The Growing Environment, Benefits and Effects, and Cultivation Methods of the Chinese Herb Shichuanlian

Shichuanlian, a traditional Chinese medicine name, is the pseudobulb of the orchid plant Bulbophyllum microgemmatum. Today, the editor will introduce to you: where does Shichuanlian grow? What benefits and effects does it have? How is it cultivated?

1. Where does Shichuanlian grow?

Shichuanlian grows on rocks on shady mountain slopes and is distributed in Yunnan Province. Shichuanlian is Bulbophyllum microgemmatum, an epiphytic plant. The rhizome is creeping, grows horizontally, is much branched, with many nodes; from the nodes grow clusters of fine, long fibrous roots, and densely covered on top are pseudobulbs. The pseudobulbs are green, fleshy and thick, long ovoid-cylindrical, slightly narrower at the apex. The leaf is solitary at the apex of the pseudobulb, with a slightly concave or bluntly pointed tip, a wedge-shaped base, an entire margin, and a distinct midrib; it is sessile.

2. What benefits and effects does Shichuanlian have?

1. Moistens the lungs and stops cough

The whole plant of Shichuanlian can be used as medicine, and it has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying and of moistening the lungs and stopping cough. People often experience symptoms such as cough and sore, swollen throat in winter, and Shichuanlian has a good preventive effect; in addition, when conditions such as bronchitis flare up, taking Shichuanlian promptly can stabilize the condition as quickly as possible.

2. Purifies the air and resists radiation

We all know that purifying the air is a function most plants have, but besides this Shichuanlian also has an important effect: it can resist radiation. Friends who sit in front of a computer working every day can place a pot of Shichuanlian beside the computer to reduce the harm radiation does to the body. Shichuanlian can also absorb formaldehyde and methanol, and can convert carbon dioxide in the air into oxygen and release it into the air to beautify the air.

3. How is Shichuanlian cultivated?

1. Cultivation environment

Shichuanlian is a shade-loving plant and does not have especially high requirements for soil. When cultivating it, we can plant Shichuanlian in fertile, loose, slightly acidic soil; after planting, apply sufficient base fertilizer, and also pay attention to the usual temperature. The optimal temperature is around 20 degrees, which is most suitable for growth (outdoors). Shichuanlian is neither heat-tolerant nor cold-tolerant, so it must be managed carefully, with the changes in temperature and humidity controlled at all times to maintain an optimal growing environment. Water it in moderation normally, and keep it under full-sun light conditions for cultivation.

2. Daily management

We all know that Shichuanlian is a succulent-type plant, and its leaves have a very good water-storage capacity, so when watering we must pay attention to the amount. During the peak growing season, watering once every five days is enough; after the beginning of autumn, the frequency of watering should be reduced. In addition, Shichuanlian is also a plant subject to pests and diseases. Normally we should observe it more; once pests or diseases are found, promptly spray with medication for prevention and control, otherwise after being affected the plant will show slowed growth, yellowing leaves, and other consequences.