Plant Description:
Schizochilus cecilii Rolfe subsp. cecilii is an orchid species that belongs to the family Orchidaceae. This perennial plant is native to eastern and southeastern Africa, particularly in Madagascar, Tanzania, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. It is also known as "Cecil's Schizochilus" or "Cecil's Fairy Orchid". The plant has a unique flowering pattern, with all the flowers produced at once, in clusters of up to 20 flowers.
Appearance:
The plant has a pseudobulb that is clustered and compressed, measuring about 25 cm long and 3-4 cm wide. The leaves are leathery, dark green on the surface and purplish-brown underneath, with pointed tips and long, narrow shape measuring 20-30 cm long and 2-3 cm wide. The inflorescence appears at the base of the pseudobulb and is formed by racemes of small flowers, measuring about 2 cm in diameter. The flowers are tubular, with white petals and sepals, and a purple labellum with three lobes.
Uses:
Schizochilus cecilii Rolfe subsp. cecilii is mainly used as an ornamental plant for its attractive and distinct flowers. In some parts of Africa, the plant is used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments such as snake bites, fevers, and stomach pains. The plant's pseudobulb and roots are boiled to create a tea, which is believed to have medicinal properties. The plant is also used in perfumery, as an ingredient in some perfumes for its fragrance.
Light Requirements
Schizochilus cecilii Rolfe subsp. cecilii prefers bright, indirect light. It should be kept in a location with moderate to bright light throughout the day. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for the growth of Schizochilus cecilii Rolfe subsp. cecilii is between 18°C to 23°C (64°F to 73°F). It is important to keep the plant in a warm and humid environment. The plant cannot tolerate extreme temperature fluctuations or cold drafts.
Soil Requirements
The soil for Schizochilus cecilii Rolfe subsp. cecilii should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. It should preferably be acidic with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The use of a good quality orchid mix is recommended. The plant should also be repotted every year or two to ensure the quality of soil is maintained.
Cultivation Methods
The Schizochilus cecilii Rolfe subsp. cecilii plant is the perfect specimen for cultivation as it is very easy to grow. The orchid prefers to grow in partial shade and needs good airflow. It is recommended to grow the plant in a potting mix made up of coco coir, sphagnum moss, and perlite. The plant should be planted with its pseudobulbs and roots just below the soil surface.
Watering Needs
The Schizochilus cecilii Rolfe subsp. cecilii plant is a tropical orchid that loves humidity. Watering should be done regularly to keep the plant moist, but it should never be waterlogged. The plant needs to be watered more frequently during summer to prevent it from drying out. It is important to make sure the potting mix is always damp but not soggy.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is essential for the Schizochilus cecilii Rolfe subsp. cecilii plant to grow and produce flowers. Fertilization should be done once a month during the growing season from May to September. Use a balanced orchid fertilizer with a ratio of 20-20-20. In the off-season, fertilize the plant once every six weeks. It is important not to over-fertilize the plant, as this can damage the roots and harm the plant.
Pruning
Pruning should only be done when necessary. Remove any dead, yellow, or damaged leaves as soon as possible to prevent any pests or diseases from spreading. The flowering spikes of the Schizochilus cecilii Rolfe subsp. cecilii plant need to be pruned after it has finished blooming. This will encourage the plant to develop new spikes and flowers in the future.
Propagation of Schizochilus cecilii Rolfe subsp. cecilii
Schizochilus cecilii Rolfe subsp. cecilii can be propagated in two ways: through vegetative propagation and by seeds.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation can be done through the division of the rhizomes. It is best done during the spring or early summer when new growth appears. The clump of rhizomes can be separated into smaller sections, each having at least one healthy growth bud or pseudobulb and ample roots.
The new divisions should be potted in a well-draining potting medium and kept in a warm and humid location (around 25-30°C) with bright, indirect light. The soil should be kept damp, but not too wet, to avoid fungus growth and root rot. After 2-3 months, new growth should emerge from the divisions.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds is also possible but it is more time-consuming when compared to vegetative propagation. The seeds of Schizochilus cecilii Rolfe subsp. cecilii are very fine and dust-like, which makes them difficult to handle.
The seeds should be collected when the pod has turned brown and begins to open. The seeds can be planted in a sterile, well-draining medium such as a mixture of sphagnum moss and perlite. The container should be kept humid and warm (around 25-30°C) with bright, indirect light. It is recommended to cover the container with a plastic wrap to maintain high humidity.
The seeds can take anywhere from 3-6 months to germinate and another 3-5 years to reach maturity. Once the plants start developing a healthy root system and new pseudobulbs, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Disease Management
Schizochilus cecilii Rolfe subsp. cecilii is susceptible to several diseases, including
- Bacterial Blight: This disease is caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas cichorii and can cause yellowing, wilting, and ultimately plant death. Management options include removing affected plants, avoiding overhead watering, and treating with copper-containing fungicides.
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by several fungal pathogens and can cause brown patches or sunken lesions on leaves and stems. The best management strategy is to remove affected plant parts and avoid overhead watering.
- Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by several fungal pathogens and can cause circular or irregularly shaped brown or black spots on leaves. Management options include removing affected plant parts and treating with copper-containing fungicides.
Preventing these diseases involves proper sanitation practices, including removing dead or diseased plant parts, avoiding overhead watering, and promoting good air circulation around the plant.
Pest Management
Schizochilus cecilii Rolfe subsp. cecilii is also vulnerable to several pests, including
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and stippling on leaves and can be controlled with the application of neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Thrips: These small insects can cause deformities and discoloration on leaves and flowers. They can be managed with applications of insecticidal soap or by introducing beneficial insects such as predatory mites.
- Mealybugs: These insects can cause a distorted growth pattern and a sticky residue on leaves. They can be treated with the application of isopropyl alcohol or insecticidal soap.
Preventing these pests involves keeping the plant healthy and avoiding overcrowding. Monitoring the plant regularly for signs of infestation is also helpful in catching and treating any pest problems early on.
