Hard-leaf Cypripedium orchid family cultivation methods
This article introduces the hard-leaf Cypripedium orchid family cultivation methods and the appreciation and maintenance of green plants such as Yunicorn Cypripedium orchids. The following editor will answer your questions in detail
Morphological characteristics
Terrestrial or semi-epiphytic plants, with thin and horizontally running rhizomes; rhizomes 2-3 mm thick, with a few pubescent flesh fibers. Basal leaves, distichous, 4-5; leaf blades oblong or ligulate, hard in texture, 5-15 cm long, 1.5-2 cm wide, apex obtuse, with alternating deep and light green lattice spots on the upper surface, and dense purple spots on the lower surface with a keel-like prominence, base narrowing into a petiole-like and overlapping. Scape erect, 10-26 cm long, purplish red with dark spots, pubescent, apex with 1 flower; bracts ovate or broad-ovate, green with purple spots, 1-1.4 cm long, sparsely pubescent on the back; pedicel and ovary 3.5-4.5 cm long, pubescent; flowers large, showy, sepals and petals usually white with yellow halo and light purple coarse stripes, lip white to light pink,退化雄蕊 yellow with light purple spots and short stripes; median sepal ovate or broad-ovate, 2-3 cm long, 1.8-2.5 cm wide, apex acuminate, pubescent on the back with a keel-like prominence; synsepal ovate or broad-ovate, 2-2.8 cm long, 1.8-2.8 cm wide, apex obtuse or acuminate, pubescent on the back with 2 slightly obtuse keel-like prominences; petals broad-ovate, broadly elliptic or suborbicular, 2.8-3.2 cm long, 2.6-4.5 cm wide, apex obtuse or obtuse, inner surface base with white pubescence,背面 somewhat pubescent; lip deeply saccate, ovate-elliptic to subglobose, 4.5-6.5 cm long, 4.5-5.5 cm wide, base with short claws, orifice suborbicular, entire margin incurved, base with white pubescence;退化雄蕊 elliptic, 1-1.5 cm long, 7-8 mm wide, apex acuminate, lateral margins especially the middle margins nearly erect and slightly incurved, making the center appear to have a longitudinal groove; 2 fertile stamens clearly discernible due to the incurved edges of the sterile stamen. Flowering period March-May.
Geographical distribution
Endemic to China, only distributed in the limestone mountain grasslands or crevices at altitudes of 800-1700 meters in Yunnan, Guangxi, and Guizhou, with forest-covered limestone mountains or cliffs, and soil accumulations on rock faces.
The distribution area of hard-leaf Cypripedium orchids is characterized by a mid-subtropical to south subtropical monsoon humid climate, with an average annual temperature of 16.0-18.9℃ in the distribution area in Guizhou, an average annual precipitation of 1200-1320 mm, a frost-free period of 290-350 days, a relative humidity greater than 80%, and a soil of forest calcium soil in limestone mountains, pH 7.0-8.0. It mostly grows in cliff or rock wall soil accumulations covered by forests, with shallow soil layers, good drainage, rich organic matter, and high nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content. It prefers a shaded environment and grows well when the upper forest canopy closure is greater than 0.8; it disappears when the upper layer is damaged by sunlight. Perennial terrestrial or semi-epiphytic plants. Underground rhizomes are thin and horizontally running, often growing in tufts, with asexual propagation ability, flowering after 3 years, the plant dies after flowering, and new buds sprout from the rhizome to continue propagation, flowering period March-May, flower color variation is large, fruiting rate is very low, and wild fruiting plants are extremely rare.
Endangered level
Class I under the Regulations on the Protection of Wild Plants of the People's Republic of China
1996
Hard-leaf Cypripedium orchid family cultivation methods
Resource status
Hard-leaf Cypripedium orchids have an elegant shape and unique flowers, making them excellent indoor potted ornamental plants, suitable for display on bright window sills or tables in the home. According to surveys, it is produced in Xingyi, Anlong, Wangmo, Libo, Dejiang, and other places at altitudes of 800-1200 meters in limestone mountainous areas in Guizhou (distribution see the distribution map of hard-leaf Cypripedium orchids in Guizhou). With the decreasing forests and deteriorating habitats, coupled with human predatory and unplanned digging, the distribution area is now only occasionally seen scattered plants, and it is difficult to see large patches. It is estimated that there are about 100,000 wild resources in the province.
This species has a longer cultivation history and a wider range among the Cypripedium orchids produced in China and is called "silver Cypripedium" in Hong Kong. Flowers can bloom for 20-30 days. The Guizhou Botanical Garden has had a small amount of introduction and cultivation, but the results were not good. So far, it is mostly propagated by transplanting wild seedlings. Under the premise of protecting existing resources, research on seedling propagation or tissue culture propagation can be carried out to alleviate market demand.
Artificial cultivation
1. Pot and soil selection. A small earthenware pot with good ventilation should be chosen, and the bottom of the pot should be filled with large particles to facilitate drainage and ventilation. In the north, it is suitable to cultivate with soil rich in humus, while in the south, it is suitable to cultivate with moss, wood blocks, etc.
2. Environmental conditions. Sufficient sunlight but not too strong, which can cause slow growth, etc.; also not too weak, which can reduce flowering. During the growing period, fertilize regularly (once every 10 days or so), and apply more potassium and phosphorus fertilizers before flowering. Do not fertilize after the flowers enter dormancy.
3. Pest control. Medicines, etc., need to be used to prevent pests such as aphids.
4. Propagation. Often separation of young plants from the mother plant is used, taking care not to infect the wound. It is best to have 3 young plants per pot, initially placed in a place with less light and higher temperature, and after about two weeks, they can be cultivated normally.
When potting Cypripedium orchids, it is best to choose unglazed small earthenware pots with good ventilation. In the north, it is suitable to cultivate with loose and well-drained humus soil or peat soil, filling the bottom 1/4 of the pot with tiles, bricks, ceramsite, and other large-particle materials to facilitate drainage and ventilation. In the south, materials such as moss, fern roots, and bark blocks are used for cultivation. A small amount of slow-release fertilizer is used as a base fertilizer when planting.
Ordinarily, the potted plant should be placed in a bright but not direct sunlight area for maintenance. Excessive light can lead to slow growth, stunted growth, or even plant death, while too much shade can reduce or prevent flowering. In summer, it should be placed in a cool and well-ventilated area to prevent plant rot due to stuffy and humid conditions. During high temperature and dry seasons, water should be sprinkled on the leaves and surrounding ground. Two to three months before flowering, watering should be controlled to facilitate bud differentiation. During the growing period, a dilute fertilizer can be applied every 10 days or so, or a diluted water-soluble fast-acting fertilizer can be sprayed. When fertilizing, the "three elements" of the fertilizer should be balanced, and more phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be applied near flowering to promote bud differentiation and flowering. Fertilizing should be stopped during the dormant period.
Propagation of hard-leaf Cypripedium orchids is best done by division. After flowering, combine potting and separate the orchid seedlings from the mother plant, apply a little "Duo-jungling" powder to the wound, and then plant them with new culture soil in pots of 3 seedlings each, placing them in a slightly higher temperature and darker place for cultivation. After two weeks, normal management can be carried out. To prevent pests such as aphids and scale insects in family cultivation, a safe and simple method of control is to use a solution of eucalyptus oil diluted 400 to 600 times with water and spray it on the pests with a sprayer.
The above information on the hard-leaf Cypripedium orchid family cultivation methods and the appreciation and maintenance of Yunicorn Cypripedium orchids introduced by the Green Plant Enthusiast Network [www.lvzhimi.com] is hoped to be helpful to you!