The Chinese medicinal herb known as stone silkworm is also called blood leaf orchid, stone lotus, true gold grass, and stone face lotus. It is the whole plant of the blood leaf orchid, a plant belonging to the Orchidaceae family. It is mainly used to treat pulmonary tuberculosis with hemoptysis and neurasthenia!
【Growth Environment of Stone Silkworm】
It is found in Guangdong, Hong Kong, Hainan, Guangxi, and southern Yunnan.
It grows in shady and humid places in hillsides or valleys at an altitude of 900-1300 meters.
It is also distributed in Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Na Tu Na Islands in Oceania.
【Medicinal Uses of Stone Silkworm】
1. "The Classic of Herbal Medicine": It treats urinary disorders, urinary stones, and miscarriage. It relieves stagnation, promotes urination, and clears heat.
2. "Materia Medica": It treats urinary stones and urinary difficulties.
【Cultivation Methods of Stone Silkworm】
1. Growth Habits
Stone silkworms prefer warm temperatures and dislike high temperatures and humidity. The optimal temperature for their growth is 15-25 degrees Celsius. The preferred soil for cultivation is fertile sandy soil with good drainage to prevent waterlogging and rot.
2. Propagation Methods
They can be propagated by cuttings or rhizomes, or by division. However, small families do not need to collect seeds; they can be propagated by cuttings.
3. Soil Planting
Stone silkworms are not very strict in their soil requirements, but fertile soil is most suitable. As their roots do not penetrate deep into the soil, there is no need for deep plowing. Before preparing the soil, apply well-rotted organic fertilizer and lightly turn it to create a level bed.
4. Field Management
The growing period of stone silkworms is relatively long, so attention should be paid to intercultivation and weed control. In summer, control water and fertilizer to prevent excessive plant growth. When flower buds appear, they should be promptly removed along with the apical buds to conserve nutrients and promote rhizome growth.
