Angraecum sesquipedale medium

[Kaykay]

I've just bought a seedling, and was hoping for some thoughts on medium for this species. Mounting isn't a possibility for me, but other than that am flexible (baskets etc ok). I have one other orchid in the Vanda alliance which I grow bare root, and it seems counter-intuitive to me to have this little one in a pot. I have naturally high humidity, and am planning on growing it alongside phals- so same light and temperature.

I know there are growers here with AMAZING Angraeca, so please do let me have your tips for a happy orchid!
Thanks!!
Kay
x

[Swamper]

Genus Angraecum - Angraecum Encyclopedia
Angraecum sesquipedale - Star of Betlehem Orchid - Angraecum Encyclopedia
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...looming-2.html
That should help a little. Good luck.

[John D.]

As they get larger they put out roots from higher up on the plant that curve down for anchoring. You might try a bulb pan (wider and not as deep). Next repotting that is what I am going to do. Mine is top heavy in an 8" plastic azalea pot especially in bloom. It'll give a more stable plant but does take up more shelf space. I use a medium to large bark.

[Lorraine]

Hi Kay

I bought an Angraecum sesquipedale in Feb and have been trying to read anything I could about the best medium/way to pot this chid. The roots are very tempermental and do not want to be disturbed so using a medium that lasts about 2 years is good. I've read about them in clay azelea pots with the medium being watered whenever it is dry 2" down and tediously removed every other year and carefully replaced, being staked up and fed ..etc.

I decided to put mine in a wood basket with the slats filled with premium spagnum moss, attached the whole base of the plant with 2 long cable zip ties so it would not move in the basket and added a mixture of larger pieces of charcoal and bark mixed with tree firn and some spag mixed in to keep the moisture up but allow to dry somewhat. I don't believe that the roots should dry completely each day like the vandas that I have so this way it'll get a good watering 2-3 times a week, fertilize easily and still have a chance to get air. I also have seen pictures of these in a wood basket with only cork pieces holding it in place and blooming. I have mine hanging in an east exposure in my pool screened area (had an empty space) so lots of bright light and early morning sun. When the time comes to redo the medium I can turn this guy upside down and wash out most of what I cannot pick out and redo the medium again. Who knows... for me this seems the best way. I can fix a stake into the basket if it gets too tall to give it some support in the back like I do to my vandas. This guy is potted up to grow with the conditions I have. It might not work for others but will be interesting for me to try this way.

Hope this helps.

[Kaykay]

Thank you all for your thoughts. I think it will end up in a basket when it gets bigger, but as my plant is only about 3" tall right now, I'll stick with bark in pots for a couple of years yet! Lorraine, do let us know how it goes when you change it over. If anyone else has any ideas do add them to the list. I've found a lot of general info about culture (temp, light, humidity etc) but not an awful lot about the practicalities of growing a happy orchid.
Kay
x

PS I would say I'll post again when I have blooms, but that might be in 5 years time, so can't promise anything!