Overview
Satyrium longicauda Lindl. x S. neglectum subsp. woodii (Schltr.) A.V.Hall is a hybrid orchid. It is a combination of two species: Satyrium longicauda and Satyrium neglectum subsp. woodii. This beautiful plant has a unique appearance and is used for ornamental purposes.
Origin and Distribution
The plant Satyrium longicauda Lindl. x S. neglectum subsp. woodii (Schltr.) A.V.Hall is found in the southern parts of Africa. It is native to countries such as Zimbabwe, Lesotho, South Africa, and Swaziland. This plant mainly grows in the grasslands and rocky areas of these countries.
Common Names
This orchid has several common names, including Long-tailed Satyrium and Wood’s Long-tailed Satyrium. In South Africa, it is known as the Langstert-mannetjie.
Appearance
Satyrium longicauda Lindl. x S. neglectum subsp. woodii (Schltr.) A.V.Hall is a small to medium-sized orchid, growing up to 20cm tall. It has delicate and slender stems with narrow leaves. The flowers are the most attractive feature of the plant. They are small, measuring around 1-2cm and have a unique shape. The petals and sepals are a light pinkish colour with dark spots and a long protruding spur.
Uses
The plant Satyrium longicauda Lindl. x S. neglectum subsp. woodii (Schltr.) A.V.Hall is mostly used for ornamental purposes. It looks great in gardens and can also be grown indoors. The exotic and unique appearance of the flowers makes it a popular choice for collectors who enjoy rare plants. This plant is also used in traditional medicine in some African communities, where it is believed to have medicinal properties.
Growth Conditions for Satyrium longicauda Lindl. x S. neglectum subsp. woodii (Schltr.) A.V.Hall
Light: Satyrium longicauda Lindl. x S. neglectum subsp. woodii (Schltr.) A.V.Hall thrive in areas with filtered or partial sunlight. Direct sunlight can harm the delicate leaves and damage the plant. Therefore, it is essential to provide moderate amounts of sunlight to the plant to ensure proper growth.
Temperature: The plant grows well in a warm climate, requiring temperatures above 60°F. The optimal temperature range is between 70°F to 80°F during the day and between 50°F to 60°F during the night. It is essential to avoid extreme temperature fluctuations, as it can potentially harm the plant.
Humidity: Satyrium longicauda Lindl. x S. neglectum subsp. woodii (Schltr.) A.V.Hall thrives in high humidity climates, which provide moist air conditions for the plant. The preferred humidity levels range between 70% to 80%. Therefore, it is necessary to provide artificial means of humidity control, such as misting or humidifiers.
Soil: Satyrium longicauda Lindl. x S. neglectum subsp. woodii (Schltr.) A.V.Hall prefers well-draining soil, which is composed of a mix of perlite, sand, and sphagnum moss. It is also essential to keep the soil moist to create the right conditions for the plant to grow. It is recommended to use a pot that provides adequate drainage, preventing the soil from becoming waterlogged, which can lead to root rot.
Fertilizer: Satyrium longicauda Lindl. x S. neglectum subsp. woodii (Schltr.) A.V.Hall is a slow-growing plant and does not require excessive fertilization. It is sufficient to fertilize it once every two weeks during the growing season using an orchid-specific fertilizer, which is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Water: The plant prefers a moist environment without becoming waterlogged. It is necessary to water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. It is also essential to avoid dipping the plant's leaves in the water, leading to moisture trapping, which creates a breeding ground for fungal infections.
Propagation: Satyrium longicauda Lindl. x S. neglectum subsp. woodii (Schltr.) A.V.Hall can be propagated through seed or division. It is essential to ensure that the plant receives adequate nutrients and care after propagation to promote proper growth.
Cultivation Methods
The Satyrium longicauda Lindl. x S. neglectum subsp. woodii (Schltr.) A.V.Hall, also known as Wood's Long-Tailed Satyrium orchid, is indigenous in South Africa. It thrives best in shady areas, and when kept under temperatures around 15 to 22 degrees Celsius.
