Contents
Description
Goodyera Tesselata is a species of orchid that is native to Asia, particularly in Japan, Korea, and China. It is commonly known as the Tesselated Rattlesnake Plantain due to its unique and intricate leaf patterns that resemble the skin of a rattlesnake. The plant can grow up to 20 inches tall and is commonly found in shady areas of forests and woodlands.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Goodyera |
Appearance
The Goodyera Tesselata has a unique appearance that makes it stand out from other orchids. Its leaves are evergreen and grow in a rosette pattern, with each leaf having a length of 4-6 inches. The leaves have a dark-green color with white veins that are arranged in a tessellated or checkered pattern, hence the name “Tesselata”. The plant produces small white flowers that grow on a spike, which can reach up to 20 inches tall. The flowers bloom in late summer and early fall.
Care Guide
To ensure that your Goodyera Tesselata thrives, you need to provide it with proper care. Here are some care tips:Water: The plant requires moderate watering, and it’s best to water it when the soil is dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.Fertilization: You can fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season using a balanced orchid fertilizer.Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. You can use a mix of orchid bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite.Sunlight: The plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight but can also tolerate low light conditions.Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Goodyera Tesselata is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, some common issues that can affect the plant include:Spider Mites: These tiny insects can suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and dry out.Slugs and Snails: These pests can feed on the leaves, leaving holes and causing damage to the plant.Root Rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant to die.
Habitat
The Goodyera Tesselata is native to Asia and can be found in the forests and woodlands of Japan, Korea, and China. The plant thrives in shady areas and can grow in a variety of soil types.
Question and Answer
Q: Does the Goodyera Tesselata require a lot of sunlight?
A: The plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, but it can also tolerate low light conditions.Q: How often should I water my Goodyera Tesselata?
A: You should water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch, and avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.Q: What is the best soil mix for the Goodyera Tesselata?
A: The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. You can use a mix of orchid bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite.Q: Can the Goodyera Tesselata be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors as long as it is provided with proper care and adequate lighting.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to the Goodyera Tesselata:- Goodyera pubescens- Goodyera repens- Goodyera oblongifolia- Goodyera hispida- Goodyera fusca
References
– “Goodyera tesselata”. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 2021-10-03.- “Goodyera tesselata”. Orchids Wiki. Retrieved 2021-10-03.- “Goodyera tesselata”. Plant Finder. Retrieved 2021-10-03.- “Tesselated Rattlesnake Plantain”. American Orchid Society. Retrieved 2021-10-03.
