Angraecum arachnites

Also known as: The Spider or Angraecum ramosum var. arachnites in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Madagascar

General Information

The Spider is a monopodial cool to warm growing orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Madagascar.

Plant Description

Monopodial. Grows to 0.3-30cm. Each new growth has numerous arching leaves that grow to 0.3-2.3cm long

Substrate(s)

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

Climate

Grows at high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 8mm to 300mm per day, heaviest in July and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 67% to 82%, highest in August and lowest in April. Temperature ranges from 9C to 27C, highest in May (16C to 27C) and lowest in January (9C to 20C).

Watering

These orchids prefer a wet-dry cycle between waterings, they should be watered frequently but only when the moisture is approaching dryness, where the pot feels light and/or the media looks dry. Keep an eye on mounted orchids in warm weather as they may dehydrate quickly.

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.

Use balanced fertiliser year round. Apply fertiliser regularly at half strength year round. Use a high Nitrogen fertiliser during Spring and Summer. Use a high Phosphorous fertiliser during Summer.

Potting

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.