Introduction
Eulophia lurida (Sw.) Lindl. is a species of orchid that is native to tropical Africa and Madagascar. It belongs to the family Orchidaceae, and the genus Eulophia which comprises around 200 species.
Common Names
Eulophia lurida is commonly known as the green-flowered giant orchid, the leopard orchid, or the yellow crested orchid. In some regions, it is also called the ophrydium orchid or the king of the forest.
Appearance
Eulophia lurida is a terrestrial orchid that can grow up to 1.2 meters high. It has long, thin leaves that resemble blades of grass and can reach up to 60 cm in length. The plant also produces tall, erect spikes that bear up to 50 large, greenish-yellow flowers with purple spots and yellow crests. The flowers can grow up to 6 cm wide and have a pleasant, honey-like scent.
Uses
Eulophia lurida has been used for various medicinal purposes in traditional African and Madagascan medicine. The roots of the plant are believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and can be used to treat headaches, rheumatism, and snake bites. The plant is also popular for its ornamental value and is sometimes grown as a houseplant or used in floral arrangements.
Growth Conditions for Eulophia lurida
Eulophia lurida (Sw.) Lindl., commonly known as Yellow Eulophia, is a terrestrial orchid that is widely distributed across tropical Africa. To successfully grow this plant, you need to provide favourable growth conditions, which include the following:
Light
Eulophia lurida prefers bright but indirect light. The best place to position the plant is in a shaded area that receives morning or evening sunlight. Direct sunlight exposure can burn the foliage and cause wilting.
Temperature
Yellow Eulophia typically thrives in temperatures ranging between 20-30 °C during the day and 15-20 °C at night. During the winter months, the plant can endure temperatures as low as 10 °C. However, temperatures below 7 °C can cause irreversible damage to the whole plant.
Soil Requirements
Well-drained and aerated soil is essential for Eulophia lurida to thrive. You should use soil that is mildly acidic with a pH ranging between 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should also be rich in organic matter and nutrients. Mixing the soil with coconut coir, moss peat, and perlite can improve its drainage ability and prevent waterlogging.
Overall, Eulophia lurida can withstand a wide range of growth conditions, including variations in sunlight and temperature. Therefore, providing the right soil type and watering schedule can be significant determinants in ensuring that your Yellow Eulophia thrives well and looks healthy.
Cultivation of Eulophia lurida (Sw.) Lindl.
Eulophia lurida (Sw.) Lindl. is a terrestrial orchid that is found mainly growing in the wild. However, it is also possible to cultivate this plant indoors or outdoors. The first step in the cultivation of this plant is to ensure that you have a well-draining soil mixture that has good water retention capabilities. This will ensure that the plant's roots have sufficient access to water, but also do not get waterlogged, which can lead to root rotting.
The ideal temperature range for the cultivation of Eulophia lurida (Sw.) Lindl. is between 20°C and 30°C. This means that the plant will do well in most tropical climates, and also grow well in warm conditions inside the house. It is also important to note that this orchid requires a lot of sunlight. As such, it is best to grow it in a location where it can receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight every day.
Watering needs for Eulophia lurida (Sw.) Lindl.
When it comes to watering this orchid, it is important to use a well-balanced, high-quality fertilizer that is rich in essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is important to fertilize this plant regularly during the growing season, which is between spring and early autumn. This will ensure that the plant gets the necessary nutrients to grow and bloom.
Regarding its watering needs, Eulophia lurida (Sw.) Lindl. requires a moderate amount of water. This means that you should water the plant whenever the soil begins to feel dry to the touch, but avoid overwatering it. Overwatering can lead to root rotting, which can be fatal for the plant. Additionally, it is also important to note that this plant requires less watering during the winter months when it is dormant and not actively growing.
Pruning Eulophia lurida (Sw.) Lindl.
When it comes to pruning Eulophia lurida (Sw.) Lindl., it is important to remove old or damaged leaves to promote healthy growth. Additionally, it is also important to remove spent flowers to encourage the plant to produce new blooms. However, it is important to note that you should avoid pruning this orchid's roots unnecessarily, as this can put the plant under stress and affect its growth and health.
Propagation of Eulophia Lurida (Sw.) Lindl.
Eulophia lurida is a terrestrial orchid that can be propagated through seed propagation or vegetative propagation. It is an easy plant to propagate, and with the right conditions, it can grow rapidly.
Seed Propagation
The propagation of Eulophia lurida through seed is the most common and preferred method. This method involves collecting fresh and mature capsules from the plant. The collected capsules should be thoroughly washed with water and treated with a fungicide to prevent fungal infections.
The seeds can be sown in a pot or seedbed with a well-draining potting mix. The potting mix must be moist but not waterlogged. The best time to sow the seeds is during the rainy season to ensure sufficient moisture for proper germination. Once sown, the seeds will take 2-3 months to germinate, and they need to be kept in a warm and humid environment. When the seedlings reach a height of 8-10 cm, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
Vegetative Propagation
Eulophia lurida can be propagated vegetatively through division, back bulbs, or keikis. The best time to carry out vegetative propagation is during the growing season.
Division involves separating the plant into sections with roots and rhizomes. Each section should have at least two pseudobulbs and several roots. The divided sections are then potted in individual pots, and care should be taken to ensure that the potting mix is kept moist.
Back bulbs are sections of the plant that are left over after division. These bulbs may not have any leaves or roots but have the potential to develop new shoots. Back bulbs can be planted in a pot with a well-draining potting mix and kept moist. The bulbs will eventually develop new shoots.
Keikis are small plantlets that develop from the base of the parent plant. These plantlets can be removed and potted individually once they have developed roots and leaves.
Regardless of the propagation method used, the newly propagated plants require a humid and protected environment until they have established roots and new shoots.
Disease and Pest Management for Eulophia Lurida (Sw.) Lindl.
Eulophia lurida (Sw.) Lindl. is a beautiful orchid species. Although it is known for its sturdy nature, it is susceptible to some diseases and pests. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that can affect Eulophia lurida and the ways to manage them:
Diseases
Bacterial Soft Rot: This disease is caused by bacteria, which can enter the plant through wounds or natural openings. The symptoms include yellowing of leaves, wilting, and rotting of plant parts. To manage this disease, remove the infected plant parts and treat the plant with a copper-based fungicide.
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is caused by fungi, and the symptoms include the appearance of dark or light spots on the leaves. Fungi thrive in moist environments, so avoid overwatering Eulophia lurida. Remove affected plant parts and apply a fungicide to the plant.
Root Rot: Root rot is caused by a fungus that thrives in waterlogged soil. The symptoms include wilting and yellowing of leaves, and rotting of the roots. To manage root rot, improve soil drainage, and water Eulophia lurida only when the soil is dry. Remove infected roots and apply a fungicide to the plant.
Pests
Spider Mites: Spider mites are small creatures that can damage Eulophia lurida by sucking the sap from plant leaves. The symptoms include pale leaves, the appearance of webs on the plant, and curling of leaves. To manage this pest, remove the affected plant parts and apply a miticide to the plant.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are small, round insects that attach themselves to the plant and feed on its sap. The symptoms include yellowing of leaves and a sticky substance on the plant. To manage scale insects, remove them from the plant using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that feed on the leaves of Eulophia lurida. The symptoms include the appearance of silver patches on the leaves and distorted growth. To manage thrips, remove affected plant parts and use an insecticide to treat the plant.
Good sanitation, regular inspection, and proper plant care practices are essential in managing pests and diseases in Eulophia lurida. It is important to identify the problem early and apply appropriate measures to prevent further damage to the plant.
