Origin
Pterygodium newdigateae Bolus var. cleistogamum Bolus is a species of orchid that is endemic to the Western Cape region of South Africa. It was first discovered in 1916 by Harry Bolus, a South African botanist, and is named after the place where it was found, the Newdigate farm in the Caledon district.
Common Names
The common name for Pterygodium newdigateae Bolus var. cleistogamum Bolus is the Newdigate pterygodium. It is also sometimes referred to as the cleistogamous pterygodium, due to its unique reproductive strategy.
General Appearance
The Newdigate pterygodium is a small, perennial orchid that grows up to 20 cm tall. It has a single, fleshy stem with lance-shaped leaves that are up to 5 cm long. The flowers are produced on a narrow inflorescence and are small, measuring only 1-2 cm in length. They are greenish-yellow in colour with brownish-red stripes and have a distinctive, complex structure typical of orchids.
Uses
Pterygodium newdigateae Bolus var. cleistogamum Bolus is not widely used in traditional medicine or any other application. However, it is a rare and beautiful plant that is highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts of native South African flora. The cleistogamous variety of this species is of particular interest to botanists due to its unique reproductive strategy, which involves producing self-fertilizing, unopened flowers that do not require pollination to produce seeds.
Light Requirements
The plant Pterygodium newdigateae Bolus var. cleistogamum Bolus requires bright light but not direct sunlight. It grows well under partial shade conditions with filtered sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause sunburn and damage the plant leaves, which will affect the growth. Therefore, it is recommended to place the plant in a south or west-facing window with a sheer curtain to filter the strong sun rays.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Pterygodium newdigateae Bolus var. cleistogamum Bolus grows best in moderate temperatures - neither too hot nor too cold. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60°F and 75°F (15°C and 24°C). It can survive in a wide range of temperature conditions but cannot tolerate extreme heat or cold. Moreover, it needs a cool dry winter period to grow successfully.
Soil Requirements
The plant Pterygodium newdigateae Bolus var. cleistogamum Bolus requires well-draining soil and prefers growing in a slightly acidic to a neutral soil pH range. It prefers slightly moist but well-drained soil. A good potting soil mix for this plant can be made from 2 parts peat moss and 1 part perlite or sand. The soil should be kept moist but not overly wet as it can cause root rot and other diseases. It's important to ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes to allow water to escape.
Cultivation Methods
Pterygodium newdigateae Bolus var. cleistogamum Bolus is a terrestrial orchid that grows well in a cool environment with good air circulation. To cultivate this species, it is important to provide a loose, well-draining growing medium, such as a mixture of fine bark, peat, and perlite. The plant likes to be planted in a pot that is much larger than the actual plant roots, and a good-quality orchid fertilizer should be added to the potting mix.
The plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral growing medium, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. It is important to avoid over-watering and ensure that the plant is getting enough light.
Watering Needs
Pterygodium newdigateae Bolus var. cleistogamum Bolus requires regular watering during its active growth period, which is typically in the spring and summer. It is important not to let the soil dry out completely, but also not to let the plant sit in water. In the fall and winter months, the plant requires less water, and the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is essential to the growth of Pterygodium newdigateae Bolus var. cleistogamum Bolus. A high-quality orchid fertilizer should be used, applied every two weeks during the growing season. The plant requires less fertilizer during the fall and winter months. It is important not to over-fertilize, as this can cause salt buildup in the soil, which can harm the plant.
Pruning
Pruning of Pterygodium newdigateae Bolus var. cleistogamum Bolus is not typically required. However, if the plant becomes too large for its pot, it can be divided and repotted in the spring. It is important to ensure that each division has sufficient roots and a good portion of the pseudobulb attached. Any dead or yellowing foliage should be removed to ensure the plant stays healthy and attractive.
Propagation of Pterygodium newdigateae Bolus var. cleistogamum Bolus
Pterygodium newdigateae Bolus var. cleistogamum Bolus can be propagated through various methods which include:
Seed propagation
Seeds are one of the most common ways of propagating Pterygodium newdigateae Bolus var. cleistogamum Bolus. Once the seeds are collected, they should be sown as soon as possible in well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist but not wet. Germination typically takes two to three months, but it can take up to a year. Once germinated, the seedlings can be transplanted to larger pots or planted in the garden.
Division propagation
Pterygodium newdigateae Bolus var. cleistogamum Bolus can be propagated through division. This is best done in the fall or early spring when the plant is dormant. Dig up the plant and carefully separate the individual bulb-like corms. Each corm should have at least one eye or growing point. Replant the corms in their new location at the same depth that they were previously planted.
Cormels propagation
Cormels are small corms that grow off the main corm. These can be used to propagate Pterygodium newdigateae Bolus var. cleistogamum Bolus. In the fall or early spring, dig up the parent plant and carefully remove the cormels. Replant the cormels in their new location at a depth of approximately 2.5 cm. Keep the soil moist but not wet.
Tissue culture propagation
Tissue culture can also be used to propagate Pterygodium newdigateae Bolus var. cleistogamum Bolus. This method involves taking small pieces of plant tissue from the parent plant and growing them in a sterile medium. Once the tissue has grown into a small plantlet, it can be transplanted into a pot or garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Pterygodium newdigateae Bolus var. cleistogamum Bolus Plant
Pterygodium newdigateae Bolus var. cleistogamum Bolus is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, except for a few threats that can be effectively managed to prevent infestation and ensure a healthy growth cycle. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might harm Pterygodium newdigateae Bolus var. cleistogamum Bolus plant and ways to manage them:
Common Diseases
Fungal Infections: Fungal infections can cause damage to the leaves, stems, and roots of Pterygodium newdigateae Bolus var. cleistogamum Bolus plant. Fungi like Botrytis and Pythium can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant. To prevent fungal infections, avoid overwatering and ensure that the soil is well-drained. If you notice any signs of fungal infection on the plant, remove the infected parts and dispose of them properly. You can also use fungicides to manage the infection, but it is best to avoid the use of chemicals if possible.
Bacterial Infections: Bacterial infections can cause leaf spots, stem cankers, and wilting of the Pterygodium newdigateae Bolus var. cleistogamum Bolus plant. To prevent bacterial infections, maintain good sanitation practices and avoid overcrowding of plants. Remove any infected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly. You can also use copper-based fungicides to manage the infection.
Viral Infections: Viral infections can cause yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth of the plant. Unfortunately, there is no cure for viral infections in plants. To prevent the spread of the virus, remove infected plants and avoid using contaminated tools and equipment.
Common Pests
Spider Mites: Spider mites can cause significant damage to the leaves of Pterygodium newdigateae Bolus var. cleistogamum Bolus plant. They can be identified by the fine webbing that they leave on the leaves. To manage spider mites, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Make sure to apply these products to the undersides of the leaves and repeat the treatment after a few days to ensure that all the mites are killed.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white, fluffy insects that can suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the Pterygodium newdigateae Bolus var. cleistogamum Bolus plant. To manage mealybugs, use neem oil or insecticidal soap. You can also remove the insects manually with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
Thrips: Thrips can cause significant damage to the flowers and leaves of the Pterygodium newdigateae Bolus var. cleistogamum Bolus plant. They can be identified by the silver streaks that they leave on the leaves. To manage thrips, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Make sure to apply these products to the undersides of the leaves and repeat the treatment after a few days to ensure that all the thrips are killed.
