Eulophia Pisciceliana Buscal. & Schltr.

Overview of Eulophia Pisciceliana Buscal. & Schltr.

Eulophia Pisciceliana Buscal. & Schltr. is a species of terrestrial orchid native to the Philippines. It is also known commonly as the Philippine ground orchid.

General Appearance

Eulophia Pisciceliana Buscal. & Schltr. typically grows up to 50 to 80 cm tall and has elongated pseudobulbs that are 2 to 3 cm in diameter. The leaves are large and oval-shaped, growing up to 15 cm long and 8 cm wide. The inflorescence is a long, erect raceme that can produce up to 40 or more flowers. The flowers are coloured cream to light green, with a lip that is white and purple. They have a sweet fragrance that is most noticeable during the day.

Uses of Eulophia Pisciceliana Buscal. & Schltr.

The Philippine ground orchid has a variety of uses in traditional medicine. The plant is known to have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties and has been used to treat sore throat, fever, and other common ailments. The flowers of the plant are also used to make a fragrant perfume. Additionally, the Philippine ground orchid is grown as a decorative plant and is commonly found in gardens and parks throughout the Philippines.

Eulophia Pisciceliana Buscal. & Schltr. is considered a threatened species due to habitat loss and over-collection. As such, it is important to preserve and protect this species for its ecological and cultural significance.

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Light Requirements

Eulophia pisciceliana Buscal. & Schltr. prefers bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some amount of direct sunlight in the morning or evening, but too much direct sunlight can harm the plant.

Temperature Requirements

Eulophia pisciceliana Buscal. & Schltr. thrives in warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range for this plant is 20°C to 30°C, with a minimum temperature of 15°C. It cannot survive in temperatures below 10°C.

Soil Requirements

This plant requires well-draining soil with good airflow. The soil should contain peat moss, perlite, and other organic materials to ensure adequate drainage and aeration. Eulophia pisciceliana Buscal. & Schltr. thrives in slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5.

Water Requirements

Eulophia pisciceliana Buscal. & Schltr. requires consistent moisture in the soil, but avoid over-watering as it can cause fungal growth and root rot. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During periods of active growth, the plant may require more frequent watering.

Fertilizer Requirements

Feed Eulophia pisciceliana Buscal. & Schltr. with balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Reduce the frequency of fertilizer during the dormant period. Avoid using too much fertilizer as it can harm the plant.

Cultivation

Eulophia pisciceliana Buscal. & Schltr. is a terrestrial orchid that is native to the Philippines. It grows in areas with medium to bright light and high humidity. The plant can be grown outdoors in tropical and subtropical climates or indoors in a greenhouse or terrarium.

The ideal soil for Eulophia pisciceliana should be well-draining, rich in organic matter, and have good aeration. When planting, ensure that the pseudobulbs are covered with soil up to their bases, leaving the top of the pseudobulbs exposed.

Watering Needs

Eulophia pisciceliana Buscal. & Schltr. requires moderate watering. Water the plant as soon as the top inch of the soil becomes dry to the touch. In areas of high humidity, watering may be required once or twice a week. On the other hand, in areas with low humidity, watering once every ten days may suffice. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other bacterial or fungal diseases.

Fertilization

For Eulophia pisciceliana Buscal. & Schltr., apply a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing period. Use a fertilizer with a ratio of 20-20-20 or 10-10-10 to provide appropriate nutrients to the plant. When fertilizing, dilute the solution to half the recommended strength to avoid fertilizer burn, which can cause root damage and deform the leaves.

Pruning

Eulophia pisciceliana Buscal. & Schltr. does not require pruning. However, removing dead leaves and pseudobulbs is crucial to maintain the plant's health and prevent bacterial or fungal infections from spreading to other parts of the plant. Prune at the base of the pseudobulb with disinfected cutting tools.

Propagation of Eulophia pisciceliana Buscal. & Schltr.

Eulophia pisciceliana Buscal. & Schltr. can be propagated through various methods such as:

Division of Pseudobulbs

The common method of propagation of Eulophia pisciceliana Buscal. & Schltr. is through the division of pseudobulbs. Pseudobulbs are underground storage structures that contain stored water and nutrients. The pseudobulbs should be divided in such a way that each division contains at least one healthy pseudobulb. The divided pseudobulbs should be planted in well-drained soil with partial shade. Watering should be moderate until new growth appears.

Seeds

Eulophia pisciceliana Buscal. & Schltr. can also be propagated through the use of seeds. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil mixed with sand or perlite. The seeds should be kept moist and in partial shade until they germinate. Germination can take from two weeks to two months. Once germinated, the seedlings should be gradually exposed to more light and less moisture.

Tissue Culture

Tissue culture is also a viable propagation method for Eulophia pisciceliana Buscal. & Schltr. In this method, small pieces of plant tissue are taken and grown in a sterile environment. Tissue culture offers the advantage of producing a large number of plants in a relatively short time, and also allows for the selection of disease-free plants. However, tissue culture requires specialized equipment and expertise.

Disease Management

Eulophia pisciceliana Buscal. & Schltr. is generally a hardy plant and not susceptible to any significant disease. However, some common diseases that might affect the plant are bacterial and fungal infections. Bacterial infections can cause soft rot in the roots and stem of the plant, while fungal infections can lead to leaf spots, blights, and root rot.

To manage bacterial infections, it is advisable to use a solution of copper fungicide. This helps in keeping the bacteria from spreading and causing severe damage to the plant. Fungal infections can be managed by removing the infected parts of the plant, and spraying with a fungicide like a neem oil solution.

Pest Management

Eulophia pisciceliana Buscal. & Schltr. may also be affected by pests such as mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Mites are tiny insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing leaves to turn yellow and curl, while mealybugs and aphids suck sap and excrete a sticky substance that attracts ants.

To manage mites, it is advisable to regularly spray the plant with sulfuric acid, which helps in keeping the pest from multiplying. Alternatively, one can use insecticidal soap mixed with water to deter the mites. Mealybugs and aphids can be managed by wiping them off with a damp cloth and spraying the plant with a solution of a neem oil solution, which helps in killing both pests without causing any harm to the plant.