Angraecum eburneum

Also known as: The Ivory or Angraecum eburneum var. virens Angraecum eburneum ssp. superbum h.v. longicalcar Angraecum eburneum h.v. comorense Angraecum eburneum h.v. giryamae Angraecum voeltzkowianum Angraecum virens Angraecum superbum h.v. longicalcar Angraecum eburneum ssp. superbum Angraecum eburneum h.v. floribundum Angraecum eburneum ssp. eburneum Angraecum eburneum ssp. giryamae Angraecum eburneum var. brongniartianum Aerobion superbum Angraecum brongniartianum Angraecum superbum Angraecum giryamae Angorchis superba Angraecum comorense Angorchis brongniartiana Angorchis eburnea Angraecum eburneum ssp. xerophilum in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Madagascar

General Information

The Ivory is a giant monopodial warm to hot growing epiphytic or lithophytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Madagascar.

Plant Description

Monopodial. Grows to 150-182cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery rigid leaves that grow to 3-40cm long

Flowers

Numerous long lasting, fragrant blossoms appear

Fragrance

The orchid is fragrant.

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Perlite

Care Notes

These orchids like to be watered regulary, especially during warm weather, and prefer a well draining mix or also do well mounted, provided they can be watered daily or even many times a day.

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

Grows at low elevations. Rainfall ranges from 36mm to 221mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 67% to 81%, highest in September and lowest in May. Temperature ranges from 17C to 30C, highest in July (23C to 30C) and lowest in January (17C to 24C).

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.

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

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,

This plant does very well in baskets or suspended pots Repotting is best done annually.