Kraenzl. var. leucorhoda is a beautiful orchid that thrives well in warm and humid environments, so providing the right growing conditions is important for its cultivation. To cultivate this plant, you should select a well-draining growing medium such as fine bark mixed with perlite or sphagnum moss.
Ensure that the container provides adequate drainage and air circulation for the plant. To attach the plant and its root system to a mounting material, you can use fishing line, sphagnum moss, or twist ties.
Watering Needs
Polystachya poikilantha Kraenzl. var. leucorhoda requires regular watering to keep the growing medium moist; however, be careful not to overwater the plant as this can lead to root rot. Water the plant once a week or when the growing medium is partially dry.
It is important to note that the plant requires slightly more water during periods of active growth and flowering. You can also increase the humidity around the plant by placing a tray of water nearby or misting the leaves regularly.
Fertilization
For vigorous growth and optimal blooming, Polystachya poikilantha Kraenzl. var. leucorhoda requires regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 20-20-20, and apply it every two weeks during the growing season. During the dormant season, reduce the frequency of fertilization.
Alternatively, you can use slow-release fertilizer pellets applied to the growing medium or foliar feeding by spraying a diluted fertilizer solution on the leaves.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for this orchid variety, but you can remove any yellow or withered leaves or flowers to keep the plant looking tidy. If you want to propagate the plant, you can remove the keiki (offshoots) that grow from the stem and plant them in a separate container.
Also, remove any dead roots or old potting material during repotting to ensure healthy growth and prevent diseases. Pruning should be done with a clean, sharp tool to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Polystachya poikilantha Kraenzl. var. leucorhoda (Kraenzl.) P.J.Cribb & Podz.
Polystachya poikilantha Kraenzl. var. leucorhoda (Kraenzl.) P.J.Cribb & Podz. can be propagated through various methods, including:
Division
Division is the most common method of propagating Polystachya poikilantha Kraenzl. var. leucorhoda (Kraenzl.) P.J.Cribb & Podz. It involves separating the pseudobulbs into smaller sections and planting them in individual pots. The best time to divide the plant is during the growing season, preferably in the spring. Care should be taken not to damage the delicate roots while dividing the plant.
Seeds
Propagation of Polystachya poikilantha Kraenzl. var. leucorhoda (Kraenzl.) P.J.Cribb & Podz. can also be done through seeds. The seeds are collected from the mature capsules and sown in a well-draining medium. The medium should be kept moist and warm, and the seeds should be exposed to light. Once the seedlings are large enough, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Cuttings
Another method of propagating Polystachya poikilantha Kraenzl. var. leucorhoda (Kraenzl.) P.J.Cribb & Podz. is through stem cuttings. Cuttings of the stem, as long as they contain several nodes, can be taken and planted in a moist, sandy medium. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid environment, and watered regularly until new growth appears. Once they have rooted, the plant can be transplanted to a larger pot.
Disease Management
Polystachya poikilantha Kraenzl. var. leucorhoda (Kraenzl.) P.J.Cribb & Podz. is generally healthy and disease-resistant, but some common diseases that can affect this plant are:
- Bacterial Soft Rot: This disease can cause the leaves and stems of the plant to become mushy and discolored. To manage this disease, remove the affected plant parts and avoid over-watering the plant. Also, ensure that the plant is grown in well-draining soil.
- Fungal Leaf Spot: This disease can cause circular brown or black spots to appear on the leaves of the plant. To manage this disease, remove the affected leaves and ensure that the plant is grown in a well-ventilated area. Avoid getting water on the leaves of the plant as this can promote the growth of fungi.
Pest Management
Polystachya poikilantha Kraenzl. var. leucorhoda (Kraenzl.) P.J.Cribb & Podz. is susceptible to infestation by some common pests such as:
- Spider Mites: These pests can cause the leaves of the plant to become yellow and discolored. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a solution of water and soap or neem oil. Also, ensure that the plant is grown in a well-ventilated area.
- Scale Insects: These pests can suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, causing them to become yellow and wilted. To manage scale insects, remove the pests by hand or spray the plant with a solution of water and soap.
Regular inspection of the plant will help detect any signs of disease or pest infestation early, making it easier to manage them. Also, ensure that the plant is grown in the right conditions, including the right amount of water, sunlight, and nutrients, as healthy plants are less susceptible to diseases and pests.
