Ansellia africana

Also known as: The African Ansellia or Leopard Orchid in the subfamily: Epidendroideae

Native to: Kenya KwaZulu-Natal - South Africa Malawi Namibia Nigeria Sudan Uganda Zambia

General Information

The African Ansellia is a sympodial cool to warm growing epiphytic orchid belonging to the sub family Epidendroideae native to Kenya, South Africa, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Sudan, Uganda, and Zambia.

Plant Description

Sympodial. Grows to 50-120cm. Each new growth has numerous thick erect, arching, rigid, lance shaped leaves that grow to 1.5-50cm long. Pseudobulbs grow to 10-120cm

Flowers

Numerous blossoms appear during Autumn

Blooming Season

• Autumn

Substrate(s)

• Coarse
• Medium
• Bark
• Charcoal
• Treefern
• 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.

Climate

Grows at low to high elevations. Rainfall ranges from 28mm to 130mm per day, heaviest in September and lightest in January. Humidity ranges from 63% to 77%, highest in September and lowest in December. Temperature ranges from 9C to 26C, highest in July (19C to 26C) and lowest in January (9C to 21C).

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.

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,

Use water retentive media such as moss to prevent roots from drying out quickly Repotting is best done annually.