Polystachya tessellata Lindl.
Polystachya tessellata Lindl. is a species of orchid native to tropical regions of Africa, including Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, and Tanzania. The plant is commonly known as the African tassel orchid or tessellated Polystachya.
Appearance
The African tassel orchid is a small to medium-sized epiphytic orchid that typically grows to a height of 20 to 30 centimeters. The stems are pale green, slender, and often branching. The leaves are small, narrow, and leathery, measuring approximately 5 to 10 centimeters in length and up to 1.5 centimeters in width.
The flowers of Polystachya tessellata are small and delicate, measuring only 5 millimeters in diameter. The flowers grow in clusters of up to thirty blooms along slim spikes that can reach up to 15 centimeters in length. Each flower has a creamy-white color with attractive brown or purple markings inside the lip. The petals and sepals are narrow and pointed, while the lip is broader and flared.
Uses
Polystachya tessellata is widely cultivated for its ornamental value. The striking beauty of the white and brown-purplish flowers, combined with the compact size of the plant, make it a popular choice among orchid enthusiasts.
In traditional medicine, the plant is used as a herbal remedy for various ailments, including coughs, fevers, and dysentery. It is also believed to have aphrodisiac properties.
Overall, the African tassel orchid is a beautiful and fascinating plant with a long history of usefulness and a promising future as a decorative and medicinal plant.
Light Requirements
Polystachya tessellata Lindl. needs bright, indirect light to thrive. It should be placed near an east-facing window, where it can receive several hours of bright, indirect sunlight each day. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so it is important to protect it from intense afternoon sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures between 60-75°F (16-24°C). It should not be exposed to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) for extended periods, as this can damage the plant. Keep the plant away from drafts, especially during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
Polystachya tessellata Lindl. prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A good mix for this plant is 2 parts peat moss to 1 part perlite or coarse sand. It is important to avoid using heavy soils, as this can lead to root rot. The plant should be repotted every 2-3 years in fresh soil.
Cultivation
Polystachya tessellata Lindl., commonly known as the tesselated polystachya, is a relatively easy plant to cultivate. The plant thrives in warm and humid environments, and so are well suited to areas with a tropical or subtropical climate. They can be grown outdoors in places with a temperature range of 18°C to 28°C, but also do well indoors on a windowsill or in a greenhouse.
The plant can be grown in a variety of media, but is best suited to an orchid-specific potting mix that is well-draining but also retains moisture. The potting mix should be slightly acidic, with a pH of around 5.5 to 6.5. Polystachya tessellata Lindl. can also be grown on a piece of bark or in a hanging basket with sphagnum moss.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering Polystachya tessellata Lindl., the aim is to keep the potting mix consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once every week during hot seasons, but reduce the frequency during cold seasons to prevent the roots from rotting. It's worth bearing in mind that these plants are epiphytic, meaning they absorb moisture and nutrients from the air, so take care not to over-water them.
Fertilization
Polystachya tessellata Lindl. should be fertilized about once every two weeks during active growth periods. Use an all-purpose orchid fertilizer that is specially formulated for epiphytic orchids. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to the build-up of salt in the potting mix which can be harmful to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning Polystachya tessellata Lindl. should be minimal. Simply remove any dead or yellowing leaves but leave as much foliage as possible to support photosynthesis. If the plant gets too large for its container, it can be divided and repotted into two or more separate containers.
Propagation of Polystachya tessellata Lindl.
Polystachya tessellata Lindl., commonly known as Tesselated Polystachya, is a small epiphytic orchid species that naturally occurs in tropical West Africa, including Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, and Cameroon. It is commonly grown as an indoor plant worldwide because of its attractive appearance and ease of maintenance. To propagate this plant, several methods can be adopted.
Propagation by Division
Division is the most commonly used method to propagate Polystachya tessellata Lindl. The plant can be divided into smaller pieces, each with a few shoots and roots. Division should be done during repotting when the plant is actively growing or after the blooming has stopped. The divisions should be potted in a well-draining compost mix and kept in a warm, brightly lit location. Watering should be done sparingly until new growth appears.
Propagation by Keiki
Polystachya tessellata Lindl. can also produce Keikis or plantlets that grow on the spike of the parent plant. Propagation by Keiki is an easy and quick method to propagate the plant. Once the Keiki becomes big enough, it can be separated from the parent plant and potted in its compost mix. The Keiki should be allowed to establish its roots and should be kept in a warm and bright location with high humidity.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by Seed is a difficult and time-consuming method, but it is essential for the conservation of rare orchid species. To propagate Polystachya tessellata Lindl. by Seed, the seeds should be sown on a sterile seed-raising mix. The container should be kept in a warm and humid location with ample light. Once the seedlings are well established, they can be potted in a well-draining compost mix. However, it should be noted that the propagation by seed often takes years, and it may take several years for the seedling to produce its first bloom.
In conclusion, Polystachya tessellata Lindl. is an easy-to-maintain orchid that can be propagated by several methods, including division, Keiki, and seed sowing. The choice of propagation method depends on various factors, including the plant's size, growth rate, and availability of resources.
Disease Management
Like most plants, Polystachya tessellata Lindl. is susceptible to various diseases caused by different pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Here are some common diseases that can affect the plant and how to manage them:
Bacterial Blight
This is a bacterial disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant, causing them to turn brown and wilt. To manage this disease, it's essential to remove the infected parts of the plant and dispose of them away from the garden. You can also apply a copper-based fungicide to help prevent the spread of the disease.
Fungal Leaf Spot
This disease is caused by a fungus that affects the leaves of the plant, causing them to have yellowish spots with a dark center. It is managed by removing the infected leaves and spraying the remaining foliage with a fungicide. It's also essential to prevent overcrowding by ensuring proper spacing between the plants to improve air circulation and reduce humidity.
Pest Management
Polystachya tessellata Lindl. can be attacked by various pests, such as insects and mites. Here are some common pests that can affect the plant and how to manage them:
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause yellowing and stippling of leaves. To manage this pest, you can use neem oil or insecticidal soap to kill them. You need to ensure that you apply the solution thoroughly, covering the underside of the leaves, to kill the pests.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are tiny bugs that suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. You can manage them by using insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill them. It's essential to do a follow-up application a week or two later to ensure that you have killed all the mealybugs.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars can cause damage to the foliage of the plant, causing holes and defoliation. To manage them, it's essential to handpick and remove them from the plant. You can also use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to control the caterpillars. Bt is an insecticide that selectively kills caterpillars without harming beneficial insects such as bees and ladybugs.
