Overview
Eulophia bilamellata Schltr. var. euryceras Schltr. is a species of orchid native to tropical Africa. It is a part of the plant family Orchidaceae. It is a rare and endangered plant species that has significant value in traditional medicine.
Common Names
Eulophia bilamellata Schltr. var. euryceras Schltr. is commonly known as the African Tongue Orchid or the Two-leaved Eulophia Orchid.
Appearance
Eulophia bilamellata Schltr. var. euryceras Schltr. is a terrestrial orchid with two elliptical-shaped leaves and a tall flowering stem that can reach a height of up to 70cm. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow, and arranged in a dense raceme at the end of the stem. The plant has a long, slender rhizome that can grow up to 10 cm in length.
Uses
The African Tongue Orchid has been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes. It has been used to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and dysentery. The rhizome has been used as an aphrodisiac and to enhance male fertility. In some African countries, it has also been used to treat snake bites, scorpion stings, and other venomous insect bites.
Asides from its medicinal value, the African Tongue Orchid is also an ornamental plant that can be grown in gardens. It is also an excellent addition to any collection of rare and exotic plants.
Light Requirements
Eulophia bilamellata Schltr. var. euryceras Schltr. is a plant that requires bright, filtered light. It thrives in areas with partial shade and should be protected from direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day. Insufficient light may cause stunted growth or even the death of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
Eulophia bilamellata Schltr. var. euryceras Schltr. prefers warm temperatures, and it grows best in areas with an average temperature between 20 and 30°C. This orchid can tolerate temperature extremes, but sudden changes in temperature can cause damage to the plant. It is important to protect the plant from frost and extreme heat, which can lead to plant death.
Soil Requirements
Eulophia bilamellata Schltr. var. euryceras Schltr. requires a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be between 6.0 and 7.5. This orchid prefers slightly moist soil, but it cannot tolerate water-logged soil, which can cause root rot. It is important to use a quality potting mix that allows for good drainage to ensure healthy growth and prevent disease.
Cultivation methods
Eulophia bilamellata Schltr. var. euryceras Schltr. is an orchid species that can be grown in pots, baskets, or slabs. It requires moderately bright light but should be protected from the direct sun. The plant prefers a humid environment with good ventilation and temperatures between 18-28°C. It can be potted in a mix of sphagnum moss and bark or mounted on a slab of wood or tree fern.
To propagate Eulophia bilamellata Schltr. var. euryceras Schltr. from division, it is best to do so when re-potting the plant. Make sure each division has at least three pseudobulbs and a healthy root system. The divisions should be planted in a new pot with fresh potting mix or mounted on a slab.
Watering needs
Eulophia bilamellata Schltr. var. euryceras Schltr. requires regular watering to keep its roots moist but not waterlogged. In general, it requires more frequent watering during the growing season and less frequent watering during the dormant season. The frequency of watering will depend on the pot's size, the type of potting mix used, and the local humidity and temperature. It is essential to avoid allowing the potting mix to dry out completely between waterings.
Watering should be done in the early morning or late afternoon to allow the plant to dry off before evening. The best way to water the plant is by pouring water into the pot until it starts to come out of the drainage holes. Avoid getting water on the leaves or flowers, as this can promote the growth of fungal infections.
Fertilization
Eulophia bilamellata Schltr. var. euryceras Schltr. should be fertilized regularly during the growing season to promote healthy growth and prolific flowering. Use a balanced orchid fertilizer with a ratio of N-P-K of 20-20-20 or 10-10-10. It is recommended to feed the plant at half the strength recommended by the manufacturer, applying it every two weeks during the growing season.
The fertilizer should be applied after watering to prevent the buildup of salts that can damage the roots. Avoid fertilizing the plant during the dormant season, as this can cause the growth of weak and spindly new shoots.
Pruning
Eulophia bilamellata Schltr. var. euryceras Schltr. does not require frequent pruning. However, it can be beneficial to remove any dead or damaged leaves or pseudobulbs to promote healthy growth. The best time to prune the plant is during the dormant season after it has finished flowering.
When pruning the plant, use sharp and sterile scissors or pruning shears. Cut the dead or damaged portion of the plant as close as possible to the base without damaging the healthy tissue. After pruning, apply a fungicide to the cut area to prevent the growth of diseases.
Propagation of Eulophia bilamellata Schltr. var. euryceras Schltr.
There are various ways to propagate Eulophia bilamellata Schltr. var. euryceras Schltr. The most common methods include division of the rhizomes and sowing of seeds.
Propagation by Rhizome Division
Rhizome division is the most reliable method to propagate Eulophia bilamellata Schltr. var. euryceras Schltr. The best time to divide the rhizomes is during dormancy in late winter or early spring. To propagate, carefully dig up the plant and remove the rhizomes and separate them into small pieces, each with healthy roots and at least one growth point. Plant each rhizome piece in its container, making sure that the growth point is facing up and that the roots are covered with soil. Water the container and give partial sun for a few weeks until the new plant establishes.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed requires collecting the seed pods when they are mature and swollen. The best time to collect seeds is after the plant has flowered and the pod has turned dry and brown. Collect the pods and break them open to collect the seeds. Sow the seeds in a container filled with well-draining potting soil and water lightly. Place the container in partial shade and water regularly to keep the soil moist. The seeds can take several months to germinate, so be patient. When the seedlings are at least 4 inches tall, they can be transplanted to individual containers.
Disease Management
One of the common diseases that affect Eulophia bilamellata, particularly during the wet season, is leaf spot. This disease is caused by fungal pathogens and is characterized by the appearance of small circular or angular spots on the leaves. As the disease progresses, these spots enlarge and may cause the leaves to die off. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and apply a fungicide recommended for use on orchids.
Another disease that affects Eulophia bilamellata is root rot. This is usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage, which can lead to the development of fungal pathogens. Symptoms of this disease include yellowing and wilting of leaves, and soft and mushy roots. To prevent this disease, it is important to ensure proper watering practices and avoid using soil that retains too much moisture. In case of infection, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected plant parts and apply a fungicide specifically formulated for orchids.
Pest Management
Eulophia bilamellata is also susceptible to attack by various pests. One of the most common ones is thrips, tiny insects that feed on the leaves and flowers of the plant. Infestations are usually accompanied by the appearance of silvery streaks on the leaves and distorted flowers. To manage thrips, it is recommended to remove and destroy infested plant parts and apply an insecticide that is safe for orchids.
Another pest that may attack Eulophia bilamellata is spider mites, which are common in hot and dry conditions. These tiny pests usually feed on the undersides of leaves and can cause yellowing and stunted growth. To manage spider mites, it is recommended to increase humidity levels by misting the leaves regularly, remove and destroy heavily infested plant parts, and apply an insecticide that is safe for use on orchids.
Finally, mealybugs may also infest Eulophia bilamellata. These pests are usually found on the undersides of leaves and along stems, and appear as small white fuzzy masses. Infestations can lead to stunted growth and damaged flowers. To manage mealybugs, it is recommended to remove and destroy heavily infested plant parts, wipe leaves and stems with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, and apply an insecticide that is safe for orchids.
