Rhipidoglossum montanum (Piers) Senghas
Rhipidoglossum montanum (Piers) Senghas, commonly known as Mountain Rhipidoglossum, is an epiphytic orchid plant native to tropical East Africa.
General Appearance
Mountain Rhipidoglossum generally grows up to 12 cm tall and 9 cm wide in size. It has clumps of long, strap-like leaves and pendulous inflorescences that produce 5 to 18 small white flowers with yellow and purple markings.
The flowers have orange-colored lip, and its sepals and petals have a translucent appearance which usually makes the plant look more delicate than it is.
Common Names
Mountain Rhipidoglossum is commonly referred to as the African Rhipidoglossum, Mountain Orchid, and African Purple Orchid.
Uses
Mountain Rhipidoglossum is often grown as an ornamental plant for decorative purposes in gardens and households. It is also used in traditional medicine in some African cultures for the treatment of various ailments such as stomach pains, respiratory problems, and as an emetic for poisoning. However, there are no conclusive scientific studies to back the medical use of this plant.
Light Requirements
Rhipidoglossum montanum prefers bright but indirect light. It can grow under partial shade, but it should still receive enough light to encourage flowering. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and harm the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Rhipidoglossum montanum is between 18 and 25°C (64 and 77°F). It can tolerate cooler temperatures down to 13°C (55°F) at night, but it should not be exposed to temperatures below 10°C (50°F). On the other hand, high temperatures above 30°C (86°F) can cause damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
A well-draining orchid mix is ideal for Rhipidoglossum montanum. The mix can be composed of bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite. It is best to avoid dense soils that can hold too much moisture, as this can lead to root rot. The plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5.
Cultivation Methods for Rhipidoglossum Montanum
Rhipidoglossum montanum (Piers) Senghas is a beautiful plant that is easy to cultivate. It can be grown in pots or baskets, indoors or outdoors, as long as the environmental and climatic conditions are appropriate. The plant requires specific attention for its growth and blooming and should be kept in a specialized greenhouse to give it the necessary conditions for its blooming season.
Moreover, you can grow this orchid from seed or by division. If you choose to divide the plant, ensure that you separate the roots carefully, allowing for 3-5 pseudobulbs to develop in each division.
Watering Needs
Rhipidoglossum montanum requires consistent and adequate watering. During the growing season, from spring to fall, water the plant weekly, allowing the potting medium to dry slightly between watering. During winter, reduce the frequency of watering to avoid root rot.
Additionally, it’s essential to use clean, distilled water free from pollutants, as the plant is susceptible to salt build-up and can nourish bacteria.
Fertilization
The plant requires supplementing during the growing season, from spring to fall. Use a balanced fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium (NPK), such as 20-20-20, once a month. Avoid applying fertilizer during the blooming stage.
Furthermore, ensure that you use a clean and sterile potting medium to prevent fungal infections. The soil should be well-draining, and the roots should be exposed to air.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Rhipidoglossum montanum. However, removing yellowing or dying leaves will promote the overall health of the plant. Additionally, removing faded flowers will encourage the plant to produce new blooms in the next growing season. When trimming the flowers, ensure that you use sterilized cutting tools to avoid spreading disease.
Propagation of Rhipidoglossum montanum
Rhipidoglossum montanum can be propagated through two different methods:
Seed propagation
Propagation through seed is the preferred method for Rhipidoglossum montanum. The seeds are very small and should be sown immediately after they ripen, as they lose viability quickly. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining orchid mix and kept moist but not soggy. To prevent fungal growth, it is recommended to use a fungicide in the sowing mix, and to cover the seeds with a thin layer of vermiculite. The seeds will usually germinate within 2-3 weeks.
Division of plant
Rhipidoglossum montanum can also be propagated through division, although this is less common. This method involves separating the plant into smaller sections and repotting them. Care should be taken to ensure that each section has a healthy root system. The best time to divide the plant is immediately after it has finished flowering.
Regardless of the propagation method used, the new plants should be kept in a warm, humid environment until they have become established.
Disease and Pest Management for Rhipidoglossum Montanum
Rhipidoglossum Montanum (Piers) Senghas, also known as Rhipidoglossum montanum, is an orchid species found in the forests of Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and Nigeria. Though generally hardy, this plant can succumb to various diseases and pests. Below are some common ones and strategies to manage them.
Common Diseases
Black Rot: Black rot is a fungal disease that can lead to severe wilting and death of the plant. The fungus typically enters the plant through a wound. Cultural control, such as sanitisations and management of excess water, can mitigate the impact of black rot. Chemical treatment through copper-based fungicides is also a possible solution.
Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause the leaves and roots to rot, resulting in shriveling and eventual death of the plant. Manage Anthracnose by the removal of affected plant material, the pruning of affected areas, and fungicidal treatment.
Bacterial Blight: Bacterial blight appears as brown spots on the leaves, and if not treated, it can lead to blackening of the flowers. Spraying Bordeaux mixture and removing affected tissues are some control mechanisms for bacterial blight. Hot water treatment (46 -48 ºC for 12 minutes) is another effective cure for bacterial blight.
Common Pests
Scale Insects: These pests pierce the plant and suck out the sap, leading to stunted growth and discoloration of the leaves. Wiping the plant with soapy water solutions, pruning of affected portions, and the application of insecticides can control the spread of insects.
Thrips: Thrips damage the leaves, and their presence causes silvering of the leaves and distortion of flowers. The use of sticky traps, regular monitoring of plants, and the application of insecticides are useful strategies in thrips management.
Aphids: Aphids cause yellowing of leaves and loose flowers. Spray water on the affected area, or apply a neem oil solution as a form of pest control. Prune affected areas and consider releasing beneficial insects to control severe infestations.
By keeping an eye on early warning signs, promptly treating affected plants or removing affected tissues, and following proper orchid-care techniques, growers can manage Rhipidoglossum Montanum's disease and pest problems effectively.
