Polystachya tessellata Lindl. var. tricruris (Rchb.f.) Schelpe Description
The Polystachya tessellata Lindl. var. tricruris (Rchb.f.) Schelpe is a beautiful orchid species that belongs to the family Orchidaceae. This plant is commonly known as Tesselated Polystachya and can be found in many parts of South Africa, including KwaZulu Natal, Transvaal, and Zimbabwe.
General Appearance
The Tesselated Polystachya usually grows as an epiphyte, although it can sometimes be found growing on rocks or even as a lithophyte. The plant can reach a height of up to 30 cm and typically has a stem that is topped with several long, slender, and arching leaves. The leaves of this plant are dark green, smooth, and glossy, with an elliptic to the oblong shape, and can grow to approximately 20 cm in length and 3 cm in width.
The Tesselated Polystachya produces a beautiful inflorescence with a branched and zig-zagged rachis that can grow to a length of up to 40 cm. Each inflorescence can bear up to 40 small but striking flowers. The small flowers of this orchid measure about 1 cm in diameter, and they have a yellowish-green color with brown and green stripes.
Uses
The Tesselated Polystachya is not widely used in traditional medicine or any other significant commercial activity. However, people admire the beauty of this orchid species, and it is often cultivated for ornamental purposes. Collectors and enthusiasts of this plant can take part in trading, exhibiting, and auctioning these plants in various shows and fairs.
Overall, the Tesselated Polystachya is an attractive and unique plant species that is worth cultivating or admiring for its stunning appearance.
Growth Conditions for Polystachya tessellata Lindl. var. tricruris (Rchb.f.) Schelpe
Light Requirements: Polystachya tessellata Lindl. var. tricruris (Rchb.f.) Schelpe is an epiphytic orchid that requires bright but indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves and damage the plant. It is recommended to place the plant near a north or east-facing window where it can receive several hours of bright, indirect sunlight.
Temperature Requirements: This orchid species is native to subtropical and tropical regions and requires temperatures between 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C) to grow. It is essential to maintain a consistent and stable temperature throughout the year, providing the plant with an environment that mimics its natural habitat. Polystachya tessellata Lindl. var. tricruris (Rchb.f.) Schelpe is also sensitive to cold drafts, which can cause damage to the plant, so ensure to place it away from cold windows or doors.
Soil Requirements: As an epiphytic orchid, Polystachya tessellata Lindl. var. tricruris (Rchb.f.) Schelpe does not grow in soil and instead requires a well-draining growing medium that mimics its natural habitat. The ideal substrate for this orchid is a mixture of sphagnum moss, bark, and perlite. This growing medium allows the orchid's roots to breathe and ensures adequate drainage of excess water. Ensure that the growing medium is not too wet, as this can lead to root rot.
Air Humidity: Polystachya tessellata Lindl. var. tricruris (Rchb.f.) Schelpe requires high humidity levels to thrive. The orchid benefits from regular misting to ensure the humidity is high enough to keep the leaves from drying out. Placing a tray with water and pebbles underneath the orchid's container can help increase the humidity around the plant.
Fertilizer: The orchid requires regular feeding, and it's essential to fertilize it with a balanced, water-soluble orchid fertilizer. During the growing season, fertilize the plant every two weeks and reduce feeding during the dormant season to once a month. Do not fertilize the plant when the growing medium is dry, as this can damage the roots.
Cultivation Methods
Polystachya tessellata Lindl. var. tricruris (Rchb.f.) Schelpe, commonly known as the Leopard Orchid, thrives in warm, humid conditions with partial shade. It can be grown as an epiphyte or terrestrial plant. When grown as an epiphyte, it can be attached to a wooden plank or a porous medium such as cork or tree fern.
