Description of Eulophia pedicellata (L.f.) Spreng.
Eulophia pedicellata (L.f.) Spreng., also known as Vanda pedicellata L.f., is a species of orchid that belongs to the family Orchidaceae. This plant is native to Africa, particularly in Tanzania, Kenya, and Madagascar, and can also be found in some parts of Asia, including India and Sri Lanka.
General Appearance of Eulophia pedicellata
Eulophia pedicellata is a terrestrial orchid that grows up to 45-60 cm tall. It has large pseudobulbs that are obliquely ovoid with a smooth surface. The plant's leaves are narrow and elongated, measuring around 20-30 cm in length and 2-3 cm in width. The inflorescence of Eulophia pedicellata is long with many small clustered flowers that have a purple-tipped lip. The flowers bloom in late spring and early summer.
Common Names of Eulophia pedicellata
Eulophia pedicellata is commonly known as the "Purple Vanda" or "Purple Orchid" in English. It is also known by different vernacular names in various parts of the world. In Tanzania, it is called "Mgweche," while the Kiswahili name for this plant is "Nyamera." In India, it is known as "Kandadar."
Uses of Eulophia pedicellata
Eulophia pedicellata has several medicinal uses among the indigenous people of Tanzania and Kenya. The plant's pseudobulbs are used to treat dysentery, diarrhea, fever, and stomach problems. In India, the orchid is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat asthma, coughs, and colds. In addition to its medicinal uses, Eulophia pedicellata is also cultivated as an ornamental plant because of its beautiful inflorescence and long-lasting flowers.
Light Requirements
Eulophia pedicellata (L.f.) Spreng. requires moderately bright to full sunlight to grow properly. It thrives in a well-lit area with direct and indirect sunlight. The plant needs a minimum of six hours of sunlight daily to perform photosynthesis efficiently.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures and cannot tolerate extreme cold. The ideal temperature range for Eulophia pedicellata (L.f.) Spreng. is between 25-35°C. At temperatures below 18°C, the plant's growth is inhibited, and it may even die. The plant does well in hot and humid weather conditions and cannot withstand frost.
Soil Requirements
The plant thrives in well-drained and aerated soils that are rich in organic matter. The preferred soil pH range is 5.5-7.5, mildly acidic to slightly alkaline. It grows best in fertile soils that are deep and have good water retention capacity, as it makes it easier for the roots to absorb water and nutrients. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as this may lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods for Eulophia pedicellata
Eulophia pedicellata is an orchid species that thrives best in tropical and subtropical climates. It can be grown both outdoors and indoors, depending on your location and preference.
If you plan to grow this orchid indoors, ensure it receives sufficient sunlight and air circulation. It can be grown in a potting mix made of coarse sand, perlite, bark, and sphagnum moss.
For outdoor cultivation, ensure the plant is protected from direct sunlight and heavy rainfall. Eulophia pedicellata can be grown on a tree or a piece of bark with the aid of wire, or it can be planted in the ground with well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
Watering Needs for Eulophia pedicellata
The watering needs of Eulophia pedicellata vary based on the location and seasons. During the growing season, water the plant regularly but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Allow the potting mix or the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
In the dormant season, reduce the frequency of watering to prevent waterlogging. However, ensure the plant doesn't dry out completely, as it can lead to the death of the orchid.
Fertilization of Eulophia pedicellata
Eulophia pedicellata requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and blooming. Use a balanced fertilizer with a higher percentage of nitrogen during the growing season to encourage vegetative growth.
During the blooming season, use a fertilizer with a higher percentage of phosphorus to encourage flowering. Alternatively, you can use a fertilizer specifically formulated for orchids.
Ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions while fertilizing to avoid over-fertilization, which can burn the orchid's roots.
Pruning of Eulophia pedicellata
Eulophia pedicellata doesn't require frequent pruning. However, you can remove the spent blooms and yellowing leaves to promote healthy growth.
It's essential to use sanitized pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases. While pruning, ensure you don't damage the stem or the roots.
Propagation of Eulophia pedicellata
Eulophia pedicellata (L.f.) Spreng. is a terrestrial orchid species that can be propagated through several methods, including:
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagation for Eulophia pedicellata is through seeds. The seeds must be sown immediately after harvesting, as they have a short viability period. The seeds can be sowed in a pot or a seed tray filled with a well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix, and covered with a thin layer of soil. The pot or seed tray should be kept in a warm and humid place, away from direct sunlight. The seeds will start to germinate within a few weeks, and the seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots when they have developed two or three leaves.
Division
Eulophia pedicellata can also be propagated through the division of mature plants. This method involves separating the root system of the plant into several sections, each with at least one healthy pseudobulb and a few roots. The sections can be planted in individual pots filled with a well-draining potting mix and kept in a warm and humid place until new growth appears. This method of propagation is best done during the growing season, when the plant is actively producing new shoots.
Vegetative propagation
Another method of propagation for Eulophia pedicellata is through vegetative propagation. This method involves taking stem cuttings from the plant and rooting them in a well-draining potting mix. The stem cutting should be at least 10 cm long and should have at least one node. The cutting should be planted in a pot filled with potting mix and kept in a warm and humid place. Over time, the cutting will develop roots and new shoots, and it can be transplanted into an individual pot.
Disease and Pest Management for Eulophia pedicellata (L.f.) Spreng.
Eulophia pedicellata is a hardy plant that is not susceptible to many diseases or pests. However, certain factors can weaken the plant, making it vulnerable to attacks from pests and pathogens. Here are some common diseases and pests that may affect Eulophia pedicellata and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal Diseases: Eulophia pedicellata plants are susceptible to fungal infections such as Rhizoctonia and Fusarium. Symptoms of fungal infections include yellowing and wilting of leaves, stunted growth, and root rot. To manage fungal diseases, ensure proper drainage, avoid waterlogging, and reduce humidity. Also, remove infected plant parts and apply a fungicide on the remaining parts to prevent further spread of the fungus.
Pests
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are common pests that can affect Eulophia pedicellata. They appear as white, cottony masses on the plant, and they suck juices out of the leaves, resulting in curling and yellowing of leaves. To manage mealybugs, use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to wipe off the bugs or apply a neem oil spray.
Aphids: Aphids are another pest that can affect Eulophia pedicellata. They feed on plant sap, causing the plant to wilt and eventually die. To manage aphids, use a strong jet of water to wash off the bugs from the leaves or apply an insecticidal soap.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that cause noticeable webs on the plant. They feed on the plant sap, causing leaves to yellow and fall off. To control spider mites, increase humidity around the plant by misting the leaves or use an insecticide like neem oil spray.
In conclusion, Eulophia pedicellata is a relatively low maintenance plant when it comes to disease and pest management. Preventive measures such as proper drainage, reducing humidity, and good plant hygiene can go a long way in avoiding diseases and pests. However, in case of an infestation, timely intervention is crucial to prevent the spread of the problem.
