Origin
Schizochilus burchellii Bolus is a type of orchid that is native to southern Africa, namely Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Swaziland, and South Africa.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known by various names, including Burchell's butterfly orchid, Burchell's orchid, purple boots orchid, and Queen of Sheba orchid.
Uses
Schizochilus burchellii Bolus is primarily cultivated and appreciated for ornamental purposes, as it produces stunning flowers that are very attractive. The plant's exotic look and colorful blooms make it a perfect addition to gardens, and it is often used to decorate homes, offices, and events. In addition, its dried pseudobulbs are believed to have medicinal properties, and are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments like headaches and coughs.
General Appearance
Schizochilus burchellii Bolus is a terrestrial orchid that grows up to 60cm tall. It has a single leaf, which is flat, elongated, and can grow up to 50cm long and 5cm wide. The dense inflorescence is produced from the base of the plant and has up to 15 flowers per stem. The flowers are large, measuring up to 3cm in diameter, and are arranged in a butterfly-like shape, with three wide sepals and two narrow petals. The color of the flowers is variable and can range from pinkish-purple to dark purple, with striking dark markings on the lip.
Light Requirements
Schizochilus burchellii Bolus is a shade-loving plant and thrives well under diffused light or partial shade. It requires a minimum of 50% shade to prevent leaf scorching and too much direct exposure to sunlight. If grown indoors, the plant should be placed near a window that receives indirect light.
Temperature Requirements
The temperature requirements for Schizochilus burchellii Bolus vary depending on the season. During its active growth period which starts from late spring and extends to the end of summer, it prefers daytime temperatures between 20°C and 25°C (68°F to 77°F) and night temperatures not lower than 15°C (59°F). In the dormant period, which begins from late fall and extends to the end of winter, day temperatures should range between 17°C and 20°C (62°F to 68°F) and night temperatures not lower than 10°C (50°F).
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for Schizochilus burchellii Bolus is a well-draining soil that is neither too wet nor too dry. A mixture of organic, well-composted soil, perlite, and bark can be used to create the perfect soil mix. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. The plant requires regular watering and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering should be avoided as it may cause root rot and ultimately kill the plant.
Cultivation
The Schizochilus burchellii Bolus is an orchid species that's native to South Africa, Lesotho, and Swaziland. It's easy to grow in both pots and in the ground, making it ideal for novice gardeners and collectors alike. The plant requires a warm, humid environment and indirect sunlight.
To grow the Schizochilus burchellii Bolus in a pot, choose a container with drainage holes and fill it with a well-draining orchid mix. To grow it in the ground, prepare a bed with well-draining soil, ample organic matter, and a slightly elevated area for better drainage.
Watering Needs
The Schizochilus burchellii Bolus requires consistent moisture for optimal growth. When growing the plant in a pot, water it when the soil feels slightly dry to the touch. When growing it in the ground, water it once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. Avoid overwatering or leaving the soil soggy, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
The Schizochilus burchellii Bolus benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season, which is typically spring through summer. Use a balanced orchid fertilizer, diluted to one-quarter or one-half strength, once or twice a month. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months or when the plant isn't actively growing because this can cause fertilizer burn or harm the roots.
Pruning
Pruning isn't necessary for the Schizochilus burchellii Bolus, but it can help maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Remove dead or yellowing leaves regularly by cutting them off at the base where they meet the stem. If the plant becomes too large for its container or the garden bed, you can divide it every two to three years, typically during the spring when it's entering its growing season.
Propagation of Schizochilus burchellii Bolus
Schizochilus burchellii Bolus, commonly known as the African orchid, is a beautiful plant that is propagated through a variety of methods. It's important to note that propagating Schizochilus burchellii Bolus requires patience and precision.
Division
One of the easiest methods of propagating Schizochilus burchellii Bolus is through division. This method can be done when repotting the plant. Gently divide the clumps of old pseudobulbs, being careful to ensure each division has at least three pseudobulbs and a healthy set of leaves. Repot each new division and water lightly. This method is best done in spring or early summer.
Backbulbs
Another method of propagating Schizochilus burchellii Bolus is through backbulbs. This method involves removing the old pseudobulbs from the plant and replanting them. The backbulbs should be healthy, with no signs of rot or disease. You can remove the old pseudobulbs once the plant has finished blooming. Clean and sterilize the backbulbs before replanting them in a new pot with well-draining soil. Water lightly and place in a warm, bright spot.
Keikis
Propagation of Schizochilus burchellii Bolus can be done through keikis. A keiki is a small plant that sprouts from the node of a mature pseudobulb. To propagate through keikis, gently cut the keiki from the mature pseudobulb and repot it in a small pot with well-draining soil. Water lightly and place in a warm, humid spot. It's important to note that keikis may take longer to mature into a full-grown plant.
By utilizing one or more of these propagation methods, you can successfully increase your collection of Schizochilus burchellii Bolus and continue to enjoy this stunning plant for years to come.
Disease Management of Schizochilus burchellii Bolus
Schizochilus burchellii Bolus is a hardy plant, but it can still fall prey to several diseases. Common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Leaf Blight
- Fungal Leaf Spot
- Root Rot
To manage these diseases, it is important to practice good sanitation. Clean any fallen debris from the plant and the surrounding area. Avoid overhead watering and allow the soil to dry between watering. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
If the disease has already taken hold, you can try fungicides to control leaf blight and spot. However, it is important to use fungicides in combination with cultural controls, such as sanitation and proper watering.
Pest Management of Schizochilus burchellii Bolus
Schizochilus burchellii Bolus is generally not susceptible to pests, but it may fall prey to:
- Thrips
- Aphids
- Spider mites
To manage pests, you can introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs or lacewings. These insects are natural predators of pests and can help keep pest populations under control. You can also use insecticidal soaps to control insect pests. These soaps are non-toxic to humans and beneficial insects, but effectively kill pests.
Regular monitoring of the plant is important to detect any pest infestation early. Early detection allows for quick and effective management of the pest problem, preventing it from getting out of hand.
