Overview
Schizoglossum pilosum Schltr. is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family orchidaceae. It is commonly known as the hairy-tongue orchid due to its hairy lip. Native to Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia, this orchid can be found growing on tree trunks and branches in the tropical rainforests of these countries.
Appearance
The Schizoglossum pilosum Schltr. plant can reach a height of up to 50 cm. The stem is upright and bears narrow, lance-shaped leaves. The flowers emerge from the axils of the leaves and are small, measuring about 1 cm in size. They are typically purple, with white markings on the lip. The lip is covered in hair, which appears like a beard or dense mat.
Uses
Schizoglossum pilosum Schltr. is mainly used as an ornamental plant, owing to its striking appearance. It is grown in greenhouses and conservatories, as well as private collections. Its unique purple flowers with white markings on the lip make it a popular choice among collectors and enthusiasts. However, there are currently no known medicinal or commercial uses for this plant.
Conservation
Due to its restricted distribution in Central and South America, Schizoglossum pilosum Schltr. is considered to be a threatened species. The destruction of tropical rainforests, where this orchid naturally occurs, is a major threat to its survival. Additionally, poaching and over-collecting of this species from the wild for horticultural purposes is also a growing concern.
As an AI language model, please note that the information provided is based on research and might not be absolute.Light Requirements
Schizoglossum pilosum Schltr. is a shade-loving plant and requires filtered light or partial shade to thrive. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can damage the delicate foliage. Growers can use semi-opaque fabric or shade cloths to moderate the amount of sunlight this plant receives.
Temperature Requirements
Schizoglossum pilosum Schltr. is native to the montane forests of New Guinea and grows best when kept in temperatures ranging from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants prefer a warm and humid growing environment, making them ideal for greenhouse cultivation. They should be protected from cold drafts and temperatures that drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as this can stunt their growth and cause damage to the foliage.
Soil Requirements
The soil in which Schizoglossum pilosum Schltr. is grown should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. A recommended planting medium is a mix of peat moss, fir bark, and perlite, which provides both excellent drainage and moisture retention. This plant prefers a slightly acidic soil pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. It is also important to ensure proper air circulation around the roots to prevent root rot from developing.
Cultivation
Schizoglossum pilosum Schltr. is native to the tropical rainforests of Papua New Guinea. As an epiphytic plant, it grows on trees or rocks, and it doesn't require soil to thrive. It's essential to replicate its natural growing conditions as much as possible.
You can cultivate Schizoglossum pilosum Schltr. in a basket or mounted on a slab of bark. A basket with holes provides a more stable environment and can hold the moisture that the plant needs. Mounting the plant on a slab of bark gives it the opportunity to grow the way it does in the wild, but it requires additional attention to moisture. Growers can also cultivate Schizoglossum pilosum Schltr. in a terrarium environment, but good air circulation and appropriate lighting are crucial.
Watering Needs
Schizoglossum pilosum Schltr. prefers a consistently moist environment. The substrate should neither be dry nor waterlogged and should be damp at all times. The best method to water this plant is by thoroughly soaking with non-chlorinated water. Daily misting of the plant and potting material can help to maintain moisture in the atmosphere.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential to maintain the health and vitality of Schizoglossum pilosum Schltr. You can use a balanced fertilizer at half-strength every week or every other week, depending on the plant's growing conditions. Alternatively, using a slow-release fertilizer can provide the required nutrients for several months without the need for frequent application.
Pruning
Pruning Schizoglossum pilosum Schltr. can help in promoting healthy growth and a fuller, more robust appearance. When pruning, ensure to use clean, sharp scissors or shears to avoid damaging the plant. The best time to prune is in the spring before the growing season starts.
Dead, dry, or diseased leaves should be removed immediately, and stems that have lost their leaves should be cut back to the base. If the plant has outgrown its environment, it can be divided into smaller sections with healthy roots and mounted separately.
Propagation of Schizoglossum pilosum Schltr.
Schizoglossum pilosum Schltr. is a terrestrial orchid species found in the lowland and hill forests of Southeast Asia. Propagation of this plant typically occurs through vegetative means, as seeds are often difficult to obtain and germinate.
Division
One popular method of propagating Schizoglossum pilosum is through division. This involves dividing the plant into smaller sections, each with their own growth points or pseudobulbs.
Dividing Schizoglossum pilosum should be done during the dormant season, when new growth has yet to emerge. Using a sharp, sterile knife, carefully cut the plant into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has at least one pseudobulb and a few healthy roots.
These sections can then be potted separately, using a well-draining potting mix and kept in a humid environment with bright, indirect light until new growth emerges.
Keiki Production
Schizoglossum pilosum can also reproduce asexually through the production of keikis, or plantlets that grow from the parent plant. Keikis can be produced naturally or induced through various methods.
To induce keiki production, a hormone called benzyladenine (BA) can be applied to the node or joint of the plant where a keiki is desired. This will stimulate new growth and the production of a keiki, which can then be separated from the parent plant once it has developed roots and its own growth points.
Keikis can also be left attached to the parent plant to develop into new growth points, and once they have developed their own pseudobulbs and roots, they can be separated and potted separately.
Disease and Pest Management for Schizoglossum Pilosum Schltr.
Schizoglossum pilosum Schltr., also known as the hairy tongue orchid, is a unique and rare orchid species originating from New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. As with any plant, the hairy tongue orchid is susceptible to pests and diseases. It is crucial to identify common diseases and pests that affect the plant and understand the management methods that can be applied to protect the plant.
Common Diseases
The most common disease affecting Schizoglossum pilosum Schltr. is fungal infections. Symptoms of fungal infections include soft, mushy spots on leaves and stems and can lead to rotting of the plant. Another common disease affecting this orchid species is leaf spot, characterized by round, dark spots on leaves. Root rot is another disease that can occur in Schizoglossum pilosum Schltr. due to overwatering. This disease is characterized by the wilting of leaves and stems, yellowing of leaves, and a rotten smell coming from the roots.
Management Methods for Diseases
To manage fungal infections, remove infected parts of the plant and apply a fungicide to the remaining plant. Lowering humidity and increasing air circulation are excellent preventive measures against fungal infections. For leaf spot, remove any infected leaves and spray the plant with a fungicide. To prevent root rot, ensure good drainage and decrease watering frequency.
Common Pests
The hairy tongue orchid is also susceptible to pests, such as spider mites, thrips, and scale insects. Spider mites typically leave webbing on the plant and cause yellowing of leaves. Thrips cause brown spots and silvery discoloration on the plant while scale insects will cause scaly patches on leaves and stems.
Management methods for Pests
Using a gentle stream of water or wiping the plant with a soft cloth can remove spider mites and thrips. Using an insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be effective against pests. For scale insects, use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to remove individual insects. Additionally, placing sticky traps around the plant can prevent pests from infecting the plant.
In conclusion, effective management of pests and diseases is crucial to maintain the health and vigor of Schizoglossum pilosum Schltr. As with any plant, it is essential to understand the common pests and diseases, their symptoms, and effective management methods. A well-maintained plant will not only be healthy but also be more rewarding with beautiful blooms.
