jivaka :

Cultivation:

Microstylis wallichii thrives well in moist, shady places covered with thick leaf litter deposits in dense oak–deodar forest zone. It preferably grows on the cool northern and Microstylis wallichii – flowers western hill slopes. Sometimes, this species is also found in depressions and gorges in hills such as shola forest type habitat. It grows in loose sandy loam soil, rich in humus, chiefly on upper stratum of organic layer, in the wet localities. The requirement of mean annual rainfall ranges between 1000 mm and 1500 mm, and the optimal mean annual temperature range is 10–15 °C.

Propogation:

Orchids are characterized by very small seeds that are not fit for propagation. Only vegetative parts, whether pseudobulbs, daughter plants, nodal segments of rhizomes or tubers, are feasible as propagation material

The crop is raised by planting whole, half or segmented pseudobulbs directly in main field in the first fortnight of May. The soil is treated with fungicide or solarized to check the fungal attack

Harvesting:

Flowering: July-September

The crop matures in five months and the tubers are ready to be harvested when dormancy sets in during the last week of October or first week of November. Bulbs are dug carefully after watering. The injured bulbs cannot be stored and are prone to decay

Dr Mohamed Rifas

A dual country licensed Ayurveda Physician, currently working in Dubai as Head of Ayurveda and Yoga department. He also works as visiting doctor for Dr Hassan Ayurveda Brain and Spine Specialty Hospital. He is specialized in joint issues, brain and spine related issues and gastrointestinal issues with respect to anxiety.
Doctor profile: Click here