Anguloa

Family. Orchidaceae.

Where does it grow? Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, where they live in forested areas with distinct wet and dry seasons.

Description. Anguloa or sleeping baby is a terrestrial and sometimes epiphytic orchid up to 1 m high with fleshy pseudobulbs about 20 cm long. Large bright green lanceolate leaves are located at the base of the pseudobulb in 2 - 4 groups, look impressive in combination with pink or yellow waxy flowers. Like all orchids, it has an exotic appearance even during the growing season. This genus is sometimes called tulip orchids. The flowers have a strong cinnamon scent, very large (up to 5 - 8 cm). The sepals have a convex shape, reminiscent of a tulip. The lip is three-lobed. Currently, many hybrid forms with other genera have been bred.

Height.  Up to 1 m. 

Home care

Temperature conditions

Prefers fairly cool conditions, welcomes daily temperature differences. Suitable range at night is 10°C in winter and 18°C ​​in summer evenings. Daytime temperatures should not exceed 26°C in summer and 18°C ​​in winter.

Lighting

Keep in bright light, but without direct sunlight.

Care

Growing this miracle flower is a troublesome task. The plant does not like waterlogging and grows well if the substrate includes crushed pine bark. 

Substrate for orchids

Use a mixture of bark and perlite with charcoal or coarse peat. Good drainage is necessary.

Feeding

Every 2 weeks, very responsive to feeding.

Purpose

A spectacular orchid with a long flowering period.

Flowering time

May – July, flowering period lasts from 2 to 4 weeks.

Air humidity

Humidity is critical to growing anguloa, but misting is not a good idea as it will stain the leaves, so simply place the pot on a tray of damp gravel.

Water orchids at home

Watering is regular, but the substrate must have time to dry before the next watering. In winter it goes into a dormant state, so at this time it is necessary to reduce watering and place the plant in a cool place.

Transfer

In late winter - early spring in pots with large drainage holes. 

Reproduction

Propagated by clubs or division in the fall.

Pests and diseases

Among the harmful insects, aphids, scale insects and spider mites are sometimes found.