Overview
Polystachya spatella Kraenzl. is a fascinating plant that belongs to the family Orchidaceae. It is a stemless epiphyte and is native to Tanzania, East Africa. This small orchid is famous for its unique and widespread natural habitat, and it has also been classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Common Names
Polystachya spatella Kraenzl. is commonly known as the "Yellow Beard Orchid" or "Dancing Dolls."
Appearance
Polystachya spatella Kraenzl. is a small orchid that grows up to 15cm long. It carries many inflorescences, reaching up to 20 on a single stem, which is erect and unbranched. The flowers have a vibrant yellow and sometimes greenish-yellow color and small form. The petals are narrow and ribbon-like, with a small lip that is curled up and fringed with yellow hairs. The overall plant gives a beautiful appearance that looks like a little dancing doll with yellow hairs.
Uses
Polystachya spatella Kraenzl. is a delightful-looking orchid that does not have much use in terms of traditional medicine or economic importance. However, it is crucial to the ecosystem by providing habitats for some insects, especially bees, and serving as a bright spot for biodiversity.
Overall, Polystachya spatella Kraenzl. is a unique orchid with a distinctive look that is fascinating to study and observe. Its yellow petals and yellow fringed lip give it a unique and charming appearance that is hard to resist. Despite being endangered, the plant still manages to thrive in its native range and serves as an essential piece of the African ecosystem.
Light Requirements
The plant Polystachya spatella Kraenzl. prefers bright, filtered light. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves and hinder the growth of the plant. Therefore, it is best to place the plant in a location that receives indirect bright light.
Temperature Needs
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Polystachya spatella Kraenzl. is between 60-75°F (15-24°C), but they can tolerate temperatures between 50-95°F (10-35°C). The plant may not grow well under extreme temperatures, so it is important to maintain a steady and moderate temperature range.
Soil Requirements
The soil for the plant Polystachya spatella Kraenzl. should be well-draining and porous. The use of orchid potting mix is recommended, as it is designed to be porous and retains moisture without suffocating the roots. The plant should be potted in a shallow pot with a good drainage system to avoid waterlogging and potential root rot.
Cultivation
Polystachya spatella Kraenzl. is native to Central and Western Africa and is commonly found growing in the wild on trees. It is an epiphytic orchid with a slender stem and elongated, lanceolate leaves.
In cultivation, this plant can be grown indoors or outdoors, depending on the climate. It prefers bright, indirect light and temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F. It can also tolerate lower temperatures, as long as it is not exposed to frost.
When grown indoors, it can be potted in a well-draining orchid mix, with the roots securely anchored in the pot. It is also recommended to use a pot with good drainage to prevent root rot. As an epiphytic plant, it can also be mounted on a piece of bark or other organic material.
Watering Needs
Polystachya spatella Kraenzl. should be watered regularly, but not overwatered. It prefers to be kept moist, but not soaked. A good rule of thumb is to water it every two to three days, depending on the humidity and temperature of the environment.
When watering, make sure to use lukewarm or room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant. It is best to water it early in the day to allow time for the leaves to dry before nightfall.
If grown indoors, it can benefit from a humidifier or a tray of pebbles filled with water to increase the humidity around the plant.
Fertilization
To encourage growth and blooming, Polystachya spatella Kraenzl. should be fertilized regularly. A balanced orchid fertilizer with a ratio of 20-20-20 can be used every two weeks during the growing season, which typically runs from spring to fall.
It is important not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to salts building up in the soil or on the roots, which can cause damage to the plant. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer carefully and adjust the amount and frequency of application as needed.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Polystachya spatella Kraenzl., as it does not typically produce new growth from old growth. However, it is recommended to remove any dead or damaged leaves as soon as possible to prevent disease or pest infestation.
If mounted on a piece of bark or other organic material, it may be necessary to trim the roots from time to time to prevent them from becoming too long and rotting.
Propagation of Polystachya spatella Kraenzl.
Polystachya spatella Kraenzl., commonly known as the yellow cushion orchid, is a stunning plant that belongs to the Orchidaceae family. The plant is endemic to Africa, where it grows on tree branches in humid forests. Propagation of this plant can be done using various techniques, including:
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Polystachya spatella Kraenzl. can be achieved using seeds. The seeds should be sown on a well-draining substrate and kept in a humid and warm environment to encourage germination. Within a few weeks, the seeds should start to sprout, and the seedlings should be ready for transplanting in a few months.
Division Propagation
Another excellent way to propagate Polystachya spatella Kraenzl. is by division. This method works well when the plant has grown a considerable clump, and the roots are tightly packed. The clump should be carefully separated, using sterile equipment, into smaller sections. The separated sections should have a healthy number of leaves, roots, and bulbs. Each section should then be potted in a well-draining substrate and kept in a humid environment until new growth is observed.
Keiki Propagation
Keiki propagation is another way to propagate Polystachya spatella Kraenzl. This method works well when the plant produces new growth, commonly known as keikis. Keikis can be carefully removed from the parent plant and potted in a well-draining substrate. It is important to ensure that each keiki has a good root system before transplanting to a new pot. The newly potted keikis should then be kept in a warm and humid environment until new growth is observed.
Disease and Pest Management for Polystachya spatella Kraenzl.
Polystachya spatella Kraenzl. is a beautiful orchid species that can suffer from different diseases and pests. As a helpful assistant, I will provide you with information on how to manage the common problems that might affect the plant.
Common Diseases
Fungal infections: One of the most common diseases that affect Polystachya spatella Kraenzl. is fungal infections. Fungi can cause yellowing of leaves, spotting, and wilting, and can spread rapidly, causing plant death. To prevent fungal infections, avoid over-watering the plant, and ensure that it is not exposed to excessive humidity or cold temperatures. Fungicides can help control fungal infections, but it is advisable to consult a specialist to choose the right product.
Viral infections: Viral infections can cause yellowing, spotting, stunted growth, and other symptoms in Polystachya spatella Kraenzl. Unfortunately, there are no cures for viral infections. Therefore, it's advisable to remove and destroy infected plants to prevent the spread of disease.
Common Pests
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause damage to Polystachya spatella Kraenzl. by sucking sap from the leaves. Their presence can cause the plant to have yellowing leaves or even drop the leaves. To manage spider mites, wash the plant regularly with water or insecticidal soap, ensure that the plant is not exposed to dry air, and remove any severely infested parts of the plant.
Thrips: Thrips are small, slender insects that can cause slivery streaks on the leaves of Polystachya spatella Kraenzl. Severe infestations can cause the leaves to become distorted. To manage thrips, you could introduce natural predators or use insecticidal soaps.
Proper pest and disease management is critical for a healthy Polystachya spatella Kraenzl. You can follow preventive measures such as keeping the plant clean, maintaining optimal growing conditions, and ensuring that the plant is not exposed to extreme environmental conditions to avoid such pests and diseases.
