Angraecum sesquipedale

Also known as: Christmas Orchid or Angraecum sesquipedale h.v. bosseri Aeranthes sesquipedalis Macroplectrum bosseri Angraecum sesquipedale var. angustifolium Angorchis sesquepedalis Angraecum sesquipedale var. sesquipedale Angraecum bosseri Christmas Star Orchid Comet Orchid Rocket Orchid Star Of Bethlehem Orchid in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Madagascar

General Information

Christmas Orchid is a large monopodial warm to hot growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Madagascar.

Plant Description

Monopodial. Grows to 0.6-120cm. Each new growth has numerous leaves that grow to 6-40cm long. The plant tends to climb or sprawl with each new growth

Flowers

Numerous long lasting, fragrant blossoms appear during Winter and Spring

Fragrance

The orchid is most fragrant during the night.

Blooming Season

• Spring
• Winter

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Charcoal
• Spaghnum Moss
• 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 48mm to 229mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in March. Humidity ranges from 78% to 83%, highest in September and lowest in March. Temperature ranges from 16C to 29C, highest in July (22C to 29C) and lowest in January (16C to 23C).

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

These plants thrive on fertiliser, especially during periods of growth. Liquid fertiliser can be applied year round at the recommended strength, augmented with manure pellets or other quickly degradable fertiliser, applied away from the base of the plant, during periods of strong growth. Slow release pellets can also be applied year round at the rate of 2-3 pellets per cup (250ml) of media.

They can benefit from a high phosphate fertiliser leading up to flowering season, and by a high nitrogen fertiliser when new growth appears. 

Use balanced fertiliser during Spring and Summer. 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,

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