Overview
Eulophia compta Summerh., also known as the African fairy orchid, is a rare, exotic plant species belonging to the Orchidaceae family. This perennial orchid is native to Africa and is famous for its stunning foliage and flowers.
Appearance
The Eulophia compta Summerh. has stunning foliage that forms a rosette. The leaves are long, narrow, and sword-shaped, with prominent veins running lengthwise along them. The plant can reach a height of up to 60cm, and like most orchids, it has roots instead of a trunk. Eulophia compta Summerh. produces striking, attractive flowers that are a lovely blend of orange, yellow, and brownish shades.
Uses
The Eulophia compta Summerh. plant has several uses. In traditional African medicine, its roots are used to treat a wide range of ailments such as headaches, fever, and asthma. The leaves and roots are also used as an aphrodisiac. In addition to its medicinal properties, this plant is also used for ornamental purposes. The majestic flowers and foliage of the plant make it an excellent addition to gardens, offices, and homes, adding a natural and exotic touch to any space.
Common names
Common names for this plant include African fairy orchid, Eulophia orchid, and Fairy orchid.
Light Requirements
Eulophia compta Summerh. requires moderate to strong sunlight to grow properly. It can tolerate some shade, but it should not be planted in heavily shaded areas. It is recommended to place the plant in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant requires a warm and humid climate to thrive. It can tolerate temperatures up to 35°C but prefers a range between 20°C to 30°C during the day and 15°C to 25°C at night.
Soil Requirements
Eulophia compta Summerh. thrives in well-drained and fertile soil. The soil should be moderately acidic, with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.8. The plant can also grow in sandy or loamy soil, but it requires additional fertilizers and nutrients. It is crucial to ensure the soil is moist, but not waterlogged, as stagnant water can cause root rot and damage the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Eulophia compta Summerh., commonly known as the African fairy orchid, is an epiphytic orchid that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It prefers bright, indirect light and moderate to high humidity levels. The plant can be grown in a pot with a well-draining soil mix or can be mounted on a piece of bark or driftwood. When planting in a pot, use a mix of peat moss, perlite, and bark. The roots should be just lightly covered with the soil mix.
Watering Needs
The Eulophia compta Summerh. orchid needs to be watered thoroughly but infrequently. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it’s essential to allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. Water the plant from the top, making sure the water runs through the soil mix without leaving any stagnant water. If the orchid is mounted, mist it frequently to increase humidity levels.
Fertilization
The African fairy orchid requires regular feeding to thrive. Fertilize the plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 20-20-20 once a month during the growing season. From autumn to winter, decrease fertilization, and only feed the orchid once every two months. Be careful not to over-fertilize as it can damage the plant’s roots.
Pruning
Pruning the Eulophia compta Summerh. orchid helps promote growth and enhance the plant’s appearance. Use sharp, sterile scissors to cut off any dead or yellowing leaves. Remove the spent flowers and flower spikes, cutting just above the node. If the orchid has overgrown the pot, it may be time to repot. When repotting, cut off any damaged or dead roots.
Propagation of Eulophia Compta Summerh.
Eulophia Compta Summerh. is propagated mainly through vegetative methods. These methods include:
Division
Division is one of the most common methods used to propagate Eulophia Compta Summerh. This method involves carefully dividing the rhizome into small sections and planting them individually. Each section should contain at least one growth point and a few healthy roots. The new plants should be watered regularly and kept in a warm and humid environment until they are established.
Offsets
Eulophia Compta Summerh. also produces offsets, which can be used to propagate the plant. Offsets are small plantlets that grow from the base of the mother plant. They can be removed and planted individually once they are large enough to handle. Make sure that each offset has a healthy root system and growth point. The new plants should be watered regularly and kept in a warm and humid environment until they are established.
Stem Cuttings
Propagation of Eulophia Compta Summerh can also be done by stem cuttings. This method is typically used for plants that do not produce offsets or for plants with very large and healthy stems that can be cut into sections. The stem cutting should be taken from a healthy plant with at least three nodes. The cutting should be allowed to dry out for a day or two to prevent rotting before being planted in a well-draining soil mix. The new plant should be watered regularly and kept in a warm and humid environment until new growth appears.
Tissue culture
Tissue culture is a more advanced method of propagation that involves using small pieces of tissue from the plant to grow new plants in a laboratory. This method is typically used to produce large numbers of plants quickly and easily. However, it requires specialized equipment and skills that are beyond the reach of most home gardeners.
Disease and Pest Management for Eulophia Compta Summerh.
Eulophia compta Summerh. is a beautiful orchid that grows wild in the forest. Like any other plant, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can jeopardize its health. As such, it is essential to monitor and manage diseases and pests early to keep the plant healthy and performing optimally.
Common Diseases
Eulophia compta Summerh. is naturally resistant to most diseases. However, there are still some diseases that may attack the plant. The most common diseases include:
- Fungal diseases: Eulophia compta Summerh. can be affected by fungal diseases such as Rhizoctonia and Fusarium wilt. These diseases cause the leaves to become yellow, wilt, and eventually die. The fungal diseases can be avoided by ensuring that the soil is well-drained, and the plant is not overwatered.
- Bacterial diseases: Bacterial diseases like bacterial soft rot can cause Eulophia compta Summerh. Plant's leaves to decay, and the pseudobulbs to rot. To avoid this, it is essential to keep the plant clean, minimize damage during handling and avoid contamination from diseased plants.
Common Pests
Common pests that can affect Eulophia compta Summerh. include:
- Mealybugs: Mealybugs are common pests that usually attack orchids. They damage Eulophia compta Summerh. by sucking sap from the leaves; thus, causing the plant to turn yellow, wilt and sometimes die. They can be removed by wiping the leaves with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Spider mites: These pests are hard to detect with the naked eye, and they cause tiny ticks on the leaves of Eulophia compta Summerh. The plant starts losing color, becoming yellow, and wilted. One way to control spider mites is by. spraying the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Snails: Snails love to hide in leaves crevices, making Eulophia compta Summerh. a suitable place for them. If allowed, they can cause significant damage by eating up the leaves. They can be baited using beer, and then removed from the plant.
Conclusion
In conclusion, to have a healthy and thriving Eulophia compta Summerh. orchid, it is essential to monitor and ensure that the plant is free from diseases and pests. Early detection and management are crucial in keeping the plant performing optimally. The above-discussed diseases and pests can be controlled to ensure a healthy and successful orchid gardening experience.
