Angraecum

Angraecum

To date 22 species of the Angraecum orchid are known. Explorers are still finding new species in the rainforests of Madagascar. They belong to the family of epiphytes.

These precious orchids release a sweet fragrance in the night air, attracting moths to pollinate them

They produce abundant sweet nectar that is located in narrow and deep tubes about 25 cm long.

Normally only accessible for those insects with very long tongues, such as the famous “sphinx moth” of Madagascar.

In the case of the Angraecum Sesquipedale it was observed that it had a 30cm long tube.

Charles Darwin thought that, since the nectar was at the bottom of the spur, there should be a pollinator with a tongue at least those centimeters long.

Otherwise, the orchid could not be pollinated. At that time the idea was discarded.

However, long after Darwin’s death, the predicted pollinator was discovered, a moth called Xanthopan Morganii Praedicta.

This insect had a tongue the size that was observed in the orchid.

This is a clear example of the dependence between the orchid and the pollinator.

Table Of Contents

• 1 How to grow the orchid Angraecum:
• 2 Ideal light
• 3 temperature
• 4 Irrigation
• 5  Nutrients And Fertilizers
• 6 Pots;

How to grow the orchid Angraecum:

We will see point by point everything necessary to take care of this type of orchid, if you follow them correctly it will be quite easy to maintain it and make it bloom.

Ideal light for the orchid Angraecum:

As the Angraecum are epiphytic orchids, that is, they grow on top of the trees and receive a lot of light , they must be given the maximum available light. As in most orchids never in direct sunlight. You can put mesh or some fabric that diffuses sunlight.

Temperature

They need a medium-high temperature (15-28 ºC). The species come from different climates and altitudes, so there is some variation in the temperature requirements. The best are intermediate temperatures.

Irrigation

The Angraecum orchids should dry the substrate between irrigations. When they are small if they need constant humidity. Water these orchids when you notice the substrate dry or a little earlier if they are in bloom . They like to dry more or less quickly, so use a mixture of substrate that drains well. The medium or thick bark of the spruce is ideal. You can also use a moisture retention medium such as Sphagnum moss, but using a clay pot.

Nutrients And Fertilizers;

It can be applied from April to September in ¼ of the recommendation of the brand, it pays these plants every third irrigation. When you arrive at the end of August and September you should irrigate with a fertilizer with a higher concentration of potash (quantity ¼ and every third irrigation)

This will strengthen the Angraecum orchid to spend the darkest months of winter. Fertilization should stop at the end of October and should not be given until the following winter (Feb / Mar.

Pots

The Angraecum orchid is naturally epiphytic and can be grown in a basket or placed on a tree bark.

If it is planted in pots, you will need open-grade compost or bark that allows rapid drainage . Keep in mind that it will be necessary to change the pot if it becomes too small for the plant. This will be done in the spring.

If it is grown in baskets or bark it can be left for two to three years or until it becomes unmanageable before being planted again. The medium or thick bark of the spruce is ideal.