Angraecum elephantinum

Also known as: The Gigantic Angraecum or Angraecum elephantium in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Madagascar

General Information

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

Plant Description

Monopodial. Grows to 0.4-5cm. Each new growth has numerous leathery thick leaves that grow to 1.3-12cm long

Substrate(s)

• Spaghnum Moss

Care Notes

These orchids have a fine root system that can quickly die back if left dry for too long, but also does not like to be kept wet, so water regularly but ensure that the mix is dry before watering. 

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 11C to 29C, highest in May (18C to 29C) and lowest in January (11C to 22C).

Watering

These orchids are sensitive to excessive watering and should only be watered when they look thirsty. Water infrequently and ensure that the roots are dry before watering. Keep an eye on them especially during hot weather as overwatering can lead to rot, whereas underwatering may result in wilting or shriveling, which while unattractive, will not kill the plant.

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 during Spring and Summer. 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 well mounted to Cork slabs.