Overview
Eulophia bisaccata Kraenzl. is a species of orchid that is native to India and Sri Lanka. It is also commonly known as the Two-sheathed Eulophia or the Inai Hills Eulophia.
Appearance
The plant usually has a single long stem that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. The leaves are strap-shaped and can grow up to 90 centimeters in length. The flowers are small and arranged in a loose inflorescence at the top of the stem. The color of the flowers ranges from pale green to reddish-brown.
Uses
Eulophia bisaccata Kraenzl. has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, cough, and skin diseases. The roots of the plant are believed to have antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the plant is also used in the production of scented oils and perfumes.
The Two-sheathed Eulophia is also used for landscaping purposes. Its long stem and large leaves make it an attractive addition to gardens or indoor spaces. The plant is known to be relatively low maintenance and can thrive in a variety of environments.
Light Requirements
Eulophia bisaccata Kraenzl. thrives in full sun to partial shade. A minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day is required for this plant to grow optimally. However, direct afternoon sun should be avoided, and the plant should be provided with some shade during the hottest part of the day in summer.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers a warm to hot climate and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. The optimal temperature range for Eulophia bisaccata Kraenzl. growth is between 20 and 30°C. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C if kept dry and above 40°C if adequately watered.
Soil Requirements
Eulophia bisaccata Kraenzl. prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. A pH range of 5.5-7.0 is optimal for the growth of this plant. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil conditions.
The plant can also grow in a variety of soil textures, from sandy loam to clayey soils, as long as they are well-draining and rich in organic matter. A soil mix consisting of equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand is ideal for container-grown plants.
Cultivation methods
Eulophia bisaccata Kraenzl. is an orchid species that can be grown either in pots or in garden beds. When planting in pots, use a well-draining potting mix consisting of peat, perlite, and coconut coir. Plant the pseudobulbs just below the soil surface and leave the growing tips exposed. Planting in garden beds can also be done, but make sure the planting location is shaded and protected from direct sunlight.
Watering needs
Eulophia bisaccata Kraenzl. requires frequent but moderate watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so be careful not to keep the soil too wet. Watering twice a week or when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch is a good schedule to keep. During the winter months, reduce watering to once a week to simulate its natural growing conditions.
Fertilization
Fertilize Eulophia bisaccata Kraenzl. once every two weeks, using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. During the growing season, use a fertilizer that has a higher nitrogen content to promote vegetative growth. During the flowering season, switch to a fertilizer with higher phosphorus content for more blooms.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Eulophia bisaccata Kraenzl. However, removing the spent blooms will encourage the plant to produce more flowers. Cut back the flower stem to where it meets the pseudobulb. If the leaves start to yellow or wilt, trim them back to the base of the stem.
Propagation of Eulophia bisaccata Kraenzl.
Eulophia bisaccata Kraenzl. can be propagated through its seeds and vegetative methods such as division and tissue culture.
Propagation through Seeds
The seeds of Eulophia bisaccata Kraenzl. can be collected from the mature capsules once they have turned brown and dried up. The seeds should be cleaned, and any debris or non-viable seeds must be removed before sowing. The best time for sowing is during the rainy season, in well-draining soil mixed with organic matter.
The seeds should be sown with the soil surface level slightly above the seeds. Water must be regularly provided, but the seeds should not be waterlogged. Germination typically takes two to three weeks, and the seedlings must be protected from direct sunlight initially.
Propagation through Division
Division is an efficient way of propagating Eulophia bisaccata Kraenzl. The plant can be divided into smaller clumps when it has matured and has developed a healthy root system. The clumps should constitute healthy rhizomes and roots. They can be carefully separated and individually potted in well-drained soil mixed with organic matter.
The newly potted plants should be watered regularly and gradually exposed to direct sunlight. The success of plant propagation through division depends on the careful separation of the clumps and the healthy growth of the separated individuals.
Propagation Through Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is the in-vitro propagation of Eulophia bisaccata Kraenzl. using excised plant tissues such as meristems, axillary buds, or protocorms. Tissue culture requires a sterile environment and careful tissue handling.
The meristems, axillary buds, or protocorms are sterilized and placed in media containing the necessary nutrients for growth and development. Depending on the success of the tissue culture, the developed plantlets can be potted in well-drained soil, or they can continue to be cultured in vitro until they attain a certain maturity stage.
Disease and Pest Management for Eulophia bisaccata Kraenzl.
Eulophia bisaccata Kraenzl. is a terrestrial orchid species mainly found in the African regions. Being a hardy plant, it can tolerate harsh conditions, but still, it is susceptible to diseases and pest attacks. Therefore, proper disease and pest management should be practiced to maintain the health of the plant.
Common diseases
Leaf spot disease is a common problem in Eulophia bisaccata Kraenzl. It manifests as small, circular, brownish spots on the leaves, which gradually increase in size and number. Fungal attack is the primary cause of leaf spot disease. To manage this disease, remove the infected leaves, and make sure to apply a fungicide on the remaining plant parts to prevent its spread to other plants.
The Fusarium wilt disease is another fungal disease that affects Eulophia bisaccata Kraenzl. This disease is caused by the Fusarium oxysporum fungus, which severely affects the plant's roots and stems. The infected plant shows wilting, stunted growth, and yellowing of the shoots. As this disease is soil-borne, preventive measures like crop rotation and soil sterilization should be practiced.
Common pests
The most common pest affecting Eulophia bisaccata Kraenzl. is the spider mite. These tiny pests live under the foliage and feed upon the plant's sap. The signs of spider mite infestation include yellowing leaves, webbing, and stunted growth. To control spider mites, periodic washing of the plant with a forceful stream of water is recommended. The application of neem oil can also help manage the problem.
The mealybug is another pest that attacks Eulophia bisaccata Kraenzl. Mealybugs have a white cotton-like appearance and suck out the sap from the plant. They are visible on the leaves, stem, and flowers. To manage a mealybug problem, manually remove the pests or use an insecticidal soap solution for better results.
Conclusion
Eulophia bisaccata Kraenzl. can be a lovely plant to grow under suitable conditions. However, proper disease and pest management should be followed to ensure its healthy growth. Some of the most common diseases and pests are leaf spot disease, Fusarium wilt disease, spider mites, and mealybugs. The appropriate preventive measures and treatment methods should be applied to control these problems and maintain the plant's health.
