Angraecum

Family. Orchidaceae.

Motherland. Tropical West Africa Madagascar.

Description of the orchid. There are about 220 species of orchids of the genus Angraecum, and more and more of them are being discovered in the forests of Madagascar. They are monopodial orchids, mostly evergreen and epiphytic. The shoots are drooping or erect, with elongated internodes, up to 1 m long. The leaves are dark green, semi-rigid, linear, leathery, oblong, 22 - 30 cm long, about 3 cm wide, arranged on the stem in 2 rows. The peduncles are pale green, bearing 2 to 6 flowers. The flowers are white, green or yellowish-green, large, fleshy, star-shaped, waxy, and exude a strong spicy aroma at night. The main distinguishing feature of angraecum flowers is that they have a very long spur containing nectar. The sepals and petals are pointed, 7-9 cm long. The lips are concave, 6.5-8 cm, wide at the base. The roots are thick, grayish in color. Angraecum grows rather slowly. The second name of the plant - "Christmas orchid" is associated with the flowering period.

Height. Up to 1 m. 

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Angraecum prefer moderately warm conditions all year round or a slight decrease in temperature in winter.

Flowering time

House orchids bloom from November to January. It is possible to artificially stimulate the onset of flowering of angraecum using daily temperature changes in the range of 12 - 14  ° C  while simultaneously drying the soil.

Lighting

In a very bright but not sunny place, protect from direct sunlight. If the daylight hours are insufficient, illumination using fluorescent lamps is possible. 

Watering angraecum

Water moderately with soft water. Try not to allow water to stagnate at the base of the leaves, as this will cause rot.

How to care

Quite a demanding plant, not suitable for beginners. Some types of angraecums require a fairly significant difference in day and night temperatures.

Substrate for orchids

A mixture of coconut fibers, charcoal, perlite and some pine bark. 

Feeding

An orchid in a pot has a limited feeding area and needs additional feeding. Every 14 days, even in the cold months, angraecum is fed with orchid fertilizers.

Purpose

Angraecum is one of the most beautiful orchids in the world. Thrives in a “tropical” window flower garden or greenhouse, and looks great in a hanging basket.

Air humidity

Keep at high air humidity, likes frequent ventilation. Spraying for angraecum is necessary once or twice a day. You can place the pot on a tray with wet pebbles. 

Transfer

In unglazed clay pots with large drainage holes, once every 2-3 years.

Reproduction

Propagation is by division, but it is difficult.

Pests and diseases

Angraecums rot easily when overwatered. Fungus due to  excessive dampness.

Of the harmful insects, the flower can be disturbed by aphids, spider mites, and scale insects.