Angraecum spikes failing without fail.

[BrassavolaStars]

Hello all,

I have run into a problem lately that I can’t seem to figure out.

Lately, every Angraecum that I’ve had go into spike has had the spike yellow and dry up half way through development as buds start to show. Why is this happening?

All the Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, Oncidiums, Phals, Neofinitia, Aeranthes, and even Masds have successfully went from having new growth to flowers without any issues. I even have about a dozen Catts and Dens +more in bloom now that I got with or without spikes..

So far, I’ve only been able to bloom one Angraecum successfully and that one was already in bud and opening when I got it. All the others I’ve had went into spike, but then yellowed and either went brown or dried up.

What is going on? Angraecums are my favorites and I want to be able to enjoy them in bloom.

Currently, my greenhouse temperature averages at around 71F with 78F during the day on warm days and 65F at night. The humidity is consistent at around 60% and I water every 5-7 days depending on the weather. I do have an electric heater that blows hot air around, but it doesn’t seem to be blowing near the Angraecums. The greenhouse also does not leak water and it’s been relatively sunny this week. None of the Angraecums show any leaf shriveling or classic signs of dehydration.

[signin1234]

Originally Posted by BrassavolaStars

I water every 5-7 days.

Too many unknown variables to really say for sure, but that sounds like a long time for them to go between watering in your relatively warm growing conditions.

[BrassavolaStars]

Originally Posted by signin1234

Too many unknown variables to really say for sure, but that sounds like a long time for them to go between watering in your relatively warm growing conditions.

That could certainly be possible. Do Angraecums need significantly more water than Phals, Oncidiums or Dendrobiums? I know that mounted plants or plants in baskets need to be watered as often as daily but the Angraecums I have are potted in moss or a bark and moss mixture. Although I do not see any shriveling on the leaves or roots, it is not unlikely that they may need more water while in spike to support the developing flowers and maybe the spikes are the first to show signs of dehydration.

Not that this is particularly important, but outside the greenhouse, it is quite cold (32f/0c) and it is often overcast which makes the greenhouse the same 63f all day and all night.