Overview
Satyrium bicallosum Thunb. var. ocellatum Bolus, commonly known as the Two-lipped Satyrium or Skaapstekerorchid, is a species of terrestrial orchid that is native to South Africa. This plant is known for its unique flower arrangement that distinguishes it from other orchid species. It is a sought-after plant for botanical gardens and orchid collectors, as well as traditional healers in parts of its native range.
Appearance
The Two-lipped Satyrium is a herbaceous plant that grows up to 60 centimeters in height. It has narrow leaves that are arranged alternately on the stem, giving it a grass-like appearance. The flowers are arranged in a loose raceme and are yellow-green in colour. Each flower has two large, slipper-shaped petals, two smaller lateral sepals, and a small upright dorsal sepal. The lip of the flower has two lobes, giving it a distinctive "two-lipped" appearance. This variation is known for its spotted lip, with ocellate markings in shades of purple to black.
Uses
The Two-lipped Satyrium is valued for its ornamental value in gardens and as a popular plant for collectors. It serves as a food source for pollinators, mainly bees, moths, and butterflies. Historically, indigenous groups in South Africa have used various parts of the plant for medicinal purposes. It was used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever and snake bites. Despite its traditional use, its medicinal properties have not been extensively studied, and the plant is not commonly used for medicinal purposes in modern times.
Cultivation
The Two-lipped Satyrium prefers well-drained soil and moderate to high levels of light. It is suited to warm to temperate conditions and can be grown in a variety of soil types. As with many orchid species, this plant is typically propagated through seed propagation rather than vegetative means. Care should be taken during the growing season to ensure that the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged to ensure optimal growth. It is advisable to source the plant from a reputable nursery or collector rather than from the wild to avoid endangering local populations.
Light requirements
The Satyrium bicallosum Thunb. var. ocellatum Bolus grows best in bright indirect light. It does not tolerate direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves and cause the plant to wilt. A shaded area with access to filtered sunlight or a north-facing window is ideal for this plant.
Temperature requirements
The Satyrium bicallosum Thunb. var. ocellatum Bolus prefers warm daytime temperatures. It grows best in temperatures ranging from 18-22°C (65-72°F). At night, the plant can handle slightly cooler temperatures, but it should not be exposed to temperatures lower than 10°C (50°F). Avoid exposing the plant to sudden temperature changes, as this can cause stress and damage to the plant.
Soil requirements
The Satyrium bicallosum Thunb. var. ocellatum Bolus grows in a variety of soil types, but it prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH of 5.5-6.5. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is an appropriate soil mix for this plant. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as overwatering can cause root rot.
Cultivation Methods
The Satyrium bicallosum Thunb. var. ocellatum Bolus plant thrives in well-draining soil and prefers partially shaded areas. It is best to plant it in the fall, and it can be propagated through seed sowing or by dividing mature clumps. When planting, ensure that the soil is rich in organic matter and has a pH of between 5.5 and 6.5.
Plant the Satyrium bicallosum Thunb. var. ocellatum Bolus bulbs at a depth of 10-15 cm apart and water generously to promote growth. Ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged until the plant is well established. Once the plant is mature, it requires little watering.
Watering Needs
When it comes to watering Satyrium bicallosum Thunb. var. ocellatum Bolus, it is best to keep the soil consistently moist. During the growing season, which is usually in spring, water twice a week. In summer, reduce the watering frequency to once a week. Additionally, reduce watering further in the fall to allow the plant to go dormant during winter.
Fertilization
To maintain healthy and robust growth, it is necessary to fertilize Satyrium bicallosum Thunb. var. ocellatum Bolus regularly. The best approach is to use a balanced fertilizer formulated for flowering plants. Apply the fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season, i.e., spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing during winter, as the plant is dormant.
Pruning
The Satyrium bicallosum Thunb. var. ocellatum Bolus plant does not require much pruning, except for the removal of spent flowers. Cutting off the flowers once they have withered promotes vigorous growth and encourages the plant to produce more flowers. After the plant has gone dormant in winter, it may be necessary to trim back any dead or damaged leaves to promote healthy growth in spring.
Propagation of Satyrium bicallosum Thunb. var. ocellatum Bolus
Satyrium bicallosum Thunb. var. ocellatum Bolus is propagated through various methods, including seed propagation and the division of rhizomes. The plant can also be propagated through tissue culture techniques in a lab.
Seed Propagation
The easiest method of propagating Satyrium bicallosum Thunb. var. ocellatum Bolus is through seeds. The plant produces large numbers of seeds, making it a viable option for propagation. The ideal time for harvesting the seeds is when the seedpods have turned brown and started to split open. It is important to ensure that the seeds are fresh and not damaged or infected.
Before planting the seeds, they need to be stored in a cool, dry place for at least a month to allow the natural dormancy mechanism to be broken. The seeds can then be sown in a mixture of soil and sand. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, and to provide the seeds with adequate sunlight.
Division of Rhizomes
Another method of propagation is through the division of rhizomes. Spring is the best time to divide the rhizomes. The rhizomes should be dug up, and the sections separated while ensuring that each section has several growth points.
The separated pieces can be planted in a mixture of soil and sand, similar to seed propagation. It is important to maintain adequate soil moisture and sunlight.
Tissue Culture Techniques
Satyrium bicallosum Thunb. var. ocellatum Bolus can also be propagated in a lab setting through tissue culture techniques. This method involves taking a small piece of the plant tissue and placing it in a sterile growing medium. The tissue is then provided with specific hormones and nutrients to stimulate growth and development.
This method of propagation is ideal for producing large numbers of plants quickly and can be used to produce disease-free plants. Tissue culture techniques are also useful for the propagation of rare or endangered plants that may be difficult to propagate through traditional methods. However, tissue culture techniques are complex and require specialized skills and equipment.
Disease Management for Satyrium bicallosum Thunb. var. ocellatum Bolus
Plants of Satyrium bicallosum Thunb. var. ocellatum Bolus are generally hardy and resistant to many diseases. However, there are some diseases that may affect the plant, especially in conditions of high humidity. Here are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
- Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that causes circular spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, avoid watering the plant from above and remove any infected leaves immediately to prevent the spread of the disease. Applying a fungicide can also be effective.
- Crown Rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots and crown of the plant, causing the leaves to wilt and eventually die. To manage crown rot, avoid overwatering the plant and ensure that the soil is well-drained. Applying a fungicide can also be effective.
Pest Management for Satyrium bicallosum Thunb. var. ocellatum Bolus
There are several insects that may attack Satyrium bicallosum Thunb. var. ocellatum Bolus. Here are some common pests and ways to manage them:
- Thrips: These are tiny insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing stunted growth and deformed flowers. To manage thrips, firstly, isolate the infected plant. Then, spray affected leaves with insecticide. Taking preventive measures like removing and destroying infected leaves, cutting off infested plant parts or avoiding applying excessive fertilization to plants can also work effectively in managing thrips.
- Scale insects: These pests secrete a sticky, sugary substance that attracts ants. They can be identified by the small bumps on the leaves and stems. To manage scale insects, remove the insects with a soft brush or cotton swab. Applying an insecticide can also be effective. Additionally, keep ants away from the plant to prevent them from protecting the scale insects from natural enemies.
