Overview of Calypso bulbosa (L.) Oakes var. americana (R. Br. ex Ait. f.) Luer
Calypso bulbosa (L.) Oakes var. americana (R. Br. ex Ait. f.) Luer, commonly known as fairy slipper orchid, is a delicate and fascinating wildflower belonging to the family Orchidaceae. The plant is native to North America and grows predominantly in the woodlands and moist areas of Alaska, Canada, and the western United States.
General Appearance of Calypso bulbosa (L.) Oakes var. americana (R. Br. ex Ait. f.) Luer
The fairy slipper orchid is a small-sized plant, typically growing up to 10 cm in height. The plant features a tuberous structure with a single, rounded basal leaf measuring around 8 cm in length. The leaf is green and heart-shaped with a prominent central vein.
The stem of the plant is thin and hairless, supporting a single, exquisitely beautiful flower. The solitary flower of Calypso bulbosa is widespread and striking, with a light rosy-purple color. The orchid has a broad, fringed, and slightly curved upper petal and two long, narrow, and twisted lower petals with a pouch-like structure at their base. The flower also has a single, white hair-like structure known as a labellum, which functions as a nectar guide.
Uses of Calypso bulbosa (L.) Oakes var. americana (R. Br. ex Ait. f.) Luer
The fairy slipper orchid mainly serves as an ornamental plant due to its exquisite beauty. It is a popular choice for gardens and flower arrangements for its striking and unique flower form. Additionally, some Indigenous peoples of North America have used Calypso bulbosa extracts for various medicinal purposes, including treating digestive disorders, headaches, and fevers, and also utilized the plant's tubers as a food source.
Growth Conditions of Calypso bulbosa var. americana
Calypso bulbosa var. americana, commonly known as the eastern fairy-slipper orchid, requires specific growth conditions to thrive. It is a perennial wildflower, which is native to North America and predominantly found in moist, shaded, and nutrient-poor soils.
Light Requirements
As an understory plant, the Calypso bulbosa var. americana prefers shaded areas with low to medium light intensity. Excessive exposure to direct sunlight can dehydrate the plant and cause its leaves to wilt. An ideal location for this plant is under tall trees, from where it can get filtered light and partial shade.
Temperature Requirements
The Calypso bulbosa var. americana is a cold-climate orchid, requiring cool temperatures for optimal growth. It thrives in a temperature range of 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F) during the growing season. Higher temperatures can lead to dehydration and reduced flowering. In winters, it can withstand freezing temperatures and continue to survive under a layer of snow, where the temperature is relatively stable.
Soil Requirements
The Calypso bulbosa var. americana requires a specific type of soil to grow that is acidic, moist, and well-drained. It likes soils with high organic matter content and a pH range of 4.5 to 5.5. A soil that lacks essential nutrients makes the plant more susceptible to stress from diseases and pests. Avoid alkaline, dry soils, and soils with low organic matter content as it can inhibit plant growth and development.
Cultivation Methods
Calypso bulbosa (L.) Oakes var. americana (R. Br. ex Ait. f.) Luer, commonly known as the fairy slipper orchid, grows best in a shaded, moist environment with well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can be cultivated both indoors and outdoors, depending on the climate and light availability. In indoor settings, it is recommended to use a pot with good drainage and a soil mix that includes peat moss, perlite, and bark chips. Outdoors, it is important to avoid direct sunlight exposure, especially during the hot summer months, and to maintain adequate moisture levels to prevent dehydration.
Watering Needs
Calypso bulbosa requires consistent, moderate watering to thrive. The soil should always be moist but not waterlogged. It is recommended to water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, reducing the frequency during dormant periods. When watering, it is advisable to use room temperature, distilled water to avoid salt and mineral buildup in the soil.
Fertilization
Calypso bulbosa is a low-maintenance plant and does not require frequent fertilization. However, to promote healthy growth and blooming, it can benefit from a light, balanced fertilizer every 2-3 months during the growing season. It is important to dilute the fertilizer to half of the recommended concentration and to apply it to moist soil to avoid damaging the roots.
Pruning
Pruning is generally not necessary for Calypso bulbosa, as it has a relatively short lifespan and does not usually require extensive maintenance. However, dead or damaged leaves can be removed to promote new growth and prevent potential infections. It is important to sanitize pruning tools before and after use to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Calypso bulbosa var. americana
Calypso bulbosa var. americana can be propagated through two main methods: seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
The most common and effective way of propagating Calypso bulbosa var. americana is through seed propagation. The propagator should start by collecting mature seed pods during the summer months. Once the seed pods are collected, they should be stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready to be propagated.
When the seed pods are ready to be propagated, the propagator should clean the seeds and soak them in water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat. After soaking, the propagator should dry the seeds and sow them in well-draining soil using peat moss or perlite to improve the soil’s drainage. The propagator should make sure the soil is kept moist while the seeds germinate.
Vegetative Propagation
Calypso bulbosa var. americana can also be propagated through vegetative propagation. This method involves dividing the plant’s corms or rhizomes and planting them in a suitable growing medium.
The propagator should start by selecting a healthy and mature plant for propagation. The plant should be dug up, and the propagator should carefully separate the corms or rhizomes from the parent plant by gently breaking them apart. The propagator should keep the smaller corms or rhizomes, as they are more likely to produce new growth.
The propagator should then plant the separated corms or rhizomes in a suitable medium, covering them just below the surface. The propagator should water the newly planted corms or rhizomes regularly and keep them in a partially shaded area until new growth is visible.
Disease Management of Calypso bulbosa
Calypso bulbosa is not highly susceptible to diseases, but that does not mean it is entirely resistant to them. The following are some common diseases that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Pythium Root Rot
Pythium root rot thrives in wet and warm soils. Symptoms include wilting and yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. You could manage this disease by keeping the soil dry, ensuring proper drainage and correcting overwatering. You could also apply fungicides to the soil around the plant's root zone.
Crown Rot
Crown rot occurs due to low soil temperatures and planting too deeply. It is identified by rotting or dead crowns of the plant. You can manage this disease by applying fungicides or by removing infected plants to prevent the spread of the disease.
Botrytis Blight
Calypso Bulbosa is also susceptible to botrytis blight, also known as gray mold. Symptoms include brown spots on leaves, and the plant's stem becomes soft and rots. You can control this disease by ensuring proper air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and applying a fungicide.
Pest Management of Calypso bulbosa
Calypso bulbosa is relatively pest resistant, but there are some pests that might still pose a threat to this plant. The following are some common pests to watch out for and ways to manage them:
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails are among the most common pests that attack Calypso Bulbosa. They leave slime trails in their wake and feed on the foliage of the plant. You could manage them by handpicking them from the plant and placing them in soapy water or using slug baits.
Squirrel and Chipmunk
Squirrels and chipmunks are notorious for digging up and eating the bulbs of Calypso Bulbosa. You can protect your plant by placing a wire mesh over the bulbs or sprinkling cayenne pepper around the plant to deter these pests.
Deer and Rabbits
Deer and rabbits also love to feed on the foliage of Calypso Bulbosa. You can manage the damage done to your plant by using repellents such as spraying the plants with a mixture of water and garlic or using physical barriers such as fencing.
