Origin:
Polystachya virginea Summerh. var. parva Geerinck, commonly known as the Small-flowered Polystachya, is a species of orchid that is native to tropical Africa, specifically Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It is found in high-altitude forests and grasslands.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly referred to as the Small-flowered Polystachya due to its tiny flowers. In Swahili, it is known as 'Chonyi,' while the Masai call it 'Olkinyei.'
Uses:
The Small-flowered Polystachya is mainly used for ornamental purposes. Its pretty flowers and delicate appearance make it a favorite among gardeners and collectors. The plant is known for its ability to thrive in relatively cool conditions, making it easy to grow indoors as a houseplant. It is also used in floral arrangements to add an exotic touch.
General Appearance:
The Small-flowered Polystachya is a small, epiphytic orchid that grows up to 6 cm in height. Its leaves are thick and leathery, and its stems are short, slender, and upright. The plant produces a short inflorescence with tiny flowers that are less than 1 cm in diameter. The flowers are white or greenish-yellow, each with a brownish-red lip that has a fringed margin. The Small-flowered Polystachya is an attractive plant, and its diminutive size makes it an excellent choice for small spaces or terrariums.
Light Requirements
Polystachya virginea Summerh. var. parva Geerinck plants prefer bright, indirect light. They can tolerate some level of direct light but not for extended periods.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Polystachya virginea Summerh. var. parva Geerinck growth is between 60-80°F (16-27°C). It can tolerate warmer temperatures in the summer but must be kept in a cooler environment with high humidity during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
Polystachya virginea Summerh. var. parva Geerinck plants grow well in a mixture of orchid bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite. Their roots require good drainage and aeration to prevent root rot. These plants can also be grown mounted on a piece of bark or in a hanging basket with a loose mix of materials for good air circulation.
Cultivation methods of Polystachya virginea Summerh. var. parva Geerinck
Polystachya virginea Summerh. var. parva Geerinck is an African orchid that prefers warm and humid conditions. It is tough, adaptable and relatively easy to grow, making it an ideal choice for novice orchid growers. Here are some cultivation methods:
- It should be grown in a well-draining, bark-based orchid mix, preferably mounted on a piece of wood or grown in a small pot.
- Keep the orchid in a location where it receives bright, indirect light.
- Polystachya virginea Summerh. var. parva Geerinck grows best in temperatures ranging between 65°F to 85°F (18.3°C to 29.4°C).
- Avoid exposing it to temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
- The orchid prefers high humidity. Use a humidifier or a pebble tray to increase humidity levels.
- It's also important to ensure adequate air circulation to prevent the leaves and flowers from rotting.
Watering needs of Polystachya virginea Summerh. var. parva Geerinck
Watering is one of the most crucial aspects of an orchid's care. Overwatering or underwatering can be harmful to the plant. Here are some watering guidelines to keep in mind:
- Polystachya virginea Summerh. var. parva Geerinck prefers to be watered regularly rather than allowed to dry out between watering sessions.
- The orchid should be watered once a week, or when the top inch of the potting medium feels dry to the touch.
- When watering, ensure that the water drains out completely, and the orchid is not left standing in water.
- Use lukewarm, clean water, and avoid using cold water or tap water that contains chlorine or fluoride.
- During the winter months, lessen the frequency of watering.
Fertilization of Polystachya virginea Summerh. var. parva Geerinck
Fertilizing the orchid helps to encourage healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Here are some fertilization tips to keep in mind:
- Fertilize Polystachya virginea Summerh. var. parva Geerinck every two weeks during active growth using a balanced, fertilizer high in nitrogen.
- During the dormant season, reduce or stop fertilizing entirely.
- Adjust the frequency based on slow growth or extreme temperatures.
- Be mindful of fertilizer buildup, it can harm the orchid. Rinse the potting mix after every third or fourth fertilization or use a weak solution to avoid buildup.
Pruning of Polystachya virginea Summerh. var. parva Geerinck
Pruning helps to promote a healthy, bushy orchid with more abundant flowers. Here are some pruning tips to keep in mind:
- Remove any yellow or brown leaves, as well as any dead roots or stems.
- Gently pinch off the spent blooms at the bottom of the stem. Leave the green stem on the orchid because it can help produce new flowers.
- Don't prune the stems unless they're brown or black.
- If the orchid outgrows its container, trim the roots and repot as needed.
- Pruning should be done after the plant has finished blooming for the season, and when the new growth has begun.
Propagation of Polystachya virginea Summerh. var. parva Geerinck
Polystachya virginea Summerh. var. parva Geerinck is a beautiful epiphytic orchid that can be propagated through different methods, including seed propagation, division, and tissue culture.
Seed propagation:
The seeds of Polystachya virginea Summerh. var. parva Geerinck are tiny, dust-like, and can be challenging to handle. To propagate this orchid from seed, you need to collect the capsule when it is matured and allow it to dry completely. Once the capsule is fully dry, split it open and take out the seeds and ensure they are clean and free from debris. After that, sow the seeds on a sterile medium like agar or peat moss and keep it moist until germination, which can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the environment and medium used.
Division:
Division is another method of propagating Polystachya virginea Summerh. var. parva Geerinck. This method is best used for mature plants and is done when repotting. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the roots. Ensure each division has enough roots and leaves and pot them in a new container with fresh potting mix, and provide the required care.
Tissue Culture:
Tissue culture is another method of propagation used for Polystachya virginea Summerh. var. parva Geerinck. This method is used for larger scale production and can help to preserve rare species. Tissue culture involves taking a small piece of tissue from the parent plant and growing it in a sterile medium with the right concentration of nutrients and hormones. The tissue can then form into a new plant, which can be transferred to the growing conditions suitable for the species.
Disease Management
Polystachya virginea Summerh. var. parva Geerinck is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth and overall health. Some of the common diseases that might affect the plant are fungal infections, bacterial infections, and viral infections.
Fungal infections can be managed by ensuring the plant is planted in well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering. If a fungal infection has already occurred, infected leaves should be removed, and a fungicide should be applied to prevent further spread.
Bacterial infections can be prevented by using sterilized equipment when handling the plant and maintaining good hygiene practices. If a bacterial infection has already occurred, infected parts should be removed, and a bactericide should be applied to prevent further spread.
Viral infections have no cure. Therefore, preventative measures such as sterilizing equipment and avoiding cross-contamination should be taken. Infected plants should also be removed as soon as possible to prevent further infection.
Pest Management
Polystachya virginea Summerh. var. parva Geerinck is also prone to pest infestations that can affect its growth and health. Common pests that might affect the plant include spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects.
Spider mites can be managed by increasing humidity levels around the plant and removing infested leaves. In severe cases, a miticide should be applied to the plant.
Mealybugs can be managed by manually removing them from the plant using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or a solution of water and dish soap. In severe cases, an insecticide can be applied.
Scale insects can be managed by physically removing them from the plant using a cotton swab or toothbrush dipped in rubbing alcohol or a solution of water and dish soap. In severe cases, an insecticide can be applied.
