Overview:
Angraecum deflexicalcaratum De Wild. is a species of orchid that belongs to the orchid family Orchidaceae. It is also commonly known as "Mandranovaky" or "Madagascan Star orchid".
Origin:
The Angraecum deflexicalcaratum De Wild. is native to Madagascar, an island located off the south-eastern coast of Africa. It grows in humid, mountainous regions and is found at an altitude of around 900-1,200 meters above sea level.
General Appearance:
The Angraecum deflexicalcaratum De Wild. plant has a unique, exotic, and beautiful appearance. The plant features long, slender, and wiry stems that can grow up to one meter in length. It has small, thin, and elongated leaves measuring about 15 cm long. The most striking feature of the plant is its white, star-shaped flowers with long spikes. Each flower is about 6 cm across with a prominent spur extending from the back of each flower.
Uses:
The Angraecum deflexicalcaratum De Wild. plant is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant for its beautiful flowers. It is often grown in gardens and also in greenhouses. The plant requires care and attention, and the right conditions to thrive. In the wild, the plant is often used for medicinal purposes. It is believed to possess analgesic properties and is used in treating wounds, fever, and inflammation.
Light Requirements
Angraecum deflexicalcaratum De Wild. thrives well in medium to bright light conditions. It requires enough light to thrive and produce flowers, but must avoid direct sunlight as it can cause sunburn.
Temperature Requirements
This orchid plant prefers moderate temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C as excessive heat can lead to dehydration or wilting. It is essential to maintain these temperatures consistently to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Humidity Requirements
Angraecum deflexicalcaratum De Wild. prefers high humidity levels ranging between 70%-80%. To keep the plant healthy, it is important to maintain a consistent level of humidity in the growing environment.
Watering Requirements
This plant likes to be kept slightly moist throughout its growth period. Watering should be done once a week during the summer and once every 2 weeks during winter. Overwatering can cause root rot which can eventually kill the plant.
Soil Requirements
It is better to grow Angraecum deflexicalcaratum De Wild. in a well-draining and coarse medium. It can be mounted on a piece of wood or bark, or planted in a pot with a well-aerated medium such as a mixture of sphagnum moss, bark, and perlite.
Fertilizer Requirements
Fertilize the plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the plant's active growing season. Dilute the fertilizer to half of the recommended strength to avoid fertilizer burn. During the plant's dormant phase, stop fertilization to prevent any leaf scorching or root damage that could occur due to the plant's low activity level during that period.
Cultivation
Angraecum deflexicalcaratum De Wild. is an epiphytic orchid that requires specific conditions for proper growth and development. It is best suited for intermediate to warm temperatures, with a recommended range of 18-30°C during the day and 15-20°C at night.
It is best grown in a well-draining mix of bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite to allow for adequate air circulation and water drainage. The plant can be potted in plastic or clay pots with several holes at the bottom to ensure proper drainage.
When potted, the plant should be placed in a spot with bright, indirect light that is sheltered from direct sunlight. A shaded spot under a tree or filtered light through a sheer curtain is ideal. Proper airflow is also crucial for adequate growth and development, ensuring that the plant remains healthy and disease-free
Watering Needs
Since Angraecum deflexicalcaratum De Wild. is epiphytic, it is not accustomed to having its roots in standing water or having wet feet. As such, it is best to water the plant thoroughly and allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again.
Watering can change in different seasons. During the rainy season, decrease water frequency. While in the dryer seasons, increase water frequency. Frequent misting of the plant and surrounding area can also help to provide adequate humidity without over-watering the plant.
Fertilization
Angraecum deflexicalcaratum De Wild. should be fertilized every 2-3 weeks during active growth periods using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. The fertilizer should be diluted to half-strength to avoid burning the roots and applied to the plant during watering.
The plant should be provided with a fertilizer high in nitrogen during the summer-early fall seasons to facilitate strong foliage growth. During the winter-early spring seasons, provide the plant with a phosphorus-rich fertilizer to enhance flower production.
Pruning
Angraecum deflexicalcaratum De Wild. does not require pruning in the traditional sense since it has few leaves, and foliage is crucial for photosynthesis. However, diseased or yellowing leaves should be removed immediately to prevent the spread of disease or pest infestation. Additionally, in the case that the plant is outgrowing its pot, it can be divided and repotted into smaller containers.
Propagation of Angraecum deflexicalcaratum De Wild.
The best way to propagate Angraecum deflexicalcaratum De Wild. is through vegetative methods because of the orchids’ slow growth rate and low seed viability. Here are some methods:
Division
Division is the easiest method of propagation for Angraecum deflexicalcaratum De Wild. It can be done when the plant outgrows the current pot or container. After carefully removing the plant from the pot, gently separate the plant's roots into small sections. Ensure that each section has a good set of roots and a few pseudobulbs. Pot each division separately in a mix that is specially formulated for epiphytic orchids.
Keiki Production
Keiki production is another propagation method for orchids. In this method, vegetative growths develop from the axils of the leaves near the base of the plant. When mature enough, these growths can be separated and potted as individual plants. It is essential to ensure that each growth has its roots before separating them from the parent plant. This method works best during the active growth phase of the plant.
Meristem Culture
Meristem culture is another propagation method used for orchids. It is the most advanced and is carried out by tissue culturing the cells from the plant's meristematic tissue. The process is carried out in laboratory conditions, and the cells are kept under controlled plant growth regulators. Meristem culture has a higher success rate than other methods of propagation, and it produces clones of the parent plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Angraecum deflexicalcaratum De Wild.
Angraecum deflexicalcaratum De Wild. is an epiphytic orchid species that is native to central and eastern Africa. While this plant is relatively hardy and disease-resistant, it is still susceptible to a few common diseases and pests that can cause damage if not properly managed. Here are some of the most common issues:
Diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Angraecum deflexicalcaratum De Wild. is fungal leaf spot. This disease causes small, circular yellow or brown spots on the leaves of the plant that gradually grow larger and can become necrotic. Fungal leaf spot can be managed by removing affected leaves and improving air circulation around the plant.
Bacterial soft rot is another disease to watch out for. This disease causes the plant to wilt and become mushy, and it can quickly spread to other plants if not properly managed. If you suspect your Angraecum deflexicalcaratum De Wild. is affected by bacterial soft rot, isolate the plant and remove all affected tissue immediately.
Pests
One of the most common pests affecting Angraecum deflexicalcaratum De Wild. is the spider mite. These tiny pests can cause damage to the leaves of the plant, leaving them yellowed, curled, and dry. Spider mites can be managed by washing the plant thoroughly with water and then applying a pesticide specifically designed to target these pests.
Scale insects are another common pest that can affect Angraecum deflexicalcaratum De Wild. These pests are usually found on the undersides of leaves and can cause damage by sucking sap from the plant. Scale insects can be managed by removing affected leaves and washing the plant with mild soap and water.
By keeping an eye out for these common diseases and pests, and taking action to manage them as soon as they are identified, you can help ensure that your Angraecum deflexicalcaratum De Wild. stays healthy and beautiful for years to come.
