Angraecum leonis

[KEGinMichigan]

I have had three different leonis and none of them ever bloomed for me. I have one mounted in an orchidarium which can be considered warm. It's close to the light and it just grows and does not bloom. Other Angraecoid plants have grown and bloomed in the same orchidarium, but not this one. The plant gets watered about two to three times a week.

Any suggestions on how to get this plant to bloom?

Thanks,

Kev

[Ross]

I don't have this and haven't bloomed the two other speices I have either, however a couple things come to mind. Check this web site IOSPE PHOTOS There are three environmental issues discussed there that may, or may not, be the culprit. First heat. Apparently it loves very warm temps. Can you provide this? Second, winter rest. Are you drying the plant slightly during winter (resting it)? Third light. I suspected this because lots of other spp in this genera are high ligh plants. Michigan natural light is no-where near strong enough most days to do the trick. I use 3 compact florescent bulbs to supplement natural sunlight in winter - not that we get much of that

[KEGinMichigan]

Hi Ross,

Thanks for the advice.

The plant is growing near the compact fluorescents in the orchidarium. It also gets indirect sunlight when it's not overcast. The orchidarium is near a west-facing window, but not directly in front of it. The orchidarium is a warm orchidarium which does not go below 65F in the winter. I'm able to bloom Neos and some other vandaeceous orchids in the orchidarium. I may move it closer to the lights.

I'll wait another year and see what happens.

K