How do you grow your Angraecum sesquipedale/magdalenae?

[peeweelovesbooks]

I have one of each and would like to know in what type of environment they grow best? Potted or mounted? If potted, what type of medium do you use? Light requirements? Fertilizing?

Thanks in advance and Merry Christmas!!

[Ross]

First of all, Merry Christmas to you.

Second of all, I do not grow these particular Angraecoides, but have lots of others.

A. sesquipedale is sometimes called the "king of Angraecums because of its potential size. While the main plant can sometimes get to 100cm long (tall) it usually is much less. The blossoms are typically large, opening green, but turning white. This is an epiphyte growing on the bark of large trees in Madagascar. If you have the room, I would grow it mounted on cork bark or a large mount. If not, then in a coarse bark chunk medium in an open pot (like a net basket). I would also keep it very humid, but allow the roots to dry off well, before watering next time. Every watering week fertilizer is good (like the MSU blend mixed in RO water to 125ppm Nitrogen concentration.) Light should be bright, but not full sun, perhaps 3000 foot-candles? Say, a south window with some protection against midday sun.

A. magdalenae - this is much different in that it tends to be smaller, somewhat clumping and is actually a lithophyte (grows on rocks and detritis in rock crevises.) It rarely grows taller than 35cm. Spikes have typically 1-2 flowers, smaller than the previous species. It comes from Madagascar as well. It was originally discovered by Madelaine Drouhard, thus the species name. I would definitely suggest mounting this one, perhaps on cork bark. If potted, I would use a granite/marble chunk substrate with a small amount of fine bark or shredded tree fern mixed in. You want a fast drying mix. Feel free to fertilize with every watering just as above. This species tends to grow in shady locations, so I would keep it at 1500-2000 foot-candles, or so. This is easy with lights. Could also be a east or west window with limited sun. An hour or so of sun shouldn't hurt it. Watch leaf color. If it gets purplish, then move it away from the sun. Very humid is also a suggestion.

Hope these suggestions help. The descriptions come from Angraecoid Orchids, by Stewart, Hermans and Campbell (my favorite reference for Angraecoides). As I stated, I have a lot of personal experience with small Angraecoides (Angraecum, Aerangis, etc.) in a very humid orchidarium. Check out my Blog for more info.

[peeweelovesbooks]

Thanks! This is actually very helpful information. I do have room. So basically, the sesquipedale is larger and can be grown on mounts, and likes a brighter light, whereas a magdalenae would prefer potting with shadier conditions.

Interesting. I am definitely going to check out the book.

[mollycart1]

These are my favorites and I have had them for over 4 years. Once they adapted your environment or you created the environment they like, it is rewarding.

I am very fortunate to be able to grow my chids under HID lights. They seems to like the environment.
Very showy flowers with nice scent during the night.

[dave b]

I grow my A. sesquipedale potted. They could be mounted, but rarely are they grown this way. In fact, ive never seen one mounted, not saying some folks dont do it. As an indoor (non greenhouse) grower, potted is the way to go. They get large, dont send out upper aerial roots for some time, and would have to be tied to the mount. They prefer warm temps, and i keep it moist, slightly drying out between waterings. Always grown it in bark mixes, currently in a course mix with sphagnum added for moisture in a 6" clay pot. They dont like their roots disturbed, so let them be for a while in their pots. Ive freshened the mix of the one shown here, buy manually removing the mix from the pot, carefully leaving all live roots be. Shes happy. No temps below 60ish, high light, some full sun, outside during the summer under trees receiving dappled sun and even some full sun. Once acclimated, they can take very high light. It really thrives when outside in the elements and the rain. Southern exposure in winter receiving full sun when its out. Got this one years ago as a little baby, and its blooming (almost)for the first time. 24 inch wing span on the leaves.

A. magdalenae...dont have one. Note that they are considered cool to intermediate. Lower light, cool dry rest in winter (months in the wild) to induce blooming. Warm and no cool dry rest for sesquipedale.

[peeweelovesbooks]

dave,

that looks gorgeous....how long have you had it?

[dave b]

Originally Posted by peeweelovesbooks

dave,

that looks gorgeous....how long have you had it?

Thanks. Three or four years.

[Sandy4453]

Since I'm not having too much luck finding answers about Angraecum magdalebae, maybe someone here will see this and confirm for me a couple of questions I have.

Just received mine today. I've read that these are very tempermental and don't like their roots distrubed so, should I unpot this and slowly soak it to remove the old medium? Was thinking of potting this in Hydroton with something organic, possibly tree fern. Water once a month and inbetween, weekly spraying? Would this work?

[Weebl]

If you were to re-pot I would suggest waiting till spring with the coinciding new growth.

[kiki-do]

Originally Posted by Sandy4453

Since I'm not having too much luck finding answers about Angraecum magdalebae, maybe someone here will see this and confirm for me a couple of questions I have.

Just received mine today. I've read that these are very tempermental and don't like their roots distrubed so, should I unpot this and slowly soak it to remove the old medium? Was thinking of potting this in Hydroton with something organic, possibly tree fern. Water once a month and inbetween, weekly spraying? Would this work?

Hi Sandy,
I've had the magdalenae since May of 2008. How are you doing with yours now? I find this one a very slow grower. I don't have enough humidity for it, but still love it enough to try and make it work out here. It has doubled in size since I got it, but no signs of being ready to bloom. It alive, so I take that as a plus.