Origin
Eulophia seleensis (De Wild.) Butzin var. seleensis is a type of orchid that is native to Cameroon, specifically in the southeastern part of the country where it grows in the undergrowth of the rainforest.
Common Names
Eulophia seleensis is commonly known as Sele's Eulophia or Sele's Giant Orchid in reference to its place of origin and its large size.
Uses
The plant is mainly used for medicinal purposes in traditional herbal medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, gonorrhea, and respiratory diseases. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and is used to ease the symptoms of arthritis and joint pain. Some communities also use the plant for spiritual purposes. The stem of the plant has been used in the production of a traditional musical instrument in Cameroon.
General Appearance
Eulophia seleensis is a terrestrial orchid that can grow up to a height of 1 meter. It has long and narrow leaves that grow from the base of the stem and can reach a length of up to 90cm. The flowers of the plant grow on a long and sturdy stem and can be up to 8cm in diameter. The flowers are typically white and have a pink center that adds to their ornamental value. The plant often blooms during the rainy season between July and September and goes dormant in the dry months.
Light Requirements
Eulophia seleensis (De Wild.) Butzin var. seleensis requires moderately bright light for proper growth and development. It can tolerate partial shade but performs the best under full sunlight. The plant should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight exposure per day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in a warm environment with a temperature range of 20-32°C (68-90°F). The minimum temperature requirement for the plant to survive is 15°C (59°F), while the maximum temperature should not exceed 37°C (98°F). The plant cannot tolerate frost and should not be exposed to freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Eulophia seleensis (De Wild.) Butzin var. seleensis grows well in well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and should not be allowed to dry out completely. The plant prefers sandy or loamy soil with good water retention. A soil mixture of sand, perlite, and peat moss is an ideal growing medium for the plant.
Cultivation Methods of Eulophia seleensis (De Wild.) Butzin var. seleensis
The plant Eulophia seleensis (De Wild.) Butzin var. seleensis is a terrestrial orchid that can be grown in pots or in the garden. The ideal growing conditions for this plant include bright, indirect light and well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. The plant prefers warm temperatures between 20-35°C and high humidity.
When growing Eulophia seleensis in pots, it is essential to use a potting mix that provides excellent drainage, such as one composed of bark, perlite, and charcoal. You should also place a layer of pebbles or stones at the bottom of the pot to aid with drainage.
Watering Needs of Eulophia seleensis (De Wild.) Butzin var. seleensis
The watering needs of Eulophia seleensis (De Wild.) Butzin var. seleensis depend on the environmental conditions. If the plant is grown in a pot, it should be watered thoroughly but allowed to dry out slightly between watering. If the plant is grown in the garden, it may need more frequent watering, especially during extended periods of hot and dry weather.
It is important to note that this plant prefers moist soil, but it should not be left to sit in standing water. Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, leading to the plant's death.
Fertilizing Eulophia seleensis (De Wild.) Butzin var. seleensis
When growing Eulophia seleensis (De Wild.) Butzin var. seleensis, it is essential to apply a balanced orchid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. This plant benefits from a fertilizer with higher nitrogen content during the vegetative phase and higher phosphorus content during the flowering stage. Avoid fertilizing the plant during dormancy.
Over-fertilization can cause damage to the roots or lead to the growth of excessive foliage with few blooms. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the instructions on the fertilizer carefully.
Pruning Eulophia seleensis (De Wild.) Butzin var. seleensis
The pruning requirements for Eulophia seleensis (De Wild.) Butzin var. seleensis are minimal. Dead or damaged leaves should be removed to maintain the plant's health and appearance. In general, the plant does not require extensive pruning, as it can lead to stress and reduced blooming.
However, if the plant becomes too large for the pot or the garden space, it can be divided during the dormant season. This will also help to rejuvenate the plant, stimulate new growth, and promote better blooming.
Propagation methods of Eulophia seleensis var. seleensis
Eulophia seleensis var. seleensis is a terrestrial orchid species that occurs naturally in the tropical forests of Africa. It is a beautiful plant that can be propagated through two main methods, as follows:
Division
The plant can be propagated through division as it forms clumps over time. Clumps can be carefully divided into individual sections during the dormant season. Use a sterile, sharp knife, and ensure that each section has at least two or three healthy pseudobulbs. Place the divided sections in a well-draining, sterile potting mix and water regularly. After some time, the new plants should start producing new shoots.
Seed propagation
Propagation of Eulophia seleensis var. seleensis from seed is also possible. However, it requires more effort and patience. The plant produces small seeds that lack endosperm, so they require symbiotic fungi to germinate. Collect the mature capsules, remove the seeds, and clean them carefully. Plant the seeds in a sterile, well-draining potting mix with added sterilized sand. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a shaded area with good air circulation. After a few weeks, a symbiotic fungus will appear, and a small protocorm will develop from the seed. Continue to care for the seedlings, and they will develop into mature plants in a few years.
Disease Management
Eulophia seleensis is a relatively disease-resistant plant. However, it may still fall prey to certain diseases.
Fusarium Wilt: Fusarium wilt is caused by Fusarium oxysporum fungus. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and death of the entire plant. Fusarium wilt can be managed by planting disease-free seeds or plants, maintaining soil moisture, and avoiding over-fertilization.
Botrytis Blight: Botrytis blight is caused by Botrytis cinerea fungus. Symptoms include brown spots or lesions on leaves, stems, and flowers, aerial blight, and wilting. Botrytis blight can be managed by practicing good sanitation, avoiding over-irrigation, and removing infected plant parts promptly.
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporiodes fungus. Symptoms include black, sunken spots on leaves, stems, and flowers, and wilting of leaves. Anthracnose can be prevented by maintaining good air circulation around plants, avoiding overhead irrigation, and removing infected plant parts.
Pest Management
Eulophia seleensis may attract some pests such as:
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from leaves and stems. Symptoms of aphid infestation include yellowing or distorted leaves and sticky honeydew on leaves. Aphids can be managed by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water, releasing predatory insects like ladybugs or lacewings, or using insecticidal soap.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that suck plant sap, causing yellowing and stippling of leaves. Symptoms of spider mite infestation include fine webbing around leaves and buds. Spider mites can be managed by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water, releasing predatory insects like ladybugs or lacewings, or using insecticidal soap.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that suck plant sap, causing yellowing and wilting of leaves. Symptoms of mealybug infestation include white, cottony masses on leaves or stems. Mealybugs can be managed by spraying the plant with a strong jet of water, releasing predatory insects like ladybugs or lacewings, or using insecticidal soap.
It is advisable to monitor the plant regularly for any signs of disease or pest infestation, and take prompt action to manage them. Regular maintenance practices such as cleaning of gardening tools, removing dead plant debris, and proper disposal of infected plant parts can also help prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
