Origin and Common Names
Schizoglossum robustum Schltr. var. pubiflorum N.E.Br. is a species of flowering plant in the orchid family. It is native to the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania, where it grows in montane and submontane forests. Common names for this plant include the Hairy-flowered Schizoglossum and the Hairy-tongue Schizoglossum.Uses
As a rare and exotic species, Schizoglossum robustum Schltr. var. pubiflorum N.E.Br. has not been utilized for any particular traditional medicinal use in Tanzania or elsewhere. It is an attractive species, however, and is sought-after for ornamental purposes by collectors and aficionados of exotic orchids.General Appearance
The plant typically grows up to 70cm tall and bears long, narrow leaves that are oblong to oblanceolate, 20–40cm in length, and 4–6cm in width. The inflorescence is a dense, cylindrical raceme, 8–15cm long, with intricate, delicately-arranged flowers. The individual flowers are small and mostly brown or green, with a white, pinkish or yellowish, hairy lip, which gives the plant its "hairy" nickname. The flowering period is from September to December although flowering is not annual. Overall, Schizoglossum robustum Schltr. var. pubiflorum N.E.Br. is a fascinating plant, worthy of attention and care by those interested in collecting and cultivating rare and endangered orchid species.Light Requirements
Schizoglossum robustum Schltr. var. pubiflorum N.E.Br. is a plant species that prefers a partially shaded environment. The ideal light level for this plant species is 50-70% shade cloth or the equivalent level of ambient light. Exposing the plant to direct sunlight for prolonged periods can lead to leaf discoloration and scorching.
Temperature Requirements
These plants tend to grow best in warm tropical environments; a temperature ranging from 18-30°C usually provides optimal conditions for Schizoglossum robustum Schltr. var. pubiflorum N.E.Br. Lower temperatures can lead to slower growth rates and yellowing of the leaves. If the temperature becomes too high, it can cause the plant to wilt and ultimately die due to excessive heat.
Soil Requirements
These plants perform best in a well-draining soil mixture that is slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. Ideally, the soil should be rich in organic matter, such as peat moss or compost. A mixture of perlite or vermiculite can help improve drainage for optimal plant performance. Proper soil preparation is crucial for planting Schizoglossum robustum Schltr. var. pubiflorum N.E.Br. to avoid root rot and other soil-borne diseases.
Cultivation Methods
Schizoglossum robustum Schltr. var. pubiflorum N.E.Br. is a terrestrial orchid species that requires well-draining and moderately fertile soil to grow optimally. It thrives in tropical and subtropical regions with warm temperatures and high humidity levels.
The plant should be cultivated under medium to bright indirect light to encourage healthy growth. It can also be grown under artificial light with a photoperiod of 12-14 hours per day.
Propagation of the plant can be done from seeds or by dividing mature plants. The best time to plant the seeds is during the rainy season.
Watering Needs
The watering needs of Schizoglossum robustum Schltr. var. pubiflorum N.E.Br. vary depending on the prevailing climatic conditions. In general, the plant should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged.
The plant prefers rainwater or distilled water, which contains fewer dissolved minerals than tap water. If tap water must be used, it should be allowed to sit for at least 24 hours before use to allow chlorine and other chemicals to dissipate.
During the dry season, it may be necessary to increase the frequency of watering to prevent the plant from drying out. Care should be taken not to water the foliage as this can lead to fungal infections.
Fertilization
The Schizoglossum robustum Schltr. var. pubiflorum N.E.Br. should be fertilized regularly to maintain optimal growth and flowering. A balanced fertilizer with an N:P:K ratio of 20:20:20 is suitable for the plant.
Fertilization should be done every fortnight during the growing season, which coincides with the rainy season. During the dry season, fertilization should be reduced or stopped entirely.
Care should be taken not to over-fertilize the plant as this can lead to the buildup of soluble salts in the soil, which can be harmful to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is an important aspect of caring for Schizoglossum robustum Schltr. var. pubiflorum N.E.Br. It involves removing dead or damaged leaves, spent flowers, and stems to promote healthy growth.
Pruning should be done using sharp and sterile tools to avoid injuring the plant. Any wounds should be treated with a fungicide to prevent infection.
The best time to prune the plant is during the dormant season, which occurs during the dry season. It is advisable to prune the plant after it has finished flowering to prevent damage to the new buds.
Propagation of Schizoglossum Robustum Schltr. var. Pubiflorum N.E.Br.
Schizoglossum robustum Schltr. var. pubiflorum N.E.Br. is a terrestrial orchid species, endemic to the African continent. Since it is a rare species, its propagation is essential to conserve the species. The plant can be propagated through various methods that are discussed below.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is one of the common methods used to propagate Schizoglossum robustum Schltr. var. pubiflorum N.E.Br. The seeds require a specific kind of fungi to germinate, which is found in the soil where the adult plant is growing. Collect the seeds from mature fruits, wash them thoroughly, and immerse them in a fungicide solution. After that, plant the seeds in a sterile medium containing sphagnum moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Maintain a humid environment and protect them from direct sunlight. The seeds may take six months to a year to germinate.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division is another method used to propagate Schizoglossum robustum Schltr. var. pubiflorum N.E.Br. This method is suitable for mature plants that have outgrown their containers. Carefully remove the plant from the soil and divide the roots into several sections. Ensure each section has a suitable number of leaves and roots. Pot each section separately into fresh potting soil mix and ensure the soil is kept moist but not wet.
Propagation by Tissue Culture
Propagation by tissue culture is a modern method to propagate Schizoglossum robustum Schltr. var. pubiflorum N.E.Br. This method involves growing the plant from a small piece of tissue from a parent plant in a sterile medium. The process starts with dissecting a small part of the plant and then sterilizing it. After being sterilized, the tissue is then placed into a specially formulated nutrient-rich agar medium under aseptic conditions. The plantlet grows and develops roots and leaves, and then it is transplanted into growing conditions.
In conclusion, Schizoglossum robustum Schltr. var. pubiflorum N.E.Br can be propagated through various methods such as seed propagation, division, and tissue culture. These methods ensure that the rare species is conserved and propagated for future generations.
Disease Management
Schizoglossum robustum Schltr. var. pubiflorum N.E.Br. is generally resistant to diseases, but it can sometimes be affected by fungal infections such as powdery mildew and leaf spots, especially when grown in humid environments.
To manage powdery mildew, it is essential to maintain good ventilation around the plant and avoid watering the foliage. Fungicides such as neem oil or copper spray can also be used to control the infection. In the case of leaf spots, remove the infected leaves and ensure that the plant is not overwatered, as this can contribute to the spread of the disease. Fungicides such as copper spray can also be applied to prevent further infection.
Pest Management
The most common pests that affect Schizoglossum robustum Schltr. var. pubiflorum N.E.Br. are spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests can cause damage to the plant by sucking sap from the leaves, resulting in stunted growth and yellowing foliage.
To manage spider mites, ensure that the plant is well-watered and misted regularly to increase humidity levels. Predatory insects such as ladybugs and lacewings can also be introduced to the area to feed on the mites. A solution of neem oil or insecticidal soap can also be used to target the pests.
Mealybugs and scale insects can be removed manually using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or a solution of dish soap and water. Natural predators such as ladybugs can also be used to control these pests. In severe infestations, insecticides such as neem oil or horticultural oil can be used.
