Origin and Common Names
Eulophia flavopurpurea (Rchb.f.) Rolfe, commonly known as the Yellow Purple Eulophia, is a species of orchid that originates from the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, including India, China, Myanmar, and Malaysia. The plant belongs to the family Orchidaceae and is closely related to the Eulophia campestris and Eulophia spectabilis species.Appearance
Eulophia flavopurpurea is a terrestrial orchid that can grow up to 50 cm tall. It has a sturdy, erect stem with a few basal leaves that are long and lance-shaped. The plant blooms during the summer season, producing several inflorescences that can grow up to 30 cm long. The flowers are large, showy, and come in shades of yellow and purple. The lip of the flower is fringed and has a distinctive pattern of yellow and purple spots.Uses
The Yellow Purple Eulophia has various traditional medicinal applications. In Ayurveda, the plant is used to treat a range of ailments, including fever, dysentery, and constipation. The tuberous roots of the plant are also used to make a tonic that is believed to improve fertility in men. The plant is also used in the preparation of perfumes, owing to its pleasant fragrance. In some regions, the plant is considered a sacred plant and is used in religious ceremonies.Cultivation
Eulophia flavopurpurea is a hardy orchid species and can be grown in a range of soils, from sandy to clayey. It prefers bright but indirect sunlight and requires regular watering during the growing season. The plant can be propagated through division of tubers or through seed propagation. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens, owing to its attractive flowers and easy maintenance.Light Requirements
Eulophia flavopurpurea requires bright light but it should be filtered. The plant prefers to grow under partially shady conditions. In its natural habitat, it grows under the shade of other trees/shrubs or in high altitude grasslands. Therefore, it should be grown under 50%-70% shade cloth.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Eulophia flavopurpurea is 15-25°C. During the summer season, the plant should be protected from hot and dry winds. In winter, the plant can tolerate frost but it should be kept dry to prevent rotting. In areas where frost occurs frequently, the plant should be grown in a warm glasshouse to protect it from the cold.
Soil Requirements
Eulophia flavopurpurea prefers a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range for this plant is between 5.0-6.5. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. To improve drainage, perlite or coarse sand can be added to the soil mix. The plant can be repotted every 2-3 years at the start of the growth season.
Cultivation Methods
Eulophia flavopurpurea (Rchb.f.) Rolfe is a terrestrial orchid species that requires specific cultivation methods to thrive. It prefers to grow in well-draining soil that consists of equal parts of potting mix, perlite, and bark. Plant the orchid in a pot that has ample drainage holes and is shallow-shaped. The orchid species enjoys bright light conditions, but protects it from direct sunlight.
Watering Needs
Eulophia flavopurpurea (Rchb.f.) Rolfe needs regular watering, especially during active growth periods. However, like all orchid species, it is essential to avoid overwatering as it may rot the roots. Water the orchid once a week by pouring water in the pot and ensure it drains out completely. If the temperature is high, consider watering your Eulophia flavopurpurea twice a week.
Fertilization
Eulophia flavopurpurea (Rchb.f.) Rolfe needs to be fertilized regularly for healthy growth. Fertilize the orchid using a balanced fertilizer that contains a relatively equal amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Reduce fertilization frequency during the fall and winter stages.
Pruning
Eulophia flavopurpurea (Rchb.f.) Rolfe does not require extensive pruning. However, it would be best to remove dead, dry, or yellow leaves to prevent any possible rotting. Regular pruning helps keep the orchid looking healthy and attractive. When pruning, ensure you sterilize the pruning shears to avoid transmitting any diseases or infections to the orchids.
Propagation of Eulophia flavopurpurea
Eulophia flavopurpurea is a terrestrial orchid that originates from southern Africa and Madagascar. There are a few different methods to propagate this plant.
Division
The most common method for propagating Eulophia flavopurpurea is through division. This is typically done in the spring, just before new growth begins. The plant can be carefully lifted from the soil, and the rhizomes can be separated into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one pseudobulb and a few healthy roots attached. These divisions can then be planted into individual pots with well-draining media and kept moist until new growth appears.
Seed
Eulophia flavopurpurea can also be propagated by seed, although this method can be a bit more challenging. The seeds should be harvested when they are mature and fully ripened. They can be sown onto a well-draining media and kept moist. The seedlings can take several years before they produce any flowers, and the resulting plants may not be identical to the parent plant.
Tissue culture
Tissue culture propagation is another method that can be used for Eulophia flavopurpurea, although it can be more complicated and requires specialized equipment. This method involves taking a small piece of the plant and growing it in a sterile culture medium under controlled conditions. This can be a useful method for producing a large number of identical plants relatively quickly.
Offsets
Finally, Eulophia flavopurpurea can also produce offsets or "pups." These are smaller plants that develop around the base of the parent plant. These can be carefully separated and planted into individual pots with well-draining media. It is important to make sure that each offset has enough roots to support itself before separating it from the parent plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Eulophia flavopurpurea (Rchb.f.) Rolfe
Eulophia flavopurpurea (Rchb.f.) Rolfe is a sturdy and gorgeous plant that generally requires minimum maintenance. However, like any other plant, it can still be affected by several pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common problems you might come across when growing Eulophia flavopurpurea (Rchb.f.) Rolfe and how to manage them effectively.
Pests
Caterpillars - Caterpillars are common pests that can cause serious damage to Eulophia flavopurpurea (Rchb.f.) Rolfe. The best way to manage caterpillars is by inspecting your plant regularly and manually removing the caterpillars as soon as you notice them. For a more severe infestation, use natural insecticides such as neem oil.
Mites - Mites are a common pest that can quickly infest Eulophia flavopurpurea (Rchb.f.) Rolfe. The first sign of mites is usually tiny webbings on the lower leaves of the plant. To manage mites, spray your plant with a mixture of water and dishwashing soap, making sure to cover both sides of the leaves.
Diseases
Fungal Leaf Spot - Fungal leaf spots are a common problem that can cause the leaves of Eulophia flavopurpurea (Rchb.f.) Rolfe to develop numerous tiny black or brown spots. To manage this problem, prune and destroy all infected leaves and apply a natural fungicide to protect new growth.
Virus - Virus diseases are often difficult to diagnose in Eulophia flavopurpurea (Rchb.f.) Rolfe. However, yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth may be indicative of a virus. To manage a virus, remove and destroy all infected plants and reduce the risk of spreading by cleaning all pruning tools before and after use.
Root rot - Root rot is a disease that affects the roots of Eulophia flavopurpurea (Rchb.f.) Rolfe, causing them to turn brown and mushy. To manage root rot, you need to act quickly and remove the affected plant from the soil immediately. Cut away any brown or mushy roots and re-pot the plant in fresh, sterile soil. Avoid overwatering in the future.
By being vigilant and following the above management practices, you can keep your Eulophia flavopurpurea (Rchb.f.) Rolfe healthy and vibrant, free from pests and diseases for an extended period.
