Origin
Satyrium stenopetalum Lindl. var. brevicalcaratum Bolus is a species of terrestrial orchid that is native to the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa.
Common Names
The common names for Satyrium stenopetalum Lindl. var. brevicalcaratum Bolus include Short-spurred Satyrium, Dwarf Satyrium, and Brevicalcarate Satyrium.
Uses
Satyrium stenopetalum Lindl. var. brevicalcaratum Bolus is primarily used as an ornamental plant for landscaping and flower arrangements. The plant has a beautiful bloom of delicate purple flowers with white lips and a dark blotch at the base. It adds color and texture to gardens, borders, and rockeries.
General Appearance
Satyrium stenopetalum Lindl. var. brevicalcaratum Bolus is a small, herbaceous plant that grows up to 30 cm tall. It has narrow leaves that grow in a basal rosette and are around 150 mm long. The plant's stem is robust and erect, with numerous, small purple flowers that grow in a dense spike at the top. The flowers are approximately 10 mm in diameter with a spur that is only 1-2 mm long.
Light Requirements
Satyrium stenopetalum Lindl. var. brevicalcaratum Bolus requires bright, indirect light and is tolerant of partial shade. When grown indoors, placing the plant near a north-facing window or using fluorescent lights will provide sufficient light.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Satyrium stenopetalum Lindl. var. brevicalcaratum Bolus is between 18-26°C (64-79°F). Temperatures lower than 13°C (55°F) can damage the leaves and flowers, while temperatures above 32°C (90°F) can cause the plant to wilt.
Soil Requirements
Satyrium stenopetalum Lindl. var. brevicalcaratum Bolus requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A good mix would be two parts of peat moss to one part of perlite. The soil pH should range between 6.0-7.0, and the plant should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season.
Cultivation
Satyrium stenopetalum Lindl. var. brevicalcaratum Bolus is a terrestrial orchid that prefers a well-draining soil mix such as sphagnum moss, orchid bark, and perlite. It requires a balanced amount of light, not too much direct sunlight, and a consistent temperature between 18°C to 22°C.
Watering Needs
Watering is one of the most crucial aspects of caring for Satyrium stenopetalum Lindl. var. brevicalcaratum Bolus orchids. They require routine watering, but they should not be soaking wet or too dry. It's best to water them once a week, or when the soil feels dry to the touch. It's advisable to use distilled or rainwater, as they don't respond well to tap water's mineral content.
Fertilization
Orchids require a balanced fertilizer that comprises nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It's best to fertilize the orchids during spring and summer, when they're actively growing. A 20-20-20 NPK fertilizer is recommended, diluted to half strength and applied to the soil every two weeks. Fertilizer should be applied with care, taking care not to touch the leaves or pseudobulbs.
Pruning
Pruning Satyrium stenopetalum Lindl. var. brevicalcaratum Bolus orchids is relatively simple. Like many orchids, they only require occasional pruning to remove dead growth, damaged leaves, or pseudobulbs. It's done using sterilized pruning shears or scissors to prevent infection or disease. It's best to prune orchids in the early spring, just before new growth appears, to encourage new, healthier growth.
Propagation of Satyrium stenopetalum Lindl. var. brevicalcaratum Bolus
Satyrium stenopetalum Lindl. var. brevicalcaratum Bolus, commonly known as the "Western Marsh Orchid", can be propagated by different methods such as seed propagation, division, and tissue culture.
Seed propagation
The seeds of Satyrium stenopetalum Lindl. var. brevicalcaratum Bolus can be sown in a well-draining potting mix consisting of equal parts peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. The pots should be kept moist and placed under bright, indirect light. Germination can take several weeks to several months, and the seedlings should not be disturbed until they have developed several leaves.
Division
Satyrium stenopetalum Lindl. var. brevicalcaratum Bolus can also be propagated by division. This method involves carefully separating the plant into smaller sections, each with its roots and shoots. The divided sections can be immediately potted in a well-drained mixture of peat moss and perlite and watered thoroughly. These plants should be kept in a bright area with indirect sunlight and kept moist until new growth appears, after which point they can be cared for as mature Satyrium stenopetalum Lindl. var. brevicalcaratum Bolus plants.
Tissue culture
Tissue culture is another propagation method used for Satyrium stenopetalum Lindl. var. brevicalcaratum Bolus. This method involves taking a small amount of plant tissue, such as a stem or leaf, and growing it in a laboratory under sterile conditions. The tissue is placed in a nutrient-rich medium that promotes new growth and development. Tissue culture is a highly specialized technique and is typically used by professionals.
Disease and Pest Management for Satyrium stenopetalum Lindl. var. brevicalcaratum Bolus
Satyrium stenopetalum Lindl. var. brevicalcaratum Bolus, commonly known as the Dwarf Orchid, is a delicate plant that is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Here are some of the common ones and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal diseases: Satyrium stenopetalum is prone to fungal diseases such as root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. These diseases can be caused by various fungi and can be managed by removing infected parts of the plant, improving air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and using fungicides if necessary.
Viral diseases: Viruses can also affect Satyrium stenopetalum, causing symptoms such as stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and distorted flowers. There are no cures for viral diseases, so prevention is key. Avoid using infected tools on healthy plants, and remove and destroy infected plants to prevent the spread of viruses.
Bacterial diseases: Bacterial diseases such as bacterial leaf spot and crown rot can also infect Satyrium stenopetalum. These diseases can be managed by removing infected plant parts, avoiding overhead watering, and using copper-based fungicides if necessary.
Pests
Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause leaves to become discolored and stippled. Spider mites can be managed by spraying the plant with water, increasing humidity, and using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Thrips: Thrips can cause scarring on leaves and transmit viruses. They can be managed by removing infected plant parts, increasing humidity, and using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs can cause a sticky residue on leaves and attract ants. They can be managed by removing infected plant parts, using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove individual mealybugs, and using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
By monitoring your Satyrium stenopetalum regularly and taking appropriate steps to manage diseases and pests, you can keep your plant healthy and thriving.
