Overview
Eulophia eylesiRendle is a species of terrestrial, orchid native to Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. It is a member of the orchid family, Orchidaceae. This plant is called Dodo wanga by the Luo community in Kenya.
Appearance
Eulophia eylesi Rendle is a large orchid that can grow up to 80 cm in height. It has two types of leaves - the basal leaves are long, narrow, and erect, while the stem leaves are shorter and sheathing. The flowers appear in clusters of 10-20 on a single long and erect inflorescence that can grow up to 1 metre long. The flowers are bright yellow with a dark red or purple lip, which is hairy at the base. The plant produces large, cylindrical, and fleshy pseudobulbs that are covered with fibrous roots.
Uses
Eulophia eylesi Rendle has a long history of use in traditional medicine. The Luo people of Kenya use the plant for treating various ailments such as stomach ulcers, roundworms, and snake bites. The plant contains several chemical compounds, including flavonoids and alkaloids, which have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The pseudobulbs are also consumed by some communities in Kenya as a source of food during periods of famine.
The plant's ornamental value has led to its cultivation as an ornamental plant, especially in Asia and Europe. Its striking and showy flowers make it an attractive addition to gardens and greenhouses.
Light Requirements
Eulophia eylesi Rendle is a shade-loving plant that requires moderate sunlight. Direct sunlight can harm the plant by overheating and drying out the soil quickly. It is preferable to plant the Eulophia eylesi Rendle under the shade of trees or in a partially shaded area for optimal growth. Inadequate light can result in scale-like leaves, which is a sign that the plant is not getting adequate light.
Temperature Requirements
The plant favors warm temperatures that range between 20-25 degrees Celsius during the day and 16-18 degrees Celsius overnight. Extremely cold temperatures can cause damage to the plant's foliage. On the other hand, high temperatures with low humidity dehydrates the plant, causing wilting of foliage and flower buds. It is advisable to avoid exposing the plant to extremely high and low temperatures for prolonged periods.
Soil Requirements
The Eulophia eylesi Rendle grows well in well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. The ideal soil type is sandy-loam since it promotes good drainage, which prevents stagnant water that can lead to root rot. The plant also requires adequate moisture to thrive, so maintaining a consistently moist soil is highly recommended. Eulophia eylesi Rendle plants grow well in both natural and artificial soil, but it is essential to mix the soil with organic matter before planting to improve soil fertility.
Cultivation methods:
Eulophia eylesi Rendle, commonly known as Eyles' Eulophia, is a terrestrial orchid found in East and Central Africa. To cultivate this plant, it is essential to replicate its natural habitat. The plant requires a well-draining soil mixture rich in organic matter to allow for proper root growth. The ideal pH range for the soil should be between 5.0 to 6.0, which is slightly acidic. The plant should be grown in indirect sunlight and in a humid environment.
Watering needs:
When it comes to watering Eulophia eylesi Rendle, it is crucial to avoid overwatering the plant. The plant is susceptible to root rot, and it is recommended to water the plant once a week during the growing season and cut back on watering during the dormant season. During the dormant season, the plant should be watered once every two weeks. Always use room temperature water and ensure the water drains thoroughly through the pot's drainage holes.
Fertilization:
Eulophia eylesi Rendle requires a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 15-15-15. Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season, and reduce the frequency during the dormant season. Avoid getting the fertilizer on the leaves or flowers, as it may burn them.
Pruning:
To keep Eulophia eylesi Rendle healthy and promote steady growth, prune the plant when necessary. You can cut off any dead or damaged leaves or stems using a sterilized pair of pruning shears. When pruning, it is essential to make sure that the shears are clean, as any bacterial or fungal infection can easily spread to the plant.
Propagation of Eulophia eylesi Rendle
Eulophia eylesi Rendle, commonly known as Eyles' Eulophia, is a terrestrial orchid species that can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation involves the pollination of the flowers to produce seeds. In nature, the pollination is primarily done by insects. However, in cultivation, the flowers can be hand-pollinated by transferring the pollen from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another.
After pollination, the seed pods will start to develop. The pods will take several months to mature and turn brown. When the pods are fully mature, they can be harvested and the seeds removed. The seeds are typically small and dust-like, and they can be sown on a suitable medium.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation techniques such as division and backbulb propagation can also be used for Eulophia eylesi Rendle.
Division involves separating the plant into smaller sections, each with at least one growth point or pseudobulb. The sections are then potted separately in suitable potting mix and kept in a warm, humid environment. It is essential to ensure that each section has sufficient roots to support itself.
Backbulb propagation involves removing the dormant pseudobulbs from the parent plant and potting them separately. Backbulbs that have at least one healthy shoot are most likely to grow successfully. They should be positioned in the planting medium with the growing tips above the surface.
Both these methods can be done either during repotting or consecutively after flowering.
With proper care and attention, the propagules produced from these methods will grow into healthy, mature plants that can flower again when they reach maturity.
Disease Management
Eulophia eylesi Rendle is generally a healthy plant and is not very susceptible to diseases. However, like any other plant, it is still susceptible to certain diseases. The most common diseases that may affect Eulophia eylesi Rendle include leaf spot, crown rot, and fungal diseases.
To manage leaf spot in Eulophia eylesi Rendle, it is essential to maintain good environmental conditions. Keep the plants well-watered, but avoid overwatering, as it can lead to the development and spread of leaf spot. Remove any infected leaves, and dispose of them away from the plant. You can also use fungicides to control the disease.
Crown rot is another disease that may affect Eulophia eylesi Rendle. Overwatering is the primary cause of crown rot. To prevent crown rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and not waterlogged. If the plant already has crown rot, prune the infected parts and apply a fungicide to prevent the disease from spreading.
Fungal diseases may also affect Eulophia eylesi Rendle. To manage fungal diseases, ensure good air circulation around the plant and avoid overwatering. Remove any infected parts and dispose of them away from the plant. You can also apply a fungicide to control the disease.
Pest Management
Eulophia eylesi Rendle may also be susceptible to pest attacks. Some common pests that may affect the plant include thrips, snails, and slugs.
To manage thrips infestation, use biological or chemical control methods. Biological control methods include introducing natural predators of thrips, such as predatory mites, into the garden. Chemical control methods include using insecticides to control thrips.
Snails and slugs can be controlled by removing any hiding places around the plant, such as rocks and debris. You can also use traps, baits, or repellents to control them. Handpicking the pests may also be effective.
Overall, good garden hygiene, including keeping the garden clean and free of debris, can go a long way in preventing pest infestations in Eulophia eylesi Rendle.
