Origin
Eulophia krebsii (Rchb.f.) Bolus var. purpurata (Ridl.) Bolus, commonly known as the Purple Eulophia, is a species of orchid endemic to Madagascar, an island country off the coast of East Africa.
Common Names
The Purple Eulophia is also known as Ndoha and Tsivava.
Uses
The roots of the Purple Eulophia are used in traditional medicine in Madagascar. It is believed that the plant has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, and its roots are used to treat various ailments such as headaches, stomach pains, and snake bites. The plant is also used in spiritual rituals.
General Appearance
The Purple Eulophia is a terrestrial orchid that can grow up to 60 cm tall. It has a tuft of leaves at the base of the stem, and the stem is topped with a few small purple flowers. The sepals and petals are similar in appearance and form a hood over the column. The lip is wide and has a fringed margin. The plant blooms in the summer months of December to February.
Light Requirements
Eulophia krebsii var. purpurata grows best under bright, but filtered light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but prolonged exposure to intense sun can damage the leaves. Indoors, it can be grown near a window that provides bright light, but not direct sunlight. Outdoors, it can be grown in a shaded area that receives dappled sunlight throughout the day.
Temperature Requirements
Eulophia krebsii var. purpurata prefers warm temperatures between 20°C to 30°C during the day and 15°C to 20°C at night. It can tolerate cooler temperatures as long as they do not drop below 10°C. Extreme temperatures can cause harm to the leaves and flowers. When grown indoors, it is crucial to maintain stable temperatures and avoid placing the plant near drafts or air conditioning vents.
Soil Requirements
Eulophia krebsii var. purpurata grows well in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH level of the soil should be slightly acidic to mildly alkaline, with a range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can be grown in a pot or in gardens, as long as the soil is sufficiently aerated and does not become waterlogged. In addition to the soil, adding some organic fertilizer once or twice per month during the growing season can help promote healthy growth and flowering.
Cultivation:
The cultivation of Eulophia krebsii (Rchb.f.) Bolus var. purpurata (Ridl.) Bolus requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant prefers a warm and humid climate and needs to be grown in partly shaded areas. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and damage the plant, so it is essential to provide partial shade to ensure healthy growth. The plant can be grown indoors in pots or outdoors directly in the garden.
Watering:
The watering needs for Eulophia krebsii (Rchb.f.) Bolus var. purpurata (Ridl.) Bolus depend on the climate and the growing conditions. The plant requires regular watering, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can be fatal to the plant. In areas with high humidity, the plant may require less watering, while in dry areas, the plant may need to be watered more frequently. It is best to water the plant early in the morning or late in the evening to prevent water loss due to evaporation.
Fertilization:
Eulophia krebsii (Rchb.f.) Bolus var. purpurata (Ridl.) Bolus requires regular fertilization to ensure healthy growth. The plant is a heavy feeder and requires a balanced fertilizer with a higher ratio of nitrogen during the growing season. Fertilizer should be applied every two weeks during the growing season and can be reduced to every six weeks during the dormant season. Over-fertilization can lead to salt buildup and damage the roots, so it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fertilizer.
Pruning:
Pruning Eulophia krebsii (Rchb.f.) Bolus var. purpurata (Ridl.) Bolus is minimal but necessary. The plant requires the removal of dead or damaged leaves, which may cause the plant to appear untidy and inhibit healthy growth. The plant also requires the removal of flowers that have wilted or died to prevent fungal diseases. It is essential to use sterile equipment when pruning the plant to prevent the spread of diseases. Pruning should be done during the dormant season or after the flowering season to avoid disrupting the plant's growth cycle.
Propagation of Eulophia krebsii var. purpurata
Eulophia krebsii var. purpurata is a terrestrial orchid species that can be propagated through various methods including division, seed germination, and tissue culture.
Division
Division is the easiest method of propagation for Eulophia krebsii var. purpurata. It involves separating the plant into several smaller sections, each with its own set of roots and bulbs. This can be done during the dormant season when the plant has finished flowering and the leaves have withered. The separated sections can then be planted in well-draining soil, watered, and placed in a shaded area until new growth appears.
Seed Germination
Seed germination is another method of propagating Eulophia krebsii var. purpurata. The seeds are produced in capsules that develop after the plant has finished flowering. The capsules should be left on the plant until they mature and turn brown. The seeds can then be extracted and planted in a suitable growing medium. The medium should be kept moist and placed in a shaded area until the seeds germinate.
Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is a more advanced and specialized method of propagating Eulophia krebsii var. purpurata. It involves growing plant tissue cells in a sterile environment to produce new plants. This method is often used to propagate rare or endangered species. However, it requires specialized equipment and knowledge, and is not usually done by home gardeners or hobbyists.
Disease Management
Eulophia krebsii (Rchb.f.) Bolus var. purpurata (Ridl.) Bolus is generally a hardy plant, but it can be susceptible to some diseases. Some of the common diseases that might affect the plant include:
- Bacterial soft rot: This disease is usually caused by bacteria and can cause the plant to wilt and rot. It can be managed by removing and destroying infected parts of the plant and improving air circulation to reduce the spread of the bacteria.
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by a fungus and can cause spots on the leaves and flowers of the plant. It can be managed by removing and destroying infected parts of the plant and regularly applying fungicides.
- Root rot: This disease is usually caused by fungi in the soil and can cause the roots of the plant to rot. It can be managed by improving drainage and avoiding overwatering the plant.
Pest Management
Eulophia krebsii (Rchb.f.) Bolus var. purpurata (Ridl.) Bolus is also susceptible to some pests. Here are some of the common pests that might affect the plant:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can suck the sap out of the plant and cause the leaves to turn yellow. They can be managed by regularly spraying the plant with water to reduce their numbers and applying insecticidal soap if necessary.
- Thrips: These pests can cause damage to the leaves and flowers of the plant. They can be managed by removing and destroying infected parts of the plant and applying insecticides if necessary.
- Mealybugs: These pests can cause damage to the leaves and flowers of the plant and excrete a sticky substance that attracts ants. They can be managed by removing and destroying infected parts of the plant and spraying the plant with a mixture of water and soap.