This orchid species requires a well draining soil mix that contains sphagnum moss, fir bark, and perlite. The ideal temperature range for cultivation is between 60 - 80°F. It is vital to protect the plant from direct sunlight as it can cause leaf burn and dehydration.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of this orchid species depend on the growth stage and the surrounding environment. During the growing season, which usually runs from spring through fall, the plant requires regular watering to maintain its moisture level. Watering should be done when the potting mix begins to dry out, and it should be thorough, allowing the water to drain away freely. However, during the dormant period, which is usually in winter, Polystachya tessellata needs less watering, about once a month.
Fertilization
Fertilization is crucial to the growth and success of Polystachya tessellata. A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium) ratio of 20-20-20 can be applied every two weeks during the growing season. During the dormant period, fertilization should be reduced to once a month. It is important to dilute the fertilizer to half strength to prevent root damage.
Pruning
The pruning of Polystachya tessellata is relatively simple. Dead or dried leaves and flowers should be removed regularly. Additionally, stems that have finished flowering should be cut back to promote new growth and blooming. Pruning can be done at any time of the year, but it is best to do it during the dormant period.
Propagation of Polystachya tessellata Lindl. var. tricruris (Rchb.f.) Schelpe
Polystachya tessellata Lindl. var. tricruris (Rchb.f.) Schelpe plant can be propagated through the following methods:
Division
Division is the easiest method of propagating Polystachya tessellata Lindl. var. tricruris (Rchb.f.) Schelpe plant. It can be done during any time of the year when the plant is actively growing. Carefully remove the plant from the pot and gently tease the roots apart. Ensure that each division has enough roots and at least one healthy pseudobulb. Place the smaller divisions in individual pots and keep them in a shaded area where they can establish themselves.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is more difficult than division, but it is the best way to increase the stock of rare varieties, such as Polystachya tessellata Lindl. var. tricruris (Rchb.f.) Schelpe plant. Collect the seeds when the capsules start to dry and turn brown. Sow the seeds immediately in a good-quality orchid mix. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and water them gently. The seeds will germinate in 3-4 weeks. Once they reach a decent size, transplant them into individual pots filled with suitable media.
Keiki Cuttings
Keiki cuttings refer to the vegetative reproduction of a plant through the production of keikis, which are small plantlets that develop on a plant's stem. These plantlets can be removed and potted on their own to produce a new plant. Polystachya tessellata Lindl. var. tricruris (Rchb.f.) Schelpe plants produce keikis frequently, and these can be easily removed and potted up once they have developed roots.
Choose the propagation method that works best for you and remember to keep the new plants in a suitable environment that will enable their growth and development.
Disease Management
Polystachya tessellata Lindl. var. tricruris (Rchb.f.) Schelpe is generally a healthy and disease-resistant plant, but it may suffer from certain fungal and bacterial diseases that can detract from its appearance and vitality.
One common fungal disease that can affect Polystachya tessellata is leaf spot. Symptoms of this disease include small, round spots on the leaves that gradually increase in size and merge to form large patches of dead tissue. To manage this disease, affected leaves should be carefully removed and destroyed to prevent further infection. Fungicidal sprays may also be applied as a preventative measure.
Another fungal disease that may affect Polystachya tessellata is powdery mildew. This disease presents as a white, powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, affected plant parts should be removed and disposed of immediately. Fungicidal sprays can also be used for control.
Pest Management
Polystachya tessellata is not usually affected by insect pests, but it can be vulnerable to attacks from certain pests such as mealybugs and spider mites.
Mealybugs appear as small, white, cotton-like clusters on the plant. They feed by piercing the plant tissue and sucking out the sap, which can weaken the plant. To manage a mealybug infestation, affected plant parts should be removed and destroyed, and the plant can be treated with an insecticidal soap or oil spray.
Spider mites are tiny, spider-like pests that feed on the undersides of leaves. They cause yellowing and stippling of the leaves, and severe infestations can cause the plant to defoliate. To manage spider mites, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and the plant can be treated with a miticide.
Regular inspection and observation of Polystachya tessellata is crucial for the early detection and control of any pests or diseases that may arise.
