Overview
Schizoglossum morumbenense Schltr. is a unique and rare plant species in the orchid family. It is known for its beautiful and distinct appearance that makes it stand out among other orchid plants.
Origin
This plant is native to Brazil, specifically in the Atlantic Forest biome. It is commonly found in the states of Espirito Santo and Bahia, where it grows in the undergrowth of submontane and montane forests. Due to habitat loss and deforestation, the species is considered endangered.
Common Names
Schizoglossum morumbenense Schltr. is commonly known as "Orquidea de linguas" or "Orquidea beijinho" in Brazil. The former name translates to "Orchid of tongues," while the latter means "Little kiss orchid."
Uses
The plant is primarily grown for ornamental purposes. Due to its impressive appearance, Schizoglossum morumbenense Schltr. is often cultivated by enthusiasts of rare and exotic plants. However, the species is not commonly used in traditional medicine, and there is little research into the medicinal properties of this plant.
General Appearance
Schizoglossum morumbenense Schltr. is a small epiphytic orchid with unbranched stems that reach a height of about 20 centimeters. The plant has a simple leaf blade with a greenish-yellow color. The flower is the most impressive part of the plant, with a yellow-green color that fades to white in the center. The petals and sepals are long and narrow, and they twist and curl in unique patterns. The lip of the flower is long and has a fleshy texture, resembling a tongue, which is where the plant gets its common name. The overall appearance of Schizoglossum morumbenense Schltr. is quite stunning, making it a highly sought-after plant for collectors and enthusiasts.
Growth Conditions for Schizoglossum morumbenense Schltr.
Schizoglossum morumbenense Schltr., also known as the Morumbi Schizoglossum, is a rare species of orchid found in the Atlantic Forest, Brazil. It is a terrestrial orchid and has specific growth requirements.
Light Requirements
Schizoglossum morumbenense Schltr. requires bright, indirect sunlight for healthy growth. Direct sunlight can harm the plant. A location that receives partial sunlight, such as under the shade of a canopy, will provide ideal light conditions.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Schizoglossum morumbenense Schltr. is between 20-24°C (68-75°F). This orchid cannot tolerate extremely hot or cold temperatures. The temperature should be consistent, and changes in temperature should be gradual.
Soil Requirements
This orchid prefers a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. A soil mixture that consists of sphagnum moss, perlite, bark, and charcoal in equal parts is ideal for Schizoglossum morumbenense Schltr. The pH level of the soil should be slightly acidic, between 5.5-6.5.
In conclusion, Schizoglossum morumbenense Schltr. requires bright, indirect sunlight, consistent temperature between 20-24°C (68-75°F), and a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. By providing these growth conditions, you can ensure the healthy growth and development of the Morumbi Schizoglossum.
Cultivation
Schizoglossum morumbenense Schltr., also known as the Crimson Lip orchid, is an epiphytic plant that can be cultivated indoors or in a shaded portion of a garden. This orchid can be grown in a pot or mounted on a piece of bark or cork.
If you choose to plant it in a pot, use a mix that includes bark chips, sphagnum moss, and perlite. This will provide good drainage and aeration while retaining moisture. For mounting, use bark or cork and attach the plant using plant ties.
The ideal temperature range for cultivation is between 16°C to 30°C. In the wild, this orchid grows in higher elevations in humid conditions, so it is crucial to keep the humidity high.
Watering
The watering needs of Schizoglossum morumbenense Schltr. vary depending on the season. During the growing season, which is between spring and fall, water the plant about twice a week. During the dormant season, which is between fall and spring, reduce watering to once a week.
When watering, ensure you soak the potting mix or the mounting medium until the water drains out of the bottom. Keep the potting mix or mounting medium evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Fertilize Schizoglossum morumbenense Schltr. once every two weeks during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer that includes nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. During the dormant season, reduce fertilization to once a month.
When fertilizing, dilute the fertilizer to half strength and make sure it does not touch the leaves or aerial roots of the plant.
