Ansellia

Family. Orchidaceae.

Origin. West Africa.

Description. Ansellia is one of the largest orchids, growing on trees in the subtropical regions of South Africa. This orchid is an epiphyte, meaning the entire plant, including the root system, grows above ground. The roots that attach the plant to the tree are specially adapted to absorb water and nutrients very quickly. It blooms in the dry winter months with yellow or greenish-yellow flowers with brown spots. In the wild, plants live a long time and can reach large sizes and weigh more than a ton.

White, needle-like aerial roots are the hallmark of these orchids. The spindle-shaped yellow pseudobulbs can reach gigantic sizes, up to 60 cm in length. The roots are very thick, as they need to support the weight of the plant. The pseudobulbs bear 6 to 7 narrow, lanceolate, folded, leathery leaves. The paniculate, branched inflorescence up to 85 cm long contains many (10 to 100) flowers with a delicate aroma, up to 6 cm in diameter. The flowers are showy but short-lived, rarely remaining open for more than 10 days, but are produced in abundance in good light throughout the year.

Height. Up to 90 cm.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Prefers a fairly moderate temperature - 18 - 20 ° C, decreasing at night to 10 - 14 ° C.

Lighting

Only a brightly lit place is suitable for keeping; lack of light affects flowering.

Care

It is necessary to give the plant a rest period of about 6 weeks in the fall for more luxuriant flowering. 

Substrate for orchids

Coarse fiber, 50% sphagnum and 50% pine bark.

Feeding

Once the growth period begins, feed your orchids weekly with high-nitrogen fertilizers. To encourage buds to appear, switch to nutrient solutions with increased potassium and phosphorus content.

Purpose

It is better to cultivate in a greenhouse. 

Flowering time

From December to January. These plants in habitat usually bloom at the end of a dry winter, however, in cultivation they can bloom at any time of the year and several times a year with good care, high light and a dormant period of 4 - 6 weeks every six months.

Air humidity

Loves frequent airing. Humidity is very high - about 70 percent. 

Water orchids at home

During the growth period, maintain moderate humidity (softened water!), during the dormant period, starting from the end of summer, keep it dry. In summer, water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. The plant should be kept dry during the winter months. 

Transfer

If necessary, planting ansellia in fresh soil is carried out as it grows or in order to change the substrate in the spring.

Reproduction

It reproduces by division, which is very difficult.

Pests and diseases

Ansellia loses leaves when attacked by spider mites or during prolonged drought.