Origin
Schizoglossum tenellum (Turcz.) Druce, commonly known as the delicate tongue orchid, belongs to the Orchidaceae family, which is found primarily in the southeastern parts of Australia, including Tasmania and New South Wales, as well as New Zealand.
Common Names
The delicate tongue orchid is commonly known by various other names, including wax-lip orchid, butterfly orchid, and slender tongue orchid. It is also occasionally referred to as a spider orchid.
Description
The delicate tongue orchid is a small plant that grows up to 20 cm in height, with slender leaves that are around 3 cm in length. The flowers of the plant are small, ranging from 1.5 cm to 2.5 cm in width, and white in color. The petals of the flower are narrow, with a delicate texture, giving the orchid its name. The center of the flower is marked with a green stripe, surrounded by a blotch of deep maroon or dark red.
Uses
Schizoglossum tenellum has no known medicinal uses but is primarily grown as a decorative plant. The plant is cultivated for its unique and attractive flowers and is often used in the landscaping of gardens, particularly in rockeries or naturalistic settings. The delicate tongue orchid is also used in floral arrangements to add a touch of elegance and grace.
Light Requirements
The Schizoglossum tenellum plant thrives in partial shade to full sunlight. It is important to position the plant in a location that receives ample sunlight, but not too much that it dries out the soil or burns the leaves. A shaded area is recommended for areas where there is intense sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The Schizoglossum tenellum plant grows well in warm to hot temperatures. It is crucial to maintain a consistent temperature range of 20 to 30°C. The plant should be sheltered against temperatures lower than 10°C, which could damage the plant or decrease its growth rate. It is important to keep the plant moist and place it in a location with high humidity.
Soil Requirements
The Schizoglossum tenellum plant prefers soil with high levels of organic matter, good drainage, and a slightly acidic pH level around 5.5 to 6.0. It is important to remain cautious of overwatering as this could lead to root rot and hinder growth. Proper fertilization is also necessary to ensure that the plant attains vital nutrients and minerals necessary for growth.
Cultivation of Schizoglossum tenellum (Turcz.) Druce
Schizoglossum tenellum (Turcz.) Druce is an epiphytic plant that belongs to the family Orchidaceae. It is commonly known as the Delicate Schizoglossum or Soft Lipped Schizoglossum.
This plant is commonly found growing in subtropical and tropical regions as an epiphyte, which means it grows on other plants and trees in the wild. Schizoglossum tenellum requires similar growing conditions when being cultivated, so it is best grown in a potting mixture that mimics the plant's natural growing conditions.
You can cultivate Schizoglossum tenellum in a well-draining potting mixture with good aeration. The potting mixture should be composed of fir bark, charcoal, and perlite, to keep the plant's roots from becoming waterlogged.
Watering Needs for Schizoglossum tenellum
Orchids thrive in environments that have high humidity and good air circulation. To ensure that Schizoglossum tenellum thrives, it needs sufficient water, but it should not be overwatered.
You should water this plant sparingly, as it can cause the plant to rot. Water the plant when the top layer of the potting mixture is dry, and make sure the water doesn't accumulate in the plant's pot.
Avoid watering the plant when its roots are dry and shriveled, as it can make the root structure brittle and lead to further damage.
Fertilization of Schizoglossum tenellum
To support the growth of Schizoglossum tenellum, it requires fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The best type of fertilizer is balanced and has equal amounts of the three major nutrients.
You should fertilize Schizoglossum tenellum every two weeks during the growing season, which is typically from March to September. During the dormant season, which is from October to February, apply fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks.
Pruning Schizoglossum tenellum
Pruning is unnecessary for Schizoglossum tenellum because the plant doesn't have a substantial amount of foliage. Its only foliage is a single leaf, which should be left intact, even if it becomes brown, yellow, or dry.
The dead leaves will eventually fall off on their own, and they don't require any additional work from the grower.
Propagation methods of Schizoglossum tenellum
Schizoglossum tenellum is a perennial plant species that belongs to the family Boraginaceae. It is commonly found in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. The plant is propagated by both seeds and stem cuttings.
Propagation by seeds
The propagation of Schizoglossum tenellum by seeds can be done easily. The seeds must be collected from the mature plants and need to be cleaned properly before propagation. The seeds require warm temperature and moist soil for germination. The seeds are sown into the soil at a depth of 1-2 cm and need to be watered regularly. It takes around 2-3 weeks for the seeds to germinate and another 3-4 months for the plant to mature.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Propagation of Schizoglossum tenellum by stem cuttings is another common method. The stem cuttings are taken from the mature plants, and the cuttings should be around 10-15 cm long. The cuttings should be dipped in the rooting hormone before planting. The cuttings are planted in the soil at a depth of 2-3 cm and should be watered regularly. After 3-4 weeks, the cuttings will start to root and develop new leaves. It takes around 3-4 months for the plant to mature.
Both methods of propagation are easy and can be done throughout the year. However, stem cuttings method is more common because it can produce more plants in a shorter amount of time than seed propagation.
Disease and Pest Management for Schizoglossum tenellum (Turcz.) Druce
Schizoglossum tenellum, commonly known as Purple lips, is a beautiful flowering plant that can be susceptible to several diseases and pests. It is essential to keep the plant healthy and free from any infections to ensure its growth, reproduction and aesthetic value. Here are some of the most common diseases and pests that affect the Schizoglossum tenellum and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf Spots: Leaf spots are one of the most common diseases that affect the Schizoglossum tenellum. The disease manifests as small, darkened or discoloured areas on the leaves. To manage the disease, remove infected leaves and avoid wetting the foliage when watering the plant.
Anthracnose Disease: Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes leaf spots and cankers on the stems. To manage the disease, prune off any infected parts of the plant and destroy them. Avoid overhead watering and keep the foliage dry.
Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a powdery white coating on the leaves. To manage the disease, remove any infected leaves and ensure excellent air circulation around the plant. Applying a fungicide can also help control the disease.
Pests
Thrips: Thrips are small, slender insects that feed on the plant cells and cause white patches on the leaves. To manage the pests, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Avoid over-fertilising the plant as it can attract the pests.
Spider mites: Spider mites are common pests that can cause discolouration of leaves and stunted growth of the plant. A great way to manage the pests is by using a miticide or insecticidal soap. Keep the plant foliage misted to prevent the pests from infesting the plant.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small white insects that feed on the plant's sap and cause stunted growth. To control the pests, spray the plant with a mixture of alcohol and water regularly. Alternatively, use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage the bugs.
Proper management of diseases and pests is crucial for the survival and growth of the Schizoglossum tenellum plant. Regularly checking for infections and pests and taking appropriate measures will ensure the plant's health and longevity.
