Origin and Common Names
Eulophia bouharmontii Geerinck is a terrestrial orchid species that belongs to the Orchidaceae family. It is native to the Congo Basin in Central Africa and can be found in Gabon, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The plant is commonly known as Bouharmont's Eulophia, in honor of the Belgian botanist Auguste Bouharmont who collected the type specimen in the Congo in 1885.Appearance
Eulophia bouharmontii is a robust and tall terrestrial orchid that can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. It has a large underground tuber with fleshy roots that can reach up to 1 meter in length. The leaves are long and narrow, reaching up to 60 cm in length and 5 cm in width. The inflorescence arises from a tall, erect stem and can reach up to 70 cm in length, carrying up to 40 flowers. The flowers are large and showy, with a diameter of up to 6 cm. They are greenish-yellow in color, with a hairy lip and a spur that curves backward.Uses
Eulophia bouharmontii is used in traditional medicine in Central Africa to treat a variety of ailments, including malaria, snakebites, and stomach problems. The tuber is used to make a decoction or infusion, which is then ingested or applied externally. In addition, the plant is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental species for its showy flowers and impressive size. However, due to its specific growing conditions and habitat requirements, it is not commonly grown outside of its native range. Overall, Eulophia bouharmontii Geerinck is a fascinating and valuable plant species with cultural, medicinal, and ornamental significance. Its impressive size and beautiful flowers make it a unique addition to any botanical collection.Light Requirements
The Eulophia bouharmontii Geerinck plant requires bright, indirect sunlight to grow and thrive. It can tolerate some shade, but it should not be kept in complete darkness. Placing the plant near a window that receives plenty of light but not direct sunlight is ideal.
Temperature Requirements
The Eulophia bouharmontii Geerinck plant prefers warm temperatures in the range of 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 29 degrees Celsius). It cannot tolerate temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius) or exposure to extreme heat. It is important to protect the plant from drafts and sudden temperature changes.
Soil Requirements
The Eulophia bouharmontii Geerinck plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and sand can provide adequate drainage. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Frequent watering is necessary to prevent the soil from drying out completely.
Cultivation Methods
Eulophia bouharmontii Geerinck is an epiphytic orchid species that grows naturally in the tropical forests of West and Central Africa. Therefore, it can be challenging to cultivate in a non-tropical climate.
However, it can be grown indoors in a warm and humid environment. The ideal temperature range for Eulophia bouharmontii is between 20°C and 30°C. It requires partial to full shade and can be planted in a well-draining medium such as bark, sphagnum moss, or perlite.
The orchid can be propagated through division or by sowing the seeds in a sterile medium. It is advisable to use a rooting hormone when transplanting or dividing the plant to aid root growth and reduce transplant shock.
Watering Needs
Eulophia bouharmontii prefers a moist environment but can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Therefore, it is advisable to allow the potting medium to dry slightly before watering again. The frequency of watering will depend on factors such as temperature, humidity, and the type of potting medium used.
It is recommended to water the orchid early in the day and avoid getting water on the leaves and pseudobulbs as this can lead to rot. A good way to water orchids is to submerge the pot in water for a few minutes, then allow it to drain before returning it to its designated spot.
Fertilization
Like all orchids, Eulophia bouharmontii requires regular fertilization to thrive. It is recommended to use a balanced fertilizer such as 20-20-20 or 10-10-10. Dilute the fertilizer to half or quarter strength and apply every two to four weeks during the growing season.
During the dormant season, reduce fertilization to every 6-8 weeks or eliminate it altogether. Also, ensure that the orchid is watered before applying the fertilizer as this will help prevent nutrient burn.
Pruning
Eulophia bouharmontii does not require much pruning except for the removal of dead or yellowing leaves. These can be removed at any time using a sterilized blade to prevent the spread of diseases.
Additionally, the orchid may produce aerial roots, which can be tied to a stake or trellis to provide support. It is advisable to provide support early in the plant's growth to avoid damaging the root system when the plant is mature.
Propagation of Eulophia bouharmontii Geerinck
Eulophia bouharmontii Geerinck, commonly known as the banded orchid, is a terrestrial orchid species that is native to Africa. This plant can be propagated through several methods:
Division
The easiest and most common method of propagating Eulophia bouharmontii is through division. This can be done during the plant's dormant season, which is usually in late summer or early fall. Simply dig up the plant and gently separate the pseudobulbs by hand or with a sterilized knife. Make sure each division has a healthy pseudobulb and a few roots attached. Repot each division in a well-draining potting mix, and water thoroughly.
Seed
Propagation by seed is also possible, but it is a more challenging method. The plant produces small capsules that contain tiny seeds. Once the capsules ripen and turn brown, they can be carefully harvested and the seeds extracted. Sow the seeds immediately in a sterile, well-draining potting mix and keep them moist. It can take several months for the seeds to germinate.
Keikis
Keikis are small plantlets that form on the stems of mature orchids, and they can be used to propagate Eulophia bouharmontii. Look for keikis that have developed roots and are at least a few inches tall. Carefully cut the keiki from the mother plant, and pot it in a well-draining mix. Keep it in a warm, humid environment until it establishes new roots and begins to grow.
Regardless of the propagation method used, it is important to provide Eulophia bouharmontii with the proper conditions for growth. This includes bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and regular watering during the growing season.
Disease and Pest Management for Eulophia bouharmontii Geerinck
Eulophia bouharmontii Geerinck is a resilient plant that requires minimal care. However, this orchid is subject to various pests and diseases that may affect its growth and survival. Identifying the problem early on and taking immediate action is crucial in managing the disease and pest problems.
Pests
One of the common pests that affect Eulophia bouharmontii Geerinck is thrips. These tiny insects feed on the plant's foliage causing damage that may lead to stunted growth, distorted leaves, and flower buds that fail to open. To manage thrips infestation, prune the damaged leaves or flowers and isolate the affected plant to prevent the infestation from spreading. You may also use insecticides such as neem oil or pyrethrin to control the pest.
Another pest that may attack Eulophia bouharmontii Geerinck is spider mites. These pests suck the plant juices, causing yellowing, curling or browning of leaves. To manage spider mites infestation, use a forceful water spray or wipe the leaves with a neem-oil based solution.
Diseases
The most common disease that affects Eulophia bouharmontii Geerinck is fungal infection. Fungi are prevalent in damp conditions and can cause spotting, rotting, or wilting of the plant's leaves or flowers. To manage fungal infections, prune the affected parts of the plant and reduce humidity by increasing air circulation or using a fungicide spray.
Bacterial infection may also affect Eulophia bouharmontii Geerinck, causing yellowing or browning of the leaves. To manage bacterial infections, prune the infected leaves and avoid overhead watering, as this may spread the bacteria. Use copper-based fungicides to control bacterial infections.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests in Eulophia bouharmontii Geerinck requires swift identification and corrective action. Regularly inspecting the plant for signs of damage can help you prevent the spread of pests and diseases, ensuring that your plant thrives.
