Description of Satyrium djalonis A.Chev.
Satyrium djalonis A.Chev. is a terrestrial orchid that belongs to the Orchidaceae family. The plant is native to West Africa and its habitat ranges from Guinea to Sierra Leone and Liberia. The plant is commonly known by its local names in the Mende language, including "Wan Daya" and "Ma Ngalie".
General Appearance
Satyrium djalonis A.Chev. has a tuberous root system that gives rise to a 15 to 40 cm tall stem. The stem is slender and upright with a few basal leaves. The leaves of this plant are oblong, acute, and have a length of 3 to 10 cm. The inflorescence arises from the stem apex and consists of 3 to 15 flowers. The flowers are small, greenish, and have a diameter of 3 to 6 mm.
Uses
Satyrium djalonis A.Chev. has limited commercial use. However, the plant is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. In Sierra Leone, it is used for its antimicrobial properties and to treat diarrhea, fever, and stomach aches. The root of the plant is also used to make a tonic that is believed to improve strength and vitality.
In addition, Satyrium djalonis A.Chev. is used in environmental conservation efforts. Due to its threatened status, it has been included on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
Light Requirements
Satyrium djalonis A.Chev. prefers bright, filtered light, and it thrives in situations where it receives bright light for several hours a day. The amount of light it receives is critical to its growth and flowering process; too much dim light will result in feeble and stunted growth whereas too much sunlight can burn leaves and cause the plant to wither.
Temperature Requirements
The plant Satyrium djalonis A.Chev. thrives in a warm and humid environment, making it an excellent candidate for indoor growth. It prefers temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C with moderate humidity, which boosts growth and flowering. Satyrium djalonis A.Chev. will not tolerate dry air or cold temperatures, which will cause its leaves and flowers to wilt and eventually die.
Soil Requirements
The plant Satyrium djalonis A.Chev. is accustomed to well-draining soils that hold good moisture levels. It prefers a soil mix with a high percentage of organic matter and a slightly acidic pH ranging from 6 to 6.5. A good soil mix should comprise of humus, perlite or coarse sand, and peat moss. It is best to keep the soil moist, as it is not tolerant of drought, but avoid over-watering as this may cause root rot and hinder its growth.
Cultivation Methods for Satyrium djalonis A.Chev.
Satyrium djalonis A.Chev. is a hardy terrestrial orchid that can be cultivated both indoors and outdoors. It is best grown in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A ratio of 1:2 of peat moss, bark, and perlite works well.
It is recommended to grow Satyrium djalonis A.Chev. in areas with partial shade, where the plant can receive filtered sunlight. This orchid prefers a temperature range of 15-25°C and requires good air circulation. The plant can grow up to a height of 40cm.
Watering Needs of Satyrium djalonis A.Chev.
The watering needs of Satyrium djalonis A.Chev. are crucial to its survival. It is recommended to water this orchid once a week, but this will depend on the humidity levels in the area where it is grown. The potting mix should be moist but not waterlogged.
Ensure that the orchid receives enough water during the growing season, but reduce the amount of water during the dormant season. The best way to water Satyrium djalonis A.Chev. is by placing it in a tray of water and allowing it to soak up the water to avoid wetting the foliage which can cause damage and encourage fungal growth.
Fertilization of Satyrium djalonis A.Chev.
Satyrium djalonis A.Chev. requires regular feeding during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering. A balanced, soluble, and slow-release fertilizer with a ratio of 20-20-20 should be applied every two weeks.
Ensure that the fertilizer is diluted to avoid burning the roots and only apply the fertilizer on a damp soil mix. Do not fertilize the plant during dormancy.
Pruning Satyrium djalonis A.Chev.
Satyrium djalonis A.Chev. does not require any significant pruning. However, it is recommended to remove the dead or dying leaves and spent flowers to maintain the plant's aesthetic appeal and keep the plant healthy.
Cut off any diseased or pests infested parts of the plant as soon as they are noticed and clean the cutting tools before using on other plants.
Propagation of Satyrium djalonis A.Chev.
