Orchid Thread, or Lan Kim Tuyen in Vietnamese, is an extraordinary herb with a myriad of health benefits. Also known as Lan Gấm, this rare plant has earned its place in the Vietnamese Red Book, warranting protection. Let’s unravel the secrets of this “super herb.”
1. What is Orchid Thread?
Orchid Thread, or Lan Kim Tuyen, is also known as Lan Gấm (brocade orchid), Nam Trùng Thảo, and Cây Kim Cương (diamond plant). It is a rare and precious medicinal herb with a creeping stem that grows deep into the soil. The number of roots varies depending on the size of the plant, typically ranging from 2 to 10.
The stem usually grows upright, reaching up to 4 to 8 centimeters in height. Its leaves are ovate, clasping at the base and gradually tapering towards the apex. They are short-pointed and spirally arranged around the stem, with a typical size of 3 to 6 centimeters. The upper surface of the leaves is reddish-brown, while the underside is a paler shade of red. The leaf veins resemble a spider web, and the leafstalk is about 1 centimeter long, greenish-white, with a purplish sheath.
Orchid Thread
2. Different Types of Orchid Thread and Their Characteristics
There are three main types of Orchid Thread:
Wild Orchid Thread
Wild Orchid Thread is a rare herb found in mountainous regions like Ngọc Linh in Kon Tum Province. It is listed in the Vietnamese Red Book.
Wild Orchid Thread
Red Orchid Thread
Named for its red leaves, Red Orchid Thread is prized for its medicinal properties and is often sought by collectors.
Red Orchid Thread
Rock Orchid Thread
Rock Orchid Thread is a creeping plant that eventually grows upright, reaching an average height of 15 centimeters. It is endemic to Vietnam and is considered a valuable genetic resource. With its bright green leaves and white flowers, it is highly prized as an ornamental plant. Additionally, it possesses medicinal properties.
Rock Orchid Thread
3. Medicinal Uses of Orchid Thread
According to traditional East Asian medicine, Orchid Thread is a precious herb with a wide range of therapeutic applications. It exhibits strong antibacterial properties and is used in formulas to prevent cancer, support liver and diabetes treatment, and regulate blood pressure effectively. In ancient Chinese medical texts, Orchid Thread is hailed as the “King of Medicinal Herbs” for its myriad benefits:
- Treats lung conditions, cough, sore throat, and spitting of blood.
- Relieves abdominal pain and high fever.
- Improves nutrient absorption in children with growth delays.
- Boosts overall health, strengthens the immune system, and has a cooling effect on the body.
- Reduces stress and promotes bodily harmony.
Medicinal Uses of Orchid Thread
4. How to Grow and Care for Orchid Thread
Planting
Preparing the Growing Medium: Start by drying coconut fiber, then soak it in diluted limewater for about 6 hours. Remove and drain the excess water. Chop the fiber into small pieces using a knife or a machine. Take some dried tree fern roots and tear them into small pieces, soaking them in clean water for an hour. Soak the fern debris in clean water until thoroughly saturated.
Next, mix the ingredients in the following proportions: 3 parts soil, 1 part tree fern roots, 2 parts fern debris, 3 parts well-rotted manure, and 2 parts coconut fiber. Soak this mixture in water for a week before planting.
Choosing Seedlings: Select high-quality seedlings with healthy roots, developing buds, and growing leaves. To prevent pests and diseases, soak the seedlings in a solution of root stimulants and fungicides like potassium permanganate or daconil before planting.
Planting: Place the seedlings in the growing medium, grouping them in clusters of 5 plants each. Space the clusters about 0.5 to 1 meter apart. Use your hands to firmly pack the soil around the seedlings, ensuring that the roots are completely covered. Cover the growing medium with plastic bags or mesh cloth for the first 6 to 8 days.
Planting Orchid Thread
Care Instructions
Watering
Orchid Thread prefers a fine mist of water, either applied manually or through an automated misting system. Water twice a day, ensuring the growing medium is moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. During the rainy season, once-a-day watering is usually sufficient, depending on the moisture level of the growing medium.
Fertilizing
The type and amount of fertilizer depend on the age and growth stage of the orchid. During the initial three months of growth, focus on nitrogen-rich fertilizers, diluting them with water and applying them once a week. You can also supplement with phosphorous or urea-based fertilizers to boost nutrient intake.
5. Where to Buy Orchid Thread and Price Range
You can find Orchid Thread at specialized orchid shops or herbal stores like Thảo Dược An Quốc Thái. The price of Orchid Thread typically ranges from 2,500,000 to 5,000,000 VND.
