Origin
Stolzia cupuligera (Kraenzl.) Summerh. belongs to the orchid family and is native to tropical regions of Africa, including Angola, Cameroon, Congo, and Gabon.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as the Cup-Shaped Stolzia or Kraenzlin's Stolzia.
Uses
Stolzia cupuligera is not widely used for any specific purpose. However, it is sometimes grown as an ornamental plant in greenhouses and botanical gardens due to its attractive flowers and foliage.
General Appearance
The Cup-Shaped Stolzia is an epiphytic orchid that grows up to 30 cm tall. It has fleshy stems that are covered with overlapping leaf sheaths. The leaves are dark green and leathery, growing up to 15 cm long and 4 cm wide. The plant produces several erect inflorescences that are up to 10 cm tall, each bearing 3 to 8 small flowers. The flowers are cup-shaped, up to 1.5 cm across, and have a pale green color with reddish-brown markings. The plant typically blooms in the spring and summer.
Light Requirements
Stolzia cupuligera prefers moderate to bright, indirect sunlight. Too much direct sunlight will scorch the leaves, while too little light will cause the plant to become leggy and weak. Placing the plant near a north or east-facing window, or providing filtered light through a sheer curtain is ideal for its growth.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Stolzia cupuligera is between 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F). It is susceptible to frost damage, and sudden temperature fluctuations can cause stress to the plant. Keeping the plant in a warm and consistent environment will promote healthy growth.
Soil Requirements
Stolzia cupuligera thrives in moist and well-draining soil. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark is a suitable medium for its growth. It prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It is important to ensure that the soil does not become too soggy, as this can cause root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Stolzia cupuligera (Kraenzl.) Summerh. is a delightful epiphyte orchid species endemic to Cameroon. It prefers a warm and humid environment with moderate shade for optimal growth. You can grow this plant on a mount or in a pot. Mounting the plant replicates its natural habitat and creates an excellent growing environment. If you choose to grow in a pot, use a well-draining soil mix enriched with organic materials to mimic its native soil.
Watering Needs
It's crucial to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to cultivate Stolzia cupuligera successfully. You can achieve this by watering the plant when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. The frequency of watering depends on the environmental conditions like temperature, humidity, and light intensity. The general rule for watering orchids is to water once a week and adjust according to your specific conditions. It's also recommended to use distilled or rainwater instead of tap water since they often contain chemicals like chlorine and fluorine that can harm the plant.
Fertilization
Feeding your Stolzia cupuligera with fertilizers promotes healthy growth, flower production, and overall general health. Use an orchid-specific fertilizer with a balanced blend of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and apply it during the growing season. A good practice is to feed the plant every two weeks when the plant is actively growing. Make sure you dilute the fertilizer according to the package instructions since overfeeding can cause root burn and other health issues for the plant.
Pruning
Pruning of Stolzia cupuligera should be done sparingly and under specific circumstances such as removing damaged leaves or cutting back overgrown roots. Use sterile pruners and ensure that they're sharp before use to prevent damage to the plant's tissue. Removing spent flowers should be done regularly to encourage the plant to produce more blooms in the future. Do not prune during the dormant season since this can cause stress on the plant.
Propagation of Stolzia cupuligera
Stolzia cupuligera can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seeds
The most common method of propagation is through seeds. The seeds of Stolzia cupuligera can be collected from the plant's seed pods after they have turned brown and split open naturally. The collected seeds can be sowed in well-draining potting soil and kept in a warm and humid environment to encourage germination. The ideal temperature for germination is between 20-25°C.
Division of rhizomes
Stolzia cupuligera can also be propagated through division of rhizomes. This method is usually done when the plant has grown too large for its container. The rhizomes can be separated and planted in separate containers with fresh potting soil.
Stem cuttings
Another method of propagating Stolzia cupuligera is through stem cuttings. This method involves taking stem cuttings from the parent plant and planting them in a well-draining potting soil. The cuttings should be kept in a warm and humid environment and kept moist until roots develop. The ideal temperature for rooting is between 20-25°C.
Tissue culture
Stolzia cupuligera can also be propagated through tissue culture. This method involves taking a small piece of tissue from the parent plant and growing it in a sterile medium. This method is more complex and requires specialized equipment and techniques.
Disease and Pest Management of Stolzia cupuligera
Stolzia cupuligera, also known as the Swollen-Headed Stolzia, is a beautiful, epiphytic orchid that thrives in warm temperatures, high humidity, and filtered light. Like any other plant, Stolzia cupuligera is susceptible to various diseases and pest infestations. In this section, we will discuss some common diseases and pests that might affect Stolzia cupuligera and suggest ways to manage them.
Diseases
Bacterial Soft Rot: This disease is caused by bacteria that enter the plant through wounds or natural openings. The infected plant tissue turns soft and mushy and emits a foul odor. To manage this disease, remove all the infected tissue and apply a copper-based fungicide to the affected area.
Black Rot: This fungal disease affects the leaves and stems of the plant and causes them to turn brown and dry up. This disease spreads quickly and can lead to the death of the plant. To manage this disease, remove all the infected parts of the plant and apply a fungicide to prevent further spread of the disease.
Mildew: This fungal disease causes a powdery white coating on the leaves of the plant. It thrives in cool and humid conditions. To manage this disease, remove all the infected parts of the plant and improve the ventilation around the plant to reduce humidity levels. You can also spray the plant with a fungicide to control the spread of the disease.
Pests
Mealybugs: These soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth, yellow leaves, and premature leaf drop. To manage mealybugs, spray the plant with insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, or neem oil. You can also wipe the insects off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Scale Insects: These insects attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant and suck the sap from the plant. This can cause yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. To manage scale insects, use a soft-bristled brush to remove them from the plant. You can also use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to control their spread.
Spider Mites: These tiny insects can cause the leaves of the plant to turn yellow or brown and become dry and brittle. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with water to increase humidity levels. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their spread.
In conclusion, Stolzia cupuligera is a beautiful orchid that requires proper care and attention to prevent the occurrence of diseases and pest infestations. By following the management practices outlined above, you can keep your plant healthy and thriving for years to come.