Pruning
The Crimson Lip orchid does not require extensive pruning. However, removing spent blooms and yellowing leaves can help direct the plant's energy towards new growth. Use a sterile cutting instrument to avoid accidentally damaging any part of the plant, and make cuts just above a node or bud.
If the plant has outgrown its pot or mounting, it may be time to re-pot or re-mount it. Wait until the end of the dormant season, so as not to shock the plant, and use fresh potting mix or mounting material.
Propagation of Schizoglossum morumbenense Schltr.
Schizoglossum morumbenense Schltr. is a beautiful, epiphytic orchid native to Brazil. It has become popular among collectors for its stunning foliage and unique inflorescence. Propagation of Schizoglossum morumbenense Schltr. can be done through seed sowing or vegetative propagation.
Seed sowing
The easiest way to propagate Schizoglossum morumbenense Schltr. is through seed sowing. The orchid produces small, dust-like seeds that need to be sown as soon as possible after harvesting. You can purchase pre-packaged seed starting mix from a garden center or make your own using coarse sand, peat moss, and perlite.
It is important to sterilize the seed starting mix before sowing to prevent fungal diseases. You can do this by baking the soil mix at 200°F (93°C) for 30 minutes.
After the soil mix has cooled down, fill a small, plastic pot with the mix and moisten it thoroughly. Sprinkle the Schizoglossum morumbenense Schltr. seeds on the surface of the mix and cover them with a thin layer of the soil mix. Place the pot in a clear plastic bag to maintain humidity and keep it in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight. The seeds should germinate within 4-6 weeks.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation of Schizoglossum morumbenense Schltr. is a bit more challenging than seed sowing and requires some skill. It involves taking a small section of the plant (a backbulb or a keiki) and planting it into a new container with fresh, well-draining potting mix.
To propagate through backbulbs, choose a mature plant with several pseudobulbs and locate the oldest one. Carefully remove the pseudobulb and cut it into sections, making sure each piece has at least one healthy growth point. Dust the cut ends with fungicide powder and plant them into small, individual pots filled with fresh potting mix. Place them in a warm and bright spot, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
To propagate through keikis (baby plants), wait until the keiki has at least three roots and one leaf. Carefully remove the keiki from the mother plant and plant it in a small pot with fresh potting mix. Keep the potting mix moist but not waterlogged and place it in a shaded, humid location until it establishes roots and begins to grow.
Propagation of Schizoglossum morumbenense Schltr. through both seed sowing and vegetative propagation requires patience and attention to detail. However, if done correctly, it can be an extremely rewarding way to expand your orchid collection or share this stunning plant with others.
Disease Management for Schizoglossum morumbenense Schltr.
Several diseases can affect Schizoglossum morumbenense Schltr., and prevention is the key to managing them effectively. Good sanitation practices, including removing dead leaves, stems, and other debris, can help reduce the incidence of diseases.
One common fungal disease that affects Schizoglossum morumbenense Schltr. is leaf spot, characterized by brown spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, apply a fungicide and ensure good air circulation around the plant. In severe cases, removing infected leaves may be necessary.
Another fungal disease that can affect Schizoglossum morumbenense Schltr. is root rot. Signs of root rot include soft or mushy roots and yellowing leaves. To manage root rot, remove the affected parts of the plant and repot in fresh, well-draining soil.
Pest Management for Schizoglossum morumbenense Schltr.
Several pests may also attack Schizoglossum morumbenense Schltr. and cause significant damage to the plant. One example is spider mites, which cause speckling on the leaves and may cause the plant to become stunted. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Aphids are another common pest that may attack Schizoglossum morumbenense Schltr. and suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to yellow and wilt. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Caterpillars may also feed on the leaves of Schizoglossum morumbenense Schltr. To manage caterpillars, remove them by hand or use a natural insecticide such as Bacillus thuringiensis.
Regular monitoring and prompt action are essential to managing pests and diseases that may affect Schizoglossum morumbenense Schltr. Proper cultural practices, including good sanitation and appropriate watering and fertilization, can also help keep the plant healthy and resistant to pests and diseases.
