Overview
Eulophia quartiniana A.Rich. is a species of orchid that belongs to the family Orchidaceae. This orchid is native to tropical and subtropical areas of Africa such as Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Uganda. It is a beautiful flowering plant that is valued for its ornamental qualities and medicinal properties.
Common Names
Eulophia quartiniana A.Rich. is known by many common names such as African rice orchid, Eulophia orchid, Spider orchid, and Wild coco yam.
Description
Eulophia quartiniana A.Rich. is a terrestrial orchid that can grow up to 80 cm in height. It has long, narrow leaves that are green and leathery in texture. The flowers of Eulophia quartiniana A.Rich. are borne on stalks that emerge from the base of the plant and they are arranged in an inflorescence that is long and erect. The flowers are typically green, yellow, or brown in color with some variation among individuals. The petals and sepals of the flower are elongated and form a hood over the column, while the lip is highly modified with various structures to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The flowers bloom in the late summer through fall and the flowers are fragrant.
Uses
Eulophia quartiniana A.Rich. has several uses both medicinal and non-medicinal. In traditional African medicine, this orchid is used to treat a variety of ailments such as fever, dysentery, constipation, and stomach infections. The tuberous roots are boiled and the resultant solution is taken orally. The orchid is also used as an ornamental plant owing to the beautiful flowers that it produces. Additionally, it can be used for landscaping purposes in gardens, homes, and other outdoor places.
Light Requirements
Eulophia quartiniana A.Rich. requires a significant amount of sunlight for its growth. It needs to be exposed to bright, direct light for at least six to eight hours every day to ensure optimal growth. Therefore, it is best to place the plant in a spot that receives direct sunlight throughout the day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives well in warm temperatures and is not tolerant to frosty conditions. The optimal temperature range for the growth of Eulophia quartiniana A.Rich. is between 18°C (64°F) to 27°C (80°F). Therefore, it is best to keep the plant in an environment where the temperature never falls below 10°C (50°F).
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil mixture that contains a combination of sand, perlite, and peat moss would be ideal for this plant. Additionally, it is crucial to maintain the pH of the soil at a mildly acidic level of about 5.5 to 6.5. Proper drainage is also critical to avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Eulophia quartiniana A.Rich. can be grown both indoors and outdoors. Select a suitable location with partial shade and well-draining soil. The plant can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it should be protected from frost and extreme heat.
The plant can be grown from seeds or divisions. If starting from seeds, sow them in a mixture of potting soil and sand, and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. After the seedlings emerge, thin them out to promote healthy growth. If using divisions, ensure that each division has sufficient roots and plant them in a pot filled with well-draining soil.
Watering Needs
Eulophia quartiniana A.Rich. prefers to be watered regularly but not excessively. Allow the soil to dry partially between watering sessions, and ensure that the pot or planting site has adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging. In hot weather, the plant may require more frequent watering, but avoid saturating the soil, as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilize Eulophia quartiniana A.Rich. sparingly, about once per month, during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant season. Over-fertilization can lead to weak leaf growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Eulophia quartiniana A.Rich. requires minimal pruning. Remove dead or damaged leaves as necessary to maintain the plant's appearance. Cut back the flowering stalks after they have finished blooming to encourage new growth. Divisions can also be made from healthy, mature plants, and the old stems and pseudobulbs can be removed to encourage the development of new shoots.
Propagation methods of Eulophia quartiniana A.Rich.
Eulophia quartiniana A.Rich., commonly known as Quartinian's orchid, is a terrestrial orchid found in Africa, Madagascar, and the Arabian Peninsula. Propagation of this plant is done by two main methods: seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed propagation
Seeds are the primary means of propagation for Eulophia quartiniana A.Rich. Orchid seeds are microscopic and require specialized growing conditions to germinate. The ideal time for collecting seeds is when the seed capsules have turned brown and are dry.
After collecting seeds, they should be sterilized in a 10% bleach solution for about ten minutes to prevent fungal contamination. After sterilizing, plant the seeds in a sterile medium such as sphagnum moss, peat moss, perlite, or vermiculite. Orchid seeds require a high level of humidity and warmth to germinate. The ideal temperature for germination is between 20-30 °C.
When the seeds germinate, wait until the seedlings have one or two leaves before transferring them into individual pots. The transferred seedling should be placed in a light shaded area.
Vegetative propagation
Eulophia quartiniana A.Rich. can also be propagated vegetatively. The plant can be propagated by dividing the mother plant. Firstly, choose a healthy mature plant that is free from pests and diseases. Secondly, remove the plant from the container, carefully shaking off the excess soil to expose the rhizome. Thirdly, divide the rhizomes into several sections, ensuring that each section has roots and pseudo-bulbs or growth points. Finally, re-plant each section in a pot with fresh soil mixture.
Dividing the rhizomes can be done at any time throughout the year. However, it is recommended to do it at the beginning of the growing season, preferably in early spring.
Disease and Pest Management of Eulophia quartiniana A.Rich.
Eulophia quartiniana A.Rich. is prone to various diseases and pests that can hamper its growth and development. It is crucial to manage these diseases and pests timely to keep the plant healthy and thriving.
Common Diseases
Bacterial Leaf Blight: This disease is caused by a bacterium that affects the leaves of the plant. The infected leaves turn yellow and develop brown watery spots.
Fungal Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by a fungus that causes small black spots on the leaves of the plant. The leaves may turn yellow and drop prematurely.
Root Rot: This disease is caused by fungi that thrive in moist soil conditions, leading to the decay of roots. The plant may wilt or droop, and the leaves may lose their color.
Pest Management
Spider Mites: These tiny arachnids can cause leaf yellowing, spotting, and webbing. Use a miticide to get rid of spider mites.
Caterpillars: These pests can chew on the leaves and damage the plant. Handpick the caterpillars and use insecticides to control them.
Snails and Slugs: These pests feed on leaves and stem of the plant, leaving behind irregular holes. Use slug and snail baits to control them.
Disease Management
Bacterial Leaf Blight: Remove and destroy all infected leaves. Use copper fungicides to manage bacterial leaf blight.
Fungal Leaf Spot: Remove and destroy all infected leaves. Use fungicides to manage fungal leaf spot.
Root Rot: Improve soil drainage and avoid overwatering. Use fungicides to prevent the occurrence of root rot.
Regular monitoring of the plant can help detect the diseases and pests early and manage them promptly. Maintaining proper humidity, watering, and nutrition levels can help improve the plant's overall health and prevent the onset of diseases and pests.