Satyrium djalonis A.Chev. can be propagated through both seeds and vegetative methods such as dividing rhizomes and bulbs.
Propagation through seeds
Satyrium djalonis A.Chev. produces capsules containing small seeds. The seeds require proper handling and preparation before propagation. Here are the steps to follow:
- Collect the capsules when they turn brown and start to crack open.
- Remove the seeds from the capsules and air dry them for several days. Ensure that they are kept away from direct sunlight and moisture.
- The next step is to stratify the seeds. This process involves exposing the seeds to cold temperatures (around 4°C) for a specific period to simulate winter conditions. Satyrium djalonis A.Chev. requires a stratification period of three to four months.
- After the stratification period, the seeds are ready for sowing. Satyrium djalonis A.Chev. can be grown in pots or seed trays. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil mix enriched with organic matter and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
- Water the seeds lightly and cover the container with clear plastic or a humid dome to retain moisture. Place the container in a bright location with indirect sunlight.
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the seeds germinate. Satyrium djalonis A.Chev. usually takes 3 to 4 months to germinate.
- At the two- or three-leaf stage, transplant the seedlings to individual containers or a suitable growing site in the garden.
Propagation through vegetative methods
Satyrium djalonis A.Chev. can also be propagated through vegetative methods that involve dividing the rhizomes and bulbs. Here is the process:
- Dig up the mature plant during the dormant season when the leaves have died back.
- Carefully separate the rhizomes or bulbs into sections with shoots or buds. Ensure that each section has a healthy root system.
- Plant the separated sections in a suitable site or container filled with well-draining soil mix enriched with organic matter.
- Water the transplants and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until they establish and start growing.
Note that Satyrium djalonis A.Chev. may take several years to reach maturity and start flowering.
Disease and Pest Management for Satyrium djalonis A.Chev.
Satyrium djalonis A.Chev. is a beautiful and delicate orchid species that can be affected by various diseases and pests. Proper management and preventive measures can help prevent damage to the plant and maintain its health and vigor.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases that may affect Satyrium djalonis A.Chev. include fusarium wilt, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.
Fusarium wilt: This fungal disease causes wilting, yellowing, and necrosis of the leaves and stems. The best way to prevent this disease is to avoid planting the orchid in contaminated soil or using contaminated tools or equipment. If infected, remove and destroy the affected plant parts, and treat the remaining plant with a fungicide solution.
Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes dark spots or lesions on the leaves. It is often accompanied by yellowing and wilting of the affected leaves. To prevent this disease, make sure to water the orchid correctly, avoiding waterlogging that can favor the development of fungi. If infected, remove and destroy the affected leaves, and treat the remaining plant with a fungicide solution.
Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a powdery white coating on the leaves and flowers. It thrives in humid environments, poor air circulation, and crowded planting spaces. To prevent this disease, make sure to provide adequate ventilation, avoid over-watering, and maintain a relative humidity below 60%. If infected, treat the plant with a fungicide solution and improve the growing conditions.
Common Pests
The most common pests that may affect Satyrium djalonis A.Chev. include mites, aphids, and snails.
Mites: These tiny insects can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves, as well as a fine webbing on the plant parts. To prevent mite infestations, maintain proper growing conditions, such as avoiding over-fertilization and under-watering. If infected, isolate the plant, and treat it with an acaricide solution.
Aphids: These soft-bodied insects can cause stunted growth, yellowing, and curling of the leaves. They also secrete a sticky honeydew that attracts ants and may promote the growth of fungi. To prevent aphid infestations, keep the orchid clean and remove any weeds or debris nearby. If infected, remove and destroy the affected plant parts, and treat the remaining plant with an insecticide solution.
Snails: These mollusks can eat the leaves and flowers of the orchid, causing extensive damage. To prevent snail damage, place physical barriers around the orchid and remove any decaying plant material that may attract them. If infected, remove the snails manually, and treat the plant with a snail bait or repellant solution.
By following these disease and pest management practices, you can ensure the health and longevity of your Satyrium djalonis A.Chev. orchid plant.