When cultivated indoors, proper ventilation must be ensured by placing it in a cool room with an open window. The orchid must receive at least six hours of indirect sunlight. This orchid needs to be repotted every two years, and one has to change its soil mix to a proper orchid mix and a moist environment.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Wood's Long-Tailed Satyrium orchid depends on the atmospheric conditions. Though they can survive long periods without water, some species require frequent watering. Its potting mix must always be moisturized, but it should not be kept waterlogged. Therefore, watering schedules must be monitored regularly and must never exceed days between watering.
During winter, the orchid will need much less water, as the conditions are cooler and less dry. During summer, as temperature increases, more water is needed; one can spray the orchid leaves to maintain hydration.
Fertilization
Satyrium longicauda Lindl. x S. neglectum subsp. woodii (Schltr.) A.V.Hall are heavy feeders. Using a balanced fertilizer mix of 20-20-20 or 15-15-15, at half strength, has been recommended for regular fertilization. One should fertilize it twice a month during the growing season from springtime to even fall.
One should avoid fertilizing the plant while the soil is dry. Instead, fertilizer must be added to a wet potting mix. Care must be taken not to apply fertilizer to the foliage or flowers of the orchid; doing so can cause it to burn and die.
Pruning
Wood's Long-Tailed Satyrium orchid requires pruning twice a year. The orchid must be cut using sterile equipment, and the cut must be made right above a growth node. Pruning of old growth and dead stems should be done to keep the plant healthy and promote new growth.
The orchid wastes its energy on dead stems, so they must be removed. If the plant appears to be too tall for its container, it should also be pruned to help it maintain its shape and reduce its size. Removing excess growth will help the orchid to focus healthy growth on a single stem.
Propagation of Satyrium longicauda Lindl. x S. neglectum subsp. woodii (Schltr.) A.V.Hall
Satyrium longicauda Lindl. x S. neglectum subsp. woodii (Schltr.) A.V.Hall can be propagated through different methods. Two common methods include division of the rhizome and vegetative propagation through offsets.
Division of Rhizome
Propagation through division of the rhizome involves separating the plant into smaller sections, each with a portion of the rhizome. This process should be done during the plant's dormant period, which usually occurs in late fall or early spring. The rhizome portions should have at least one growth point, which will grow into the new plant. Each rhizome section can then be planted in a pot or directly in the garden.
Vegetative Propagation through Offsets
Propagation through offsets involves taking advantage of the natural tendency of the plant to produce new offsets or daughter plants. These offsets can be removed from the mother plant and planted in individual pots or directly in the garden. The best time to remove offsets is during the dormant period or when they have reached a reasonable size. It is advisable to wait until the offsets have developed a strong root system before transplanting them into their permanent location.
Disease Management
The Satyrium longicauda Lindl. x S. neglectum subsp. woodii (Schltr.) A.V.Hall is not known to suffer from any severe diseases. However, it can still be susceptible to fungal infections such as root rot caused by soil-borne pathogens. Root rot can be managed by avoiding overwatering and ensuring good drainage and aeration. If fungal infection is detected, immediate removal of the infected plant material and fungicidal treatment can control the diseases.
Pest Management
Like most other plants, Satyrium longicauda Lindl. x S. neglectum subsp. woodii (Schltr.) A.V.Hall can be affected by pests such as aphids, mites, and snails. The following are some pest management strategies that can be used:
- Aphids: They can be removed mechanically by handpicking or using a strong water spray. Insecticidal soap and neem oil can also be used for chemical control.
- Mites: They are too small to be seen with the naked eyes. However, the presence of fine webbing can indicate their infestation. Mites can be controlled using insecticidal soap or sulfur-based pesticides.
- Snails: They can be controlled by using snail baits containing iron phosphate.
Regular monitoring of these pests can help to detect their infestations at an early stage and take prompt control measures.
