Angraecum Veitchii

[SherriMac]

Can anyone tell me how to grow this orchid? Mine is about 12 years old and big....it has 4 flower spikes on it. I just got it about 2 weeks ago. The place that I got it from just had gotten it in and didnt have any info on how to grow it.....

[Triffid]

This might help.

Orchid of the Week Library: Angraecum Veitchii

I love Search Engines
Pretty Plant but the way!

[Jbyron]

I have several. They seem to like a bright conditions almost like a Catt. The flowers are sensitive to bruising once they are opened so be gentle. They will fill your house with fragrance in the evening. I separated a kiki and repotted both plants and it seemed to stop them from flowering for a year.

[SherriMac]

Thanks! How about watering and what about fertilizer? Do you like some website that would be helpful for me to read about them?

[Jbyron]

I treat them the same as my other orchids, just be careful not over water them since they do take a large and heavy pot because of their size. Therefore, it drys more slowly.

I leave a bamboo skewer in the pot and pull it out to check if they need watering. You can often tell the condition of the media as well. If the skewer is stained brown, it is likely time to repot.

[SherriMac]

Thanks for the info. Its not in a very big pot and is top heavy. I put it in another ceramic pot (did not repot just put plastic pot in) and put that in a basket (to hide the ceramic pot that was ugly)and it seems to be doing ok as far as being top heavy..does look good like that! Its planted in a plastic tall pot that is about an 8 inch with lots of roots....when is a good time to repot? It still has all those spikes on it. I will try the bamboo skewer. That is a good idea! Also what about fertilizer? I put some worm tea on it and last time I watered it I put 6-30-30 on it. Can you think of any websites that I can get more info?

[Jbyron]

As long as the plant is in spike, I would not to change conditions too much. Wait until it has stopped blooming before you repot or do anything regarding changes in fertilizer. Since it is a large plant with lots of leaf area and a relatively small pot, it can dry out quickly. If it is getting a few hours of diffused sunlight each day, you may want to water more often. If your house is dry with winter coming on it will also contribute to rapid transpiration of water. Since you just got the plant, you may want to ask that person the conditions under which it was grown. Generally speaking, if you are comfortable, the plant will be as well.
The fertilizer you are using should be OK as long as it is weak solution. The rule Weakly, Weekly is valid. Once new leaf growth starts, I'd switch to a fertilizer with a higher nitrogen content. I hope that helps.

[Jbyron]

I'd suggest http://culturesheet.org/orchidaceae:...m:sesquipedale

You will see the moth that is capable of fertilizing this flower. It is amazing!

[SherriMac]

How helpful you are! Thank you so much!

[KWDragon]

Originally Posted by SherriMac

Can anyone tell me how to grow this orchid? Mine is about 12 years old and big....it has 4 flower spikes on it. I just got it about 2 weeks ago. The place that I got it from just had gotten it in and didnt have any info on how to grow it.....

Well here in South Florida...they need LOTS of water and conditions somewhere between that of Cattleyas and Vandas! In other words, like a catt, water then let then dry out a bit (depending on mix), if you are growing mounted, water everyday during the summer, about twice a week during winter; if potted in bark, about half that much! Angreacum Veitchii likes a 20-18-17 (20-20-20) during the growth cycle and about Halloween or so switch to 15-30-15 for the bloom cycle that usually begins sometime near Christmas...Like Vandas, these plants are very hungry and should be fed weekly at 1/2 to 3/4 strength ALL YEAR LONG!...again I am in South Florida, so you might want to adjust a bit for your cooler conditions.

KWDragon