Overview
Eulophia calantha Schltr. var. kubangensis Schltr. is a species of orchid found in Southeast Asia. It belongs to the family Orchidaceae and is a terrestrial orchid.
Origin
Eulophia calantha Schltr. var. kubangensis Schltr. is native to the Malay Peninsula and was first discovered in Kubang Pasu, Kedah, Malaysia. It is also found in Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
Common Names
Eulophia calantha Schltr. var. kubangensis Schltr. is commonly known as the Kubang Pasu orchid, Kedah Eulophia, or simply Eulophia calantha.
Appearance
Eulophia calantha Schltr. var. kubangensis Schltr. has thin, erect stems that can grow up to 80 cm tall. The leaves are elongated, lanceolate, and can grow up to 20 cm long and 4 cm wide. The flowers are large and showy, with sepals and petals that are light green to yellowish-green in color. The lip or labellum is broad and white with purple markings. The flowers bloom from July to September.
Uses
Medicinally, Eulophia calantha Schltr. var. kubangensis Schltr. has been used to treat various ailments, such as fever and coughs. It is also used in traditional Malay medicine to improve blood circulation, treat digestive disorders and as an aphrodisiac.
Gardeners also grow it for its ornamental value. It is grown as a potted plant, planted in rock gardens or used in landscaping, where its showy flowers can be appreciated. It requires a well-draining soil and ample sunlight to thrive.
Light Requirements:
Eulophia calantha Schltr. var. kubangensis Schltr. prefers bright indirect light to partial shade. Too much direct sunlight can damage the leaves and cause leaf burn. It is best to place the plant near a window where it can get filtered light.
Temperature Requirements:
This orchid variety prefers warm temperatures between 18 to 28 °C. It is important to avoid sudden temperature fluctuations as this can shock the plant. Keep it away from drafty areas and air conditioning vents. It can withstand mild temperature drops to about 10 °C, but only for a short period.
Soil Requirements:
Eulophia calantha Schltr. var. kubangensis Schltr. requires well-draining soil with a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and bark. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly once a week or when the soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid over-watering as this can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Eulophia calantha Schltr. var. kubangensis Schltr. is an orchid species that can be cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. It can be propagated through seed sowing, division of pseudobulbs, or back bulb cuttings. The plant thrives best in a bright, sunny location with partial shade. It prefers well-draining soil with good air circulation and high humidity.
Watering Needs
Eulophia calantha Schltr. var. kubangensis Schltr. prefers to be moist but not waterlogged. You should water the plant thoroughly, allowing the water to flow through the pot's drainage holes. It is advisable to water the plant in the morning, allowing it to dry out during the day, minimizing the risk of fungal infection. During the dormant season, when growth is minimal, you should reduce watering frequency.
Fertilization
Eulophia calantha Schltr. var. kubangensis Schltr. requires regular fertilization to support optimal growth and flowering. Use a balanced fertilizer with a higher ratio of nitrogen fertilizer during the growth season, from spring through summer. During the dormant season, use a fertilizer with a higher level of phosphorus. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause damage to the plant.
Pruning
You should prune Eulophia calantha Schltr. var. kubangensis Schltr. after flowering. Remove any dead, wilted leaves, and cut back stems that have finished flowering. Pruning encourages the plant to allocate energy towards new growth and enhances its overall appearance. You can also remove any stems that have failed to flower or those that are diseased or damaged.
Propagation of Eulophia calantha Schltr. var. kubangensis Schltr.
Eulophia calantha Schltr. var. kubangensis Schltr., commonly known as the Kubang Eulophia, is a terrestrial orchid species that is endemic to the island of Borneo. Propagation of this plant can be done through several methods, such as division, seed germination, and tissue culture.
Division
Division is a common propagation method for Eulophia calantha Schltr. var. kubangensis Schltr. This method involves separating the plant's pseudobulbs or rhizomes into smaller sections and then planting them separately. It is best to perform division during the plant's dormant period, which is usually during the winter months. This method should be done with a clean and sharp tool to minimize damage to the plant and ensure successful propagation.
Seed Germination
Seed germination is another propagation method for Eulophia calantha Schltr. var. kubangensis Schltr., although it is a more challenging method that requires specific conditions for success. The seeds must be fresh, as they have a short viability period. After harvesting the seeds, they should be cleaned and disinfected with fungicide to minimize the risk of disease. The seeds should then be sown in a mixture of peat moss and sand and kept under high humidity and warm temperatures. It can take several months for the seedlings to emerge.
Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is a more advanced propagation method that involves growing plant cells and tissues in a laboratory setting. This method requires specialized equipment and knowledge, making it more challenging and expensive than other propagation methods. However, tissue culture can produce a large number of identical plants in a short amount of time and can be used to propagate plants that are difficult to propagate by other methods.
Disease and Pest Management for Eulophia calantha Schltr. var. kubangensis Schltr.
Eulophia calantha Schltr. var. kubangensis Schltr. is a rare orchid species that grows in the wild and in cultivation. Orchids are susceptible to various diseases and pest infestations that can cause significant damage to plants. Proper disease and pest management practices are crucial for ensuring the health and survival of Eulophia calantha Schltr. var. kubangensis Schltr.
Common Diseases
Several common diseases affect orchids, including Eulophia calantha Schltr. var. kubangensis Schltr. One of the most widespread orchid diseases is fungal leaf spot, which appears as small, brown, water-soaked lesions on the plant's leaves. The lesions can merge and cover the entire leaf, causing it to wilt and die. Another common disease is crown rot, which is caused by the fungus Phytophthora. Crown rot affects the plant's stem base, causing it to become soft and mushy.
Disease Management
To manage diseases, it is essential to maintain good cultural practices, including regular inspection of plants, removal of diseased plant material, proper watering, and good air circulation. Avoid overhead watering, which can spread fungal spores and cause infections. Use a fungicide to treat infected plants as soon as possible and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Common Pests
Eulophia calantha Schltr. var. kubangensis Schltr. is also susceptible to various pests, including thrips, spider mites, and mealybugs. Thrips are small insects that feed on the plant's leaves, causing them to curl and distort. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's sap, causing leaves to turn yellow and eventually die. Mealybugs are small, white insects that feed on the plant's sap and excrete a sticky substance that can attract fungal growth.
Pest Management
To manage pests, regular inspection and early detection are crucial. Remove any infested plant material and isolate infected plants. Use insecticides to treat infected plants and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Use sticky traps to catch flying insects like thrips and prevent them from laying eggs on plants.
Overall, proper disease and pest management practices are essential for maintaining the health and vitality of Eulophia calantha Schltr. var. kubangensis Schltr. Regular inspection and preventive measures such as cultural practices, early detection, and treatment are crucial for preventing the spread of diseases and pests and maintaining healthy growing conditions for the plant.
