Angraecum Longiscott loosing leaves--please help - Orchid Board

Judi · #1 12-22-2009, 06:30 PM

I purchased an Angraecum Lingiscott in bloom this past September--it is my first attempt to grow anything in the Vanda alliance so I am really new to this. Anyway I noticed it started to drop leaves about 2 weeks ago--until then it seemed perfectly happy and growing. With all the madness of December, I didn't pay much attention to it until today. It is hung in a vanda basket and growing in a potting mix recommended for this plant. It gets bright light from outside and also light from artificial plant lights. Since winter I have been misting daily and watering more frequently; it is in a dual core clear plastic slotted pot. Today I was on a stepstool hanging decorations and realized the air at this height is much drier and warmer than I expected. To my horror the humidity was down to 35% at the plant's base when I checked it (humidity at a lower level was 50%). I also noticed that there are some black marks on the leaf base and stem. I went to take a picture and 2 leaves fell off! The fallen leaves were discolored (blackish) at the base but green otherwise. Evening temps don't go below 59. I have a fireplace insert that blows hot air, but not directly on any of my chids. I also have a 55 gallon fish tank next to my chids that provides extra humidity--it is not covered. I think humidity is a factor, but can anyone tell me what is going on and how to save my baby? Please?? I moved it down by thhe fish tank where the humidity is higher.

Ross · #2 12-22-2009, 07:57 PM

You may be right about humidity, but it can deal with lower humidity if it has a constant source of moisture. Mine is in a high-humidity "tank" (by high humidity, I mean over 90%) and the roots are kept constantly moist with nice red tips, as is typical of this species. I rather doubt it can be grown successfully as a Vanda without high humidity. The combination of high moisture, yet good air movement is difficult in a normal home with central heat. If I am right about your plant, I would make sure the medium (if any) is very large chunks of material and that you water well daily. I have mine sitting in front of a Mist King mist nozzle that runs for 4-5 seconds every 4 hours. Yet it also is in the air stream of a small DC fan. Moist but not wet. Hope this helps.

Judi · #3 12-22-2009, 11:14 PM

Thanks Ross, it does help. The medium is indeed large chunk for good air circulation. I will work on the humidity, do you think a cool vapor humidifier is a good idea? I imagine all my chids would benefit from a little more humidity. I have phals, brassias, oncidiums, paphs and some intergenetics that have done well in previous winters. Do you think I should worry about black spots on the leaf bases?

Ross · #4 12-23-2009, 09:40 AM

Judi, I personally would be tempted to water daily by soaking the entire root mass in water with a small amount of fertilizer (I use MSU blend from https://www.firstrays.com/cgi/cart/c...1261575402.274 Ray is a OB member) I mix mine to 125ppm Nitrogen as per instructions on the container and dunk plants or water with water can, depending on the plant container. Once you get the leaves all fluffed back out (will probably take a few weeks) then I'd worry about the spots. They may be cosmetic, but dessication is a bigger threat right now. You can just pour the mix through the basket of chunks as long as all the roots get quite wet. When you start seeing new root tips, you've got it "licked". Good luck.

Judi · #5 12-23-2009, 10:58 PM

Thanks Ross, I'll get some of the fertalizer, I currently use a 20-20-20 with different nutrients, I use 1/4 tsp per gallon but use it weekly; but I'm close to being out so I have to get new fertalizer anyway. How often should I use the MSU blend? I'll keep watering and look for new root tips. Glad you told me it would take a few weeks, I guess I cant expect overnight results!

Ross · #6 12-24-2009, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Judi

How often should I use the MSU blend?

The intent is to use it every time you water. There have been lots of discussions on this board as to why this is so. I mix mine to 125ppm Nitrogen in large pails and water every day for certain plants, every other day or so for others and "when they need it" for the rest. But every watering is with the mix. I use RO water, so the blend I picked is meant for "Pure Water". If you use well water or city water, there is a blend for that.

Judi · #7 12-27-2009, 09:03 PM

Thanks Ross for all your help--I will try the MSU blend.