Origin
Eulophia tabularis (L.f.) Bolus is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Orchidaceae family. It is native to southern Africa and can be found in a variety of different habitats ranging from savannas to forests.
Common Names
Eulophia tabularis goes by several common names depending on the region including the Large-Leafed Eulophia, Flat-Stemmed Eulophia, Steve Biko's Eulophia, and umdoni in Zulu.
Appearance
The Eulophia tabularis plant can reach a height of 120 cm and grows from a fleshy underground tuber. The stem is flattened and produces long, ribbed, and glossy leaves that grow up to 35 cm in length and 12 cm in width. The plant also produces spikes of up to 20 tightly-packed flowers that are typically dark purple or brown. The lip of the flower is wide and deeply 3-lobed.
Uses
The tuber of the Eulophia tabularis plant has been used for various medicinal purposes such as treating venereal diseases, fever, and headaches. The plant is also used in traditional African medicine as a remedy for infertility. In addition, the leaves of the plant are used in basket weaving due to their long and durable nature. The plant is sometimes grown as an ornamental due to its striking appearance.
Light requirements:
Eulophia tabularis (L.f.) Bolus requires full sunlight for optimal growth and development. It should be planted in an area that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature requirements:
The plant prefers warm temperatures and can tolerate temperatures as high as 35°C. The minimum temperature required for growth is around 18°C. It is not suitable for regions with frost or extreme cold conditions.
Soil requirements:
Eulophia tabularis (L.f.) Bolus grows well in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The pH range of the soil should be between 6.0-7.5. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. However, it does not grow well in clay soils. It is important to ensure that the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging.
Cultivation methods:
Eulophia tabularis (L.f.) Bolus is a terrestrial orchid found growing in grasslands, rocky outcrops, and savannas. It prefers well-drained soils with medium moisture content. The plant can be cultivated in pots, raised beds, or directly in garden soil. It requires partial shade during the hottest parts of the day and a minimum temperature range of 10 to 15 degrees Celsius.
Watering needs:
Eulophia tabularis (L.f.) Bolus requires regular watering from spring to fall, and it should be done regularly to prevent the soil from drying completely. Overwatering or waterlogging should be avoided because the plant can be susceptible to root rot. During the winter, the plant should be kept dry, with watering only when required to prevent complete drying of the soil. However, care should be taken not to let the soil dry out completely during the winter dormancy period.
Fertilization:
Eulophia tabularis (L.f.) Bolus requires regular fertilization during the growing season. A balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 can be used at half strength every two weeks. Over-fertilization can damage the plant, and care should be taken to follow the instructions on the package. During the winter dormant period, fertilization should be discontinued.
Pruning:
Eulophia tabularis (L.f.) Bolus requires minimal pruning as it naturally sheds its old leaves. Dead or diseased leaves can be removed from the plant to promote healthy growth. Flower spikes can be cut back after flowering, leaving about an inch of the stem to promote new growth. The plant should not be cut back to the ground as it can damage the underground tubers. Additionally, cutting back the aerial stem will prevent the plant from forming a new flower spike the following year.
Propagation of Eulophia tabularis (L.f.) Bolus
Eulophia tabularis (L.f.) Bolus is an evergreen terrestrial orchid species found in Southern Africa. This orchid species can be propagated through different methods including:
Division
The easiest method to propagate Eulophia tabularis (L.f.) Bolus is through division. This method is best done during the plant’s dormant period in the early spring before the beginning of new growth. Start by gently lifting the plant from soil, removing all dirt and carefully separating the clumps. Trim off any dead or damaged roots and replant them into a smaller pot or container filled with well-draining potting mix.
Keiki propagation
Keiki propagation is another method that can be used to propagate Eulophia tabularis (L.f.) Bolus. Keiki is a Hawaiian term for "baby" or "child," and in the case of orchids, it means a plantlet that grows on a flower stalk. To propagate this orchid using keiki method, allow the plant to produce a keiki until it has a few aerial roots and a couple of leaves. Carefully remove the keiki from the mother plant and plant it in its container filled with orchid potting mix.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is a challenging method for Eulophia tabularis (L.f.) Bolus. Seeds of this orchid species require a fungus to germinate, which must be present in the soil or introduced during the sowing process. The seeds are best sown in the fall and should be kept moist and warm until germination. This method requires patience and expertise to get the seeds to grow properly.
Disease and Pest Management for Eulophia tabularis (L.f.) Bolus
Eulophia tabularis (L.f.) Bolus is a terrestrial tropical orchid commonly found in Africa. In order to maintain optimal growth and vigor, the plant must be protected from various pests and diseases. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggested ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Bacterial Soft Rot: This disease is caused by bacteria and can cause the plant to rot and collapse. The infected leaves turn yellow and wilt, and the stem can become soft and water-soaked. To manage bacterial soft rot, remove the infected parts of the plant and treat with a copper-based fungicide. Improve air circulation and avoid overwatering to prevent the disease from spreading.
Fungal Leaf Spot: This disease is caused by fungal infection and can cause yellow or dark spots on the leaves, which can grow and merge together. To manage fungal leaf spot, improve air circulation, remove infected leaves, and treat the plant with a fungicide. Avoid overhead watering and reduce humidity to prevent infection.
Common Pests
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny insects that can be found on the plant leaves and cause yellow or white speckles. To manage spider mites, remove heavily infected leaves and wash the plant with insecticidal soap. Increase the humidity around the plant with a humidifier or by placing a tray of water nearby to prevent further infestation.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars can chew holes in leaves and cause extensive damage to the plant. To manage caterpillars, handpick them off the plant and apply a Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) insecticide to the leaves. This treatment is effective but must be repeated to catch any missed eggs or newly hatched larvae.
Scale Insects: Scale insects can infest the leaves and stem, which will cause yellowing and stunting of the plant's growth. To manage scale insects, remove the affected leaves and treat the plant with a horticultural oil. The oil will suffocate the insects and prevent further infestation.
By following these pest and disease management techniques, you can ensure healthy growth of Eulophia tabularis (L.f.) Bolus and a beautiful display of blooms.
