Anacheilium faustum

Also known as: The Luxurious Anacheilium in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Brazil

General Information

The Luxurious Anacheilium is a small cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Brazil. The name refers to Faustus a medival magician who traded his soul for fame and fortune.

Plant Description

Grows to 1-34cm. Each new growth has numerous erect leaves that grow to 12-20cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 0.6-14cm. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth

Flowers

Numerous fragrant blossoms appear during Summer and Autumn

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant. The fragrance can be described as astringent and pleasant

Blooming Season

• Autumn
• Summer

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Charcoal
• Spaghnum Moss
• Perlite

Care Notes

These orchids like to be kept on the dry side, but may need to be watered daily during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered regularly.

These are quite a forgiving orchid, there are no special requirements to get this orchid to flower, just good care and consistent conditions. Larger plants may be more fussy and can react poorly to change; a poorly timed repotting, a pest infection or an unusually hot day can set them back for a couple of years. However, even plants that have been treated poorly can thrive, and if they are set back they often recover much stronger then they would otherwise be.

Fragrant:

• IsFragrant

Climate

These orchids grow in cool climates, at low altitudes, in cool plains, forests or coastal scrub.

They are forgiving of humidity variances as long as temperatures are kept on the cool side. They can do well outdoors in the garden in cool and temperate areas, though it is important that they are protected from warm dry winds. They can enjoy morning sun especially in winter but will need protection from the hot sun in the afternoon and during summer. With some acclimatisation they may be able to receive more sun.

 

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 56mm to 193mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 78% to 81%, highest in March and lowest in June. Temperature ranges from 11C to 24C, highest in July (18C to 24C) and lowest in January (11C to 17C).

Fertiliser

Apply liquid based fertiliser per recommended directions. They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, followed by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears, and a balanced fertiliser in other times. These orchids can also tolerate slow release fertiliser applied 1-2 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer. Reduce fertiliser when plant is dormant during Spring.

Potting

These plants are quite forgiving and will do well repotted ever 2-3 years. The mix should be coarse, well draining, and allow space for air to move and for roots to grow. 

Alternatively, these plants will also do well mounted to tree fern or cork slabs, or mounted to trees.

Best time for repotting or mounting the orchids is the end of winter when new growths start to appear. Avoid repotting during hot weather,

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots This plant does well mounted. Repotting is best done annually.