Overview
Schizoglossum striatum Schltr. is a plant species commonly known as the Striped Lip Fern, which belongs to the family Polypodiaceae. This plant is widely distributed in Africa, including Angola, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
General Appearance
The Striped Lip Fern is a small epiphytic plant that grows up to 40 cm long. The rhizome is creeping, erect or shortly creeping, and densely covered with scales. The fronds are long and narrow, ranging from 10 to 20 cm long and 1 to 2.5 cm wide, with a striking zigzag pattern on the stalks caused by the distinctive imbricate scales. The leaves are leathery and dark green with lighter green stripes on the upper surface and brownish scales on the lower surface.
Uses
The Striped Lip Fern is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage. It is used as a houseplant or grown in a tropical greenhouse. In traditional African medicine, the plant is used to treat various ailments such as headache, stomach pain, and menstrual pain.
This plant is also commonly used in landscaping and terrariums, as it adds a unique character to the overall appearance of the surrounding environment. Its narrow and elongated fern structures contrast well with broader-leaved plants, making it popular in plant arrangements.
In addition to its visual appeal and traditional medicinal uses, Schizoglossum striatum is also used in research. Specifically, its epiphytic lifestyle, compact growth pattern, and small size make it ideal for studying the physiology and ecology of epiphytic ferns.
Conclusion
Schizoglossum striatum Schltr., also known as the Striped Lip Fern, is a unique and visually striking fern species. Originally found in various African countries, it has a long history of traditional medicinal use and is now widely cultivated as an ornamental plant. Its narrow and elongated fronds, dark green foliage with zigzag scale patterns, and compact growth make it a popular choice in landscaping and terrariums, as well as in research studying epiphytic fern ecology.
Light Requirements:
The Schizoglossum striatum Schltr. requires moderate to high levels of sunlight exposure for optimal growth and development. The plant should be placed in an area where it can receive direct sunlight for at least four to six hours a day, but it should be protected from intense midday sun.
Temperature Requirements:
The Schizoglossum striatum Schltr. grows best in warm temperatures ranging between 18-27°C (65-80°F). The plant is sensitive to extreme temperature fluctuations, which should be avoided. The minimum temperature should not fall below 10°C (50°F), as this can lead to stunted growth or even death.
Soil Requirements:
Well-draining and nutrient-rich soils are ideal for growing Schizoglossum striatum Schltr. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-7.0), with good drainage to prevent waterlogging. Adding organic matter such as peat moss or compost to the soil can improve its water-holding capacity and nutrient content. The plant should be regularly fertilized using a balanced fertilizer to support its growth.
Cultivation methods
Schizoglossum striatum Schltr. is a terrestrial orchid that can be grown outdoors in tropical climates or indoors in a greenhouse. For outdoor cultivation, plant the orchids in a well-draining soil mix, preferably mixed with small bark or perlite, to provide good air circulation around the roots. For indoor cultivation, use a mix of sphagnum moss and perlite mixed in equal parts. Maintain a temperature range between 20-30°C to ensure proper growth and development of the orchids.
Watering needs
Watering is an essential aspect of growing Schizoglossum striatum Schltr. Ensure that you water the plant regularly, but do not overwater it as the orchid is susceptible to root rot. The frequency of watering will depend on the climate and the type of potting mix used. The sphagnum moss and perlite mix should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. In contrast, the soil mix should be allowed to dry out between watering. Avoid watering the orchids over the foliage as this can cause damage to the leaves or encourage fungal growth.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is necessary for healthy growth and development of Schizoglossum striatum Schltr., especially when grown in artificial environments. Use a balanced orchid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, every two weeks when the orchid is actively growing. Reduce the frequency of fertilization or stop altogether when the orchid is resting. Avoid using fertilizer on dry soil or before watering the orchid, as this can cause root burn.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to promote healthy growth, remove dead or damaged foliage, and promote flowering in Schizoglossum striatum Schltr. Prune the orchid after flowering, using sterilized pruning tools to prevent the spread of disease. Cut back the spike to the base and leave the foliage intact. The orchid will then enter a resting phase, and growth will resume later. Prune the orchid only when necessary and do not remove more than 30% of the foliage at a time.
Propagation of Schizoglossum striatum Schltr.
Propagating Schizoglossum striatum Schltr. can be done through various methods, including through the use of seeds, division, and stem cutting.
Propagation through Seeds
The easiest way to propagate Schizoglossum striatum Schltr. is through seeds. Its seeds are small and can be sown onto the soil surface without covering them with soil. The soil should be moist and well-draining, and the potting container should be placed in a well-lit area with a temperature range of 21-26°C.
Propagation through Division
Another way to propagate Schizoglossum striatum Schltr. is through division. When the plant has grown large enough, it can be divided into smaller sections, each with its roots, and replanted. Avoid damaging the roots and ensure that each section has enough leaves to support growth. The replanted sections should be watered well immediately after replanting.
Propagation through Stem Cuttings
Stem cutting is also an available method for propagating Schizoglossum striatum Schltr. Take a cutting from a healthy stem with a node and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, shady location. The cuttings should develop roots and start growing within 2-3 weeks.
Disease Management
Schizoglossum striatum Schltr. is generally a healthy plant that is not prone to diseases. However, there are a few diseases that may affect the plant:
- Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by fungi and is characterized by small, brownish spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, affected leaves should be removed and destroyed, and the plant should be treated with a fungicide.
- Root Rot: An overly wet soil may cause root rot, which is characterized by the plant wilting, yellowing, and the leaves falling off. To manage this disease, the affected plant should be removed from the soil, the roots should be trimmed, and the plant should be repotted in fresh, well-draining soil.
Pest Management
Schizoglossum striatum Schltr. is also not highly susceptible to pest infestations. However, the following pests may sometimes attack the plant:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects may appear on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage an aphid infestation, the affected plant should be sprayed with insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests may be visible on the plant as small, white or red dots. To manage a spider mite infestation, the affected plant parts should be sprayed with an insecticidal soap, and the humidity around the plant should be increased to discourage the mites from thriving.
- Thrips: These slender, winged pests may appear on the undersides of the leaves and may cause the leaves to become distorted or discolored. To manage a thrip infestation, the affected plant should be sprayed with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
It's important to remember that prevention is the best method of pest and disease management. Keeping the plant in optimal conditions, such as providing adequate water and light, avoiding over-fertilization, and ensuring proper air circulation, can help prevent pests and diseases from attacking the plant.
