Overview
Schizoglossum bilamellatum Schltr. var. cordylogynoides Schltr. is a species of orchid that belongs to the family Orchidaceae. The plant is native to the Philippines and is known for its unique appearance and medicinal properties.
Common Names
Schizoglossum bilamellatum Schltr. var. cordylogynoides Schltr. is commonly known as the "snake tongue orchid" or "two-lipped Schizoglossum".
The plant has an attractive appearance characterized by its long, thin leaves that resemble the tongue of a snake and vibrant yellow flowers. The flowers have two lips that are bilamellate, meaning they are divided into two distinct parts. This orchid has a compact habit and grows up to 30 cm tall.
Uses
Schizoglossum bilamellatum Schltr. var. cordylogynoides Schltr. is popular in traditional medicine for various ailments such as fever, cough, and sore throat. The leaves of this orchid have cooling properties that can help alleviate minor ailments. The plant is also used in the perfume industry for its exotic fragrance.
Growth Conditions for Schizoglossum bilamellatum Schltr. var. cordylogynoides Schltr.
Schizoglossum bilamellatum Schltr. var. cordylogynoides Schltr., a fascinating orchid native to New Guinea, requires specific growth conditions to thrive. Here are the typical growth conditions for this orchid:
Light Requirements
In their natural habitat, Schizoglossum bilamellatum Schltr. var. cordylogynoides Schltr. grow under the dense shade of tall trees. So, they require filtered or dappled light to grow. Direct sunlight can potentially damage the delicate leaves and roots of these orchids. Ideally, they should receive 50% to 70% of light intensity for healthy growth.
Temperature Requirements
Schizoglossum bilamellatum Schltr. var. cordylogynoides Schltr. prefers moderate temperatures between 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F) during the day. They can tolerate slightly lower temperatures at night. However, temperature fluctuations outside of this range can negatively affect their growth and flowering.
Humidity Requirements
These orchids require high humidity levels for optimal growth. The air should be moist but not damp to avoid fungal growth. Therefore, it's best to place these plants in a humid environment with good air circulation. You can use a humidifier or a tray filled with pebbles and water to maintain a humid environment.
Soil Requirements
As epiphytic orchids, Schizoglossum bilamellatum Schltr. var. cordylogynoides Schltr. grows on other plants and trees in their natural habitat. Therefore, they prefer a growing medium that mimics the conditions of their natural environment. Typically, orchids' growing medium consists of a mixture of bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite or charcoal. Make sure the growing medium provides adequate drainage and aeration for the roots to prevent root rot.
Water Requirements
Schizoglossum bilamellatum Schltr. var. cordylogynoides Schltr. requires consistent watering to keep their roots moist. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Allow the top layer of the growing medium to dry out before watering these orchids, and always water the plants early in the morning to avoid wet foliage overnight, which can cause fungal growth.
By providing the plant with the right light, temperature, humidity, and soil conditions, you can cultivate a healthy and thriving Schizoglossum bilamellatum Schltr. var. cordylogynoides Schltr. in your home or garden.
Cultivation Methods
Schizoglossum bilamellatum Schltr. var. cordylogynoides Schltr. is an epiphytic orchid that can grow well in pots. The plant should be grown in a well-draining potting mix that consists of bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite. This will ensure adequate drainage and aeration for the roots. The plant requires medium light levels and grows well in shaded spots. It can be grown indoors or outdoors as long it's not exposed to direct sunlight.
It is also essential to ensure that the plant is planted in the proper location. It needs a moist but well-draining environment with moderate humidity. The orchid should be watered as soon as the soil dries out and not more frequently. Excessive watering is the main cause of root rot, which can be disastrous.
Watering Needs
Schizoglossum bilamellatum Schltr. var. cordylogynoides Schltr. requires moderate watering and must never be allowed to dry out entirely. This plant requires high humidity, so it's important to mist the plant's leaves daily or keep a shallow water dish near the plant. Additionally, it is recommended to water the plant deeply every two weeks, but it is necessary to make sure the plant is dry before watering again.
Fertilization
The best way to fertilize Schizoglossum bilamellatum Schltr. var. cordylogynoides Schltr. is by using a balanced orchid fertilizer. This should be applied about once a month, but it should be diluted to half the recommended strength. Fertilization must be done during the growing season, which is usually from spring to early fall. During the winter season, this plant enters into its rest period, and the need for fertilizer diminishes.
Pruning
Pruning is not a critical factor when it comes to Schizoglossum bilamellatum Schltr. var. cordylogynoides Schltr. care. However, it might be necessary to remove any dead or wilted leaves or flowers, cut back any damaged pseudobulbs, or remove any pests or diseases that might attack the plant.
Propagation of Schizoglossum bilamellatum Schltr. var. cordylogynoides Schltr.
Schizoglossum bilamellatum Schltr. var. cordylogynoides Schltr. can be propagated through two methods:
Propagation through Division
Division is a popular method of propagating Schizoglossum bilamellatum Schltr. var. cordylogynoides Schltr. This method involves separating the plant into smaller divisions and growing them into mature plants. Division can be done during the growing season when the plant has started to become crowded. The following steps are followed when propagating Schizoglossum bilamellatum Schltr. var. cordylogynoides Schltr. through division:
- Remove the plant from its container or garden bed.
- Gently separate the root clump into smaller divisions using a sharp knife or garden fork.
- Each division should have several healthy stems and roots intact
- Plant each division in a separate container or bed at the same depth as the parent plant.
- Water the new plants regularly and keep them in a shady location until they are established.
Propagation through Seed
Propagation of Schizoglossum bilamellatum Schltr. var. cordylogynoides Schltr. can also be done through seed. This method requires patience and attention to detail as the seeds take a while to germinate. The following steps are followed when propagating through seeds:
- Collect the seeds from the parent plant when they have ripened and turned brown.
- Clean the seeds and soak them in warm water for a few hours.
- Sow the seeds in a tray filled with well-draining soil mix. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil mix.
- Water the tray and cover it with a plastic bag or clingfilm to retain moisture.
- Place the tray in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not too wet.
- After germination, remove the plastic bag or cling film and transplant seedlings into separate containers or beds.
Disease Management
One of the common diseases that might affect Schizoglossum bilamellatum Schltr. var. cordylogynoides Schltr. is powdery mildew. To manage this disease, one can begin by using cultural control methods such as planting in well-drained soil and spacing the plants properly to promote good air circulation. One can also practice good sanitation by removing and destroying infected plant parts. In case of severe infestation, one can use fungicides, but it is important to rotate the products to avoid resistance build-up.
Another disease that affects Schizoglossum bilamellatum Schltr. var. cordylogynoides Schltr. is leaf spot. To manage this disease, one can begin by removing and destroying infected plant parts and practicing good sanitation. One can also use a fungicide treatment, but it is essential to follow the product's instructions carefully.
Pest Management
The two main pests that affect Schizoglossum bilamellatum Schltr. var. cordylogynoides Schltr. are spider mites and thrips. To control spider mites, one can begin by using a strong jet of water to wash the plants regularly and increase the humidity around the plants. One can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage these pests. It is important to rotate the products used to reduce the risk of developing resistance.
Thrips can also be a common pest issue for Schizoglossum bilamellatum Schltr. var. cordylogynoides Schltr. One can control thrips by using yellow sticky traps to reduce their numbers and remove and destroy infested plant parts. One can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage these pests.
